Sommelier Playlist: '80s Songs for Valentine's Day
Describing bottles of wine through songs of love and heartbreak from the 1980s
Music and lyrics allow us to relate to moments, memories, and describe moods—and they can also describe a wine’s personality. Maybe you caught our rendition of this theory around Christmas. Valentine's Day is a day of romance or heartbreak for some, and for others it’s just another day to celebrate one’s staunch independence.
For this edition of The Sommelier Playlist, the music of the 1980s is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s the decade that gave us everything from The Eurythmics empowering declarations of independence to Whitesnake’s rock-n-roll ballads to Madonna’s glitzy pop ditties to the gloom and doom of post punk goth, and everything in between. It’s the decade when big hair was chic, synthesizers didn’t miss a beat, and afternoon dance shows on MTV made the day, also gave us some of the best vintages for wine. Hello, 1982 Bordeaux! What about ‘85 or ‘87 Vintage Ports? Bodacious. Even the highest tier of Italian quality winemaking, the DOCG, was created in the 1980s. Wham!
Let’s take the hits of the ‘80s and line them up: Wine List + Playlist. Come on Heather, it’ll be so very. Each list and its pairings will complement the other, much like any relationship. Feast your eyes, ears, and palates on these curated menus for however you choose to spend Valentine’s Day.
Playlist # 1: Rom-Com Montage: Fun and Flirty
A new love on the horizon. A new favorite wine. Something different, something new and fun. Light and airy pop hits pair off best with wines that are hidden gems, classic blends, or zippy sparklers. Before you know it your hungry eyes have turned into a thirsty palate.
“Just Like Heaven” (The Cure, 1987, Fiction Records) with Champagne Lombard et Cie Premier Cru Brut Rosé - Champagne, France ($50)
I promise that I’ll run away with you (as long as there’s good Champagne)! Champagne Lombard creates an equal match of 50/50 chardonnay and pinot noir that is just like heaven with this Premier Cru bottle of bubbly. Refreshing, zippy, and an ideal way to cheers to a new adventure.
“The Best” (Tina Turner, 1989, Capitol Records) with Domaine Tempier Rosé 2018 -Bandol, France ($50)
The best Provence rosé and the best legs in the biz. How could it not be the best pairing of its kind? Tina ruled the 1980s and Domaine Tempier has been renowned for their wines since the 1880s and beyond. Like all Bandol wine, mourvedre is the star with grenache and cinsault in supporting roles. This rosé has the versatility to simply be enjoyed alone or with a nice bouillabaisse. Turner and Tempier, better than all the rest. (For cocktails inspired by Tina Turner songs, please click here.)
“Heaven is a Place on Earth” (Belinda Carlisle, 1987, MCA Records) with Hamilton Russell Chardonnay, 2018 - Hemel en Aarde, South Africa ($38)
Is heaven really a place on earth? Absolutely. Ask the wine producers of the Hemel en Aarde Valley in South Africa—the name literally means “Heaven on Earth” in Afrikaans. The estate is celebrated for its pinot noir and chardonnay that beautifully infuse the rugged with elegant. They say in heaven love comes first, but how about some South African wine, too?
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (Whitney Houston, 1987, Arista Records) with Domaine Cheveau Les Champs Grillés- Saint-Amour, France ($27)
This giddy dance song defined the pop music genre of the 1980s. The bubblegum pop number needs a dance partner that shares its young, fresh innocence. Enter, Beaujolais. Not just Beaujolais, but Saint-Amour, one of the lovely ten crus of the region. Les Champs Grilles is a lieu-dit known for its seductive expression of gamay. Medium-bodied, floral, bursting and swaying with red fruit. May I have this dance?
“Never Gonna Give You Up” (Rick Astley, 1987, RCA Records) with Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California ($25)
This fresh-n-fruity rouge won’t let you down, run around, or desert you. A lively expression from California’s Alexander Valley region, this wine over delivers for the price (and it won gold in the 2019 Berlin International Wine Competition). The only thing that might make you cry is not having more of it.
Playlist # 2 Every Rose Has Its Thorn: Dark and Brooding
Music and wine styles evolve. Things change, it’s inevitable. Eventually, we have to embrace it. But, sometimes a little anger, uncertainty and sadness rolls in like a winter squall and we embrace that. The 1980s gave us a gift: The Power Ballad. Lyrics of heartbreak aided in our relationship recovery. The only thing we haven’t recovered from is how much we love them. These essential and therapeutic songs are best served with high-alcohol, robust reds. Bring on the heartbreak—and the wine.
“How Soon is Now?” (The Smiths, 1984, Rough Trade Records) with Domaines Baron de Rothschild Los Vascos Grande Reserve Carménère - Colchagua, Chile ($19)
The time is now to enjoy good carménère. The Bordeaux grape had a torrid history on its home turf but found success in Chile’s warm climate. Quality bottlings, like this one from acclaimed producer Domaines Baron de Rothschild, have sparked renewed interest in the luscious red. It is delicious, and needs to be loved (just like everybody else does).
“Careless Whisper” (Wham! Featuring George Michael, 1984, Epic Records) with Seven Deadly Zins -Lodi, California ($16)
Award-winning winemaker Adam Mettler presents this juicy fruit rendition of zin from Lodi (hitting 15% ABV) where zinfandel reigns supreme. Zin is getting more respect these days but that wasn’t always the case, especially in the ‘80s. George Michael’s haunting melody captivates listeners through an enticing saxophone-laced journey of despair. But, as zin has taught us, time can mend careless whispers.
“Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” (Def Leppard, 1981, Mercury Records) with Marion Amarone della Valpolicella 2013 - Veneto, Italy ($65)
Amarone definitely brings the heat. It is made from the holy trinity of Valpolicella grapes: corvina, rondinella, and molinara. To produce an Amarone wine, these grapes must be dried out via appassimento before fermentation. The resulting wines can reach up to 16% alcohol! British rock band Def Leppard’s electric heartbreak classic is the perfect energizing match for Amarone’s power. (However, too much of the thrilling Italian juice might just be bringin’ on the headache.)
“Right Here Waiting for You” (Richard Marx, 1989, EMI Records) with Heitz Cellars Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 - St. Helena, California ($250 avg)
Some wines you just have to hold onto for that A-ha! moment. Sometimes your patience is rewarded. Joe and Alice Heitz started their groundbreaking Napa winery in the 1960s and were thrust into the spotlight after The Judgement of Paris in 1976. Heitz’s 2007 Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet is one of their finest in the last 15 years. This vintage of the single-vineyard cabernet is ready to drink now or can age a little longer. Wherever you go, whatever you do, it’ll be right there waiting for you.
“Listen to Your Heart” (Roxette, 1988, EMI Records) with Niepoort Vintage Port 1987 - Porto, Portugal ($100 avg)
The end of a journey can inspire reflection on the past and the hopefulness of the future. Vintage ports are only declared in the best years as the winemaker listens and believes it has the strength for a successful future. Vintage ports from 1987 were some of the most age-worthy of the decade and now have reached their full potential.
Playlist #3 Freedom! Independence and Strength
The 1980s brought us a new wave of expression. People were breaking away from the norm and fierce independence emerged. Disco died, musical groups disbanded and solo careers blossomed. The 1980s saw the birth of wine crazes like buttery Cali chard and white zin. In addition, the new American Viticulture Area system was implemented in 1980, allowing North American wine regions to establish their own identity. This playlist reflects the pioneers in music and wine that exemplify independence and did it their own way.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (Cyndi Lauper, 1983, Portrait Records) with Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut NV - Champagne, France ($70)
Laurent-Perrier Champagne is a powerhouse when it comes to innovation. Mathilde Perrier was eager to put her mark on the house style when she inherited it in the late 1800s. The house was the first to employ a non-dosage style of bubbly, a style Mathilde and the British markets craved. Laurent-Perrier is now the largest female-run Champagne house. Girls do just want to have fun and especially with a glass of the fizz.
“Bad Reputation” (Joan Jett, 1981, Boardwalk Records) with Alamos Torrontes 2017 - Salta, Argentina ($11)
Torrontes has come a long way. It has always done its thing and never listened to the haters. Great expressions of torrontes, especially from Salta, only add to the idea that price and quality aren’t always congruent. Alamos Torrtones 2017 did just that when it took home a Bronze Medal at the 2018 New York International Wine Competition.
“Gypsy” (Fleetwood Mac, 1982, Warner Bros. Music) with Yarra Yering Light Dry Red Wine Pinot Noir / Shiraz Blend 2019 - Yarra Valley, Australia ($35)
Australian winemaker Sarah Crowe knows a thing or two about making an impact. She was one of the first to make a successful bottling of light-skinned pinot noir and robust shiraz. The wines of Yarra Yering run the spectrum from approachable to serious. This fun blend lights up the night and celebrates its youth, as it’s meant to be consumed young.
“Express Yourself” (Madonna, 1989, Warner Bros. Music) with Elio Altare Nebbiolo 2013 - Barolo, Italy ($75)
Don’t go for second best, baby! No grape expresses itself better than nebbiolo from Barolo and especially with the expertise of Mr. Altare - a gentleman that helped define the region. Nebbiolo has all the brawn associated with manliness with all the charismatic allure associated with women, and celebrates all the characteristics that fall between the two—concepts Madonna has built her career on. (For cocktails inspired by Madonna songs, please click here.)
“Control” (Janet Jackson, 1986, A&M Records) with Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) Légende - Pauillac, France ($65)
This is a story about control and this Bordeaux has lots of it (see that Chilean wine above!). An iconic winemaking family with eyes for detail leads to the continued success of their wines. Cabernet sauvignon takes the reigns in this Pauillac blend with merlot adding some background vocals and supple red fruit. Structure and power will lead this wine to dominate for years to come.