What's Wine Got to Do with It?
By Jules Rivera
Wine wine wine! We’re talking about books and wine this week. A bit ago, Eli Rallo (preorder her book here!) posted a tiktok about Wine Enthusiast’s wine pairings with potato chips post. Brilliant. Love it. I love it so much I’ve decided to do the same with books. As a former server, bartender, and avid wine drinker, I feel more than up for the challenge. You can trust me!
After a fun visit to Anaïs, a new natural wine bar and bookstore in Boerum Hill, we’re all about wine lately! Anaïs has an array of books that are inspired by or were published during the time of Anaïs Nin’s life. They’ve got a super cute and cozy set up, a wonderful collection of books, a wide wine selection, and small bites! You can read about them more right here. Be sure to check them out!
Here’s a list of books I’m excited about along with wines I think pair beautifully with them. You can read the book with wine, without, drink the wine without the book, whatever your heart desires. Cheers!
My Husband by Maud Ventura
This book is about a posh French woman who has spent her whole life obsessing over her husband. She’s beautiful, has a great career, good kids, and a suuuper wealthy husband. After being married for more than ten years, she’s still completely enamored by him, but worries he has never felt quite the same. Everyday she works meticulously to ensure their marriage stays perfect. She believes if she does this, it will keep his affection, maintain their love. But has she gone too far?
I’d pair this book with a Pinot Noir, but from France (considering the book setting), this would mean a Red Burgundy. French wines aren’t so much about the grape, but rather where the wine is produced. Wine is complicated, guys, roll with me here. Pinot Noirs are fun and aren’t super heavy or dry, they’re juicy like a raspberry! Looking oh so pretty in the glass, it’ll be a nice sipper that tastes delicious and makes you feel romantic, yet vengeful.
Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh
After a deadly war, the small town of Pont-Saint-Espirit has gone insane. Historians are convinced this strange disease spread through the town by spoiled bread, but others believe it may have been Big Brother conducting experiments. This story follows Elodie, a baker’s wife, who is charmed by a new couple that moves to town. Things get a bit sultry, but the power dynamics are not as obvious as you may expect them to be. This book is sexy, spooky, and carby!
I would pair this wine with a Chardonnay.
“But Jules, there’s red wine on the cover!”
I know that! But Chardonnay has a round, smooth mouthfeel, and while sometimes taboo to say, some taste very buttery, on the oaky side. Now when I think oak I think rich, old, folky, and this book is just that! Plus, bread and butter? Come on, it’s perfect!
Tomb Sweeping by Alexandra Chang
In this book of short stories you’ll find daily excerpts of the lives of everyday people all across Asia and the US. Parents-to-be, immigrant families, office workers and a lady who recycles. These are stories about the human experience, community, and what it means to really feel alive. Ooh!
I’d pair this book with a Pinot Grigio. They’re bright, crisp, light, and fruity. This is the perfect pick me up for something that deserves so much of your attention- in the best way possible!
Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck
This book is about Wren and Lewis, a coupla’ newlyweds. Shortly after their wedding Lewis receives a rare and strange diagnosis: he will inevitably turn into a great white shark. As time goes on and he begins this transformation, he’s left to make peace with losing what he imagined his life would be. This leaves Wren to battle with the feelings of loss, heartbreak, and the need to support Lewis through this. As she does this, she begins to unlock memories from childhood and after, realizing this is not something so foreign to her after all. This book sounds dope. A slay, even.
I’d pair this book with a scrumptious little Orange Wine. Orange wines are a bit weird, they’re built light like a white but hearty like a red, and they sometimes have a kombucha-type funk and flavor! Funky wine works great with a funky book.
Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm by Laura Warrell
This book just went to paperback! Circus Palmer, a 40 year old trumpet player from Boston, lives for his music and having many romantic affairs. He learns that a woman, Maggie, whom he’s never truly forgotten, is pregnant with his child. Terrified and avoidant, he abandons the two, and a series of lessons he then learns from the women in his life begin. This is a story about familial relationships, trauma, and eventual (and inevitable) reconciliation.
Wine and jazz go hand in hand. I’d pair this book with an Aglianico. It’s a full bodied red that’s definitely on the drier side but has notes of black cherry and plum. It’s rich, it’s luxurious, and, dare I say, jazzy.
Chili Crisp by James Park
You know I couldn’t talk about wine without bringing up a cookbook! After working the launch event and actually tasting James’ Chili Crisp, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It’s spicy, yes. I got heartburn, yes. I couldn’t stop. While it’s got that spice and heat, it’s not overpowering. It’s uber flavorful, pairs well with everything, especially as a yogurt dip. These recipes are hot hot hot!
I’d pair this cookbook with a with a Syrah. A fuller red wine that’s juicy and jabby. Fun fact: Syrah has a chemical compound called rotundone that’s the same as black peppercorn, which a lot of the time makes Syrah smell like pepper! For me, this wine holds spice well while also challenging the dish with some of its own punch. Highly highly recommend you try.
