Gros Ventre 2022 Merritt Island Chenin Blanc + any baseball game
May 2023
It’s been a while since we published our most popular newsletter feature. Long overdue, we’re dedicating this pairing recommendation to America’s Favorite Pastime.
Baseball fandom runs deep on both sides of the family. On Chris’ side, there have been Dodgers season tickets since they moved to LA from Brooklyn in 1958. When the Dodgers aren’t playing, there are the Angels. Chris’ grandmother never missed a game and we’re honored to have inherited her stuffed Angels Rally Monkey for critical moments. Chris’ own baseball career ended freshman year in college with an unfortunate shoulder surgery. But his love of the game lives on as Manager, Healdsburg Little League’s 50-70 team. John Henry’s obsession and knowledge of the game and its history have him headed down a familiar path.
Sarah’s family is no less dedicated. Sarah’s dad was a lifelong fan and an avid collector of baseball books (we’re talking dozens). He even had books about baseball books. (because baseball isn’t just about baseball… there’s a whole literary aspect we can get into some other time) Being dedicated Mariners fans, the family has known some great moments and many years of… not so great moments. The best year in Mariners history was, of course, the epic 1995 season when they won the World Series. Just kidding. When they won the ALCS. Who cares. It was awesome. M’s fans are still waiting for the big season, and until it happens, they faithfully follow the game, and when they go to games they sing and dance and cheer like only Mariners fans do. (seriously, there’s a difference) Last year the M’s made it to the playoffs after a 21 year drought. So there is hope. (go Julio!!)
Nothing beats spending a warm summer evening watching a baseball game… except watching a baseball game with a cold beverage. A proper baseball wine pairing calls for something refreshing and easy to enjoy, but with layers of deep complexity, should you care to dig deeper. (sort of like the game) Our 2022 Chenin Blanc fits the bill perfectly. You may notice the nose… redolent with lemon zest, sweet spices, and white flowers. You might be intrigued by the palate… rich and layered with bright acidity. Better yet, you may just notice feeling happy and quenched, because your mind is really on what the pitcher’s going to throw next, or the story your seat mate is telling you. Either way, you’re good.
An important note – your drinking vessel matters. And glass is tricky if you’re watching a baseball game in person. We’ll often pour a bottle of wine into a large insulated water bottle and bring insulated tumblers to the game. Any insulated tumbler (Target, Amazon, Corksicle) will work. It’s the shape and temperature control that matter most. You may remember we sold Gros Ventre-branded versions of these items around the holidays for just such occasions. (we have a few left – email us if interested)
Need more wine? Order yours today at www.grosventrecellars.com. And enjoy the game!