TV and Wine Pairing Recommendations
This topic was proposed by friends, who like the wines I have recommended and many of the shows I recommended, as well. I liked the idea, so I thought I’d have a little fun, while sharing some of my favorite television shows and wines (mostly New Jersey wines).
I don’t know about you, but I don’t watch many television programs on regular stations. I don’t like Reality TV or quiz shows or much of the other stuff parading as entertainment. Besides, cable and Netflix are so rich with choices, especially my favorite genres: Mystery, Suspense and Psychological Dramas. I am hoping to introduce you to a few new shows to binge watch and maybe a bottle or two of New Jersey wines I think you might enjoy. While some of the programs are a bit dark, they are very well done and I have enjoyed them.
Just a reminder: You should be over 21 years of age to be reading these posts. I talk about things like Naked Chardonnays and you have to be 21 to drink it (naked or not). Most of the recommended viewing is also meant for mature audiences.
The Shows
This Is Us
My favorite show on “regular” TV (NBC) for the past year has been This Is Us. Obviously I am not alone, as it received 10 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series.
For those who have not yet watched this show, I hesitate sharing too much, as it will interfere with the unique unfolding of events in the lives of its characters. Instead I will just say that the story revolves around an extraordinary family, headed by Jack Pearson (played by Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife, Rebecca (played by Mandy Moore); their three children: Kate (Chrissy Metz), Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Randall (Sterling K. Brown, who won an Emmy for his portrayal).
This Is Us uses flashbacks to maximal effect, routinely providing key events in the past to inform the viewer of the reasons for what molded the characters into the adults they are today. This is the second season for this show and one that must be seen from season one, episode one to be understood.
This Is Us deals with some of the most sensitive and difficult issues in life (parenting, loss, love, racism, alcoholism and everything in between), softened by the interweaving of humor and the fantastic music that plays upon the full range of emotions and blends seamlessly with the unmatched writing and acting of the entire cast. For those who agree that the music is beautiful and would like to hear more of it, check out Spotify. My son introduced me to this App and it is my primary means of accessing and playing my favorite music. Spotify offers a playlist entitled, “This is Us: The Best Of.”
If you have dry eyes after watching this one, I suggest getting treatment for dry eye syndrome. For the rest of us, don’t fight the tears. It’s unhealthy. Just make sure you have a little wine left over for the end of each episode.
Wine recommendations* to pair with viewing: Ventimiglia’s Merlot. As noted above, Ventimiglia is the real name of the actor portraying the father, Jack Pearson. Besides the obvious surname, I chose the Ventimiglia Merlot because it is a very good wine that can stand up to the tragic and comedic moments and blend smoothly with your viewing and your meal (or on its own). Ventimiglia also makes a much less expensive white wine for those lighter moments (Buon Giorno, a surprisingly bone-dry wine made with Cayuga grapes). Ventimiglia Vineyards is located in Wantage (northern NJ). For a sweeter libation (and there are many sweet moments in This Is Us) try a bottle of AlmondBerry from Cream Ridge Winery, in central NJ in Cream Ridge.
Oh…and since I mentioned a Naked Chardonnay, there are several really good ones in NJ…like the Naked Chardonnay (unoaked) at Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery in Rio Grande (South NJ).
*A note about my recommendations: In addition to having some fun with names, I like to occasionally highlight wineries and wines that may be lesser known, as well as to shed light on some “not to be missed” vintages. However, with over 50 wineries and several hundred wines to choose from, I can’t begin to scratch the surface of the vast number of wonderful wines that would very nicely accompany any show, meal, or occasion. So, when in doubt, visit your favorite local NJ winery. Still unsure where to go? Read my previous posts. That’s why I have written about each of New Jersey’s wineries on this blog and in my soon to be published book.
Like some of you I do watch a few Premium Cable shows. I am patiently waiting for Game of Thrones to return on HBO (not holding my breath), as well as Showtime’s Homeland and The Affair. In the meantime, my wife and I have been binge-watching several shows on Netflix. In the near future, I will post about some of my Netflix favs…and of course some wines that should make the evening even more enjoyable.
Remember, it’s ok to binge view, but don’t binge drink!
Coming Attractions:
- Tomasello Winery Revisited
- White Horse Winery Revisited
- DiBella Winery Revisited
- The Winemaker’s Co-Op Fall Portfolio Tasting at Working Dog Winery
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Share your experience here. Like what you read and see here? Consider subscribing and getting your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your mailbox. No runs. No spills. No mess.
Cheers!
