Olympic Wine Pairings
It’s time. It’s time to remember that Americans are exceptionally better at everything than anyone else in the world. Count the medals and step aside Russia (sorry, Individual Neutral Athletes), China, and whatever other nations are attempting to cheat this year to compete against our dominance. As the opening ceremonies are about to begin and America is about to once again revel in its superiority it got me thinking what competitions would pair best with Slouch Hat?
Every wine has a unique character as do sports, so there has to be a few good pairings. Let’s begin with the character of Slouch Hat’s As You Were Sauvignon Blanc and Parade Rest GSM and then we’ll move on to the pairings.
Meet the Wines
The As You Were Sauvignon Blanc is a bit sassy with a rebellious streak. It’s serious and committed to being the best, but it breaks the mold of what California Sauvignon Blanc should be and blazes its own path. It’s not going to let those that went before it define what it has to be. Therefore, hated by some, but respected by all.
Then you have Slouch Hat’s Parade Rest GSM: rambunctious and in it for a good time but tied to a deep heritage. Its heritage is one of excellence and it feels pressure to be the best, but ultimately, it’s not going to sacrifice the good times. It may be a bit boujee, but it’s unpretentious about it. It wants to be a wine for the people – liked and admired by all.
Pair the Wines
Now, there are 32 sports in Paris this summer. Each gives off its own vibes and personality. Rather than digging into all of them, because that’s lengthy and it’s almost nap time, let’s jump into the pairings.
As You Were Sauvignon Blanc:
Gold Medal: Beach Volleyball
Silver Medal: Gymnastics
Bronze Medal: Tennis
Reasons:
Beach Volleyball: The most “I grew up on a beach” sport of all time and as a California Sauvignon Blanc from Santa Barbara County that just seems to fit nicely. It’s a sport that you can be committed to while also pursuing a career, which fits the As You Were Sauvignon Blanc’s seriousness, yet independent streak well. Plus, what Sauvignon Blanc isn’t marketed as a beach wine? Beach wine meet beach sport – a perfect pairing.
Gymnastics: this is the most iconic American Olympic sport. Swimming puts up a fight, but at the end of the day Team USA gymnasts are the A-listers of the Olympics. And what’s more iconic than a California Sauvignon Blanc? Oh, a California Chardonnay you say? Well, maybe so, but let’s stop living in the past. Chardonnay had its day in the sun and the future belongs to Sauvignon Blanc. The As You Were Sauvignon Blanc will always be our A-lister.
Tennis: I love Tennis and therefore any wine I make will pair wonderfully with Tennis. To give it a real reason, though, this is Roland Garros and the clay courts should be paired with a nice As You Were Sauvignon Blanc grown in clay soils.
Parade Rest Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM):
Gold Medal: Water Polo
Silver Medal: Boxing
Bronze Medal: Rowing
Reason:
Water Polo: Flavor Flav made it more mainstream, but it’s still a sport followed by a small, yet loyal group. Just like Rhone varietals. The athletes are incredible, though. They blend the gracefulness of a swimmer with the ferociousness of a boxer and the commitment of a professional athlete in a sport that pays very little money. That’s a blend of attributes that needs a wine that understands the difficulty in coming up with the right blend. Enter Parade Rest GSM.
Boxing: What’s more rambunctious than getting into a ring and duking it out? Most fighters have moved to mixed martial arts for the glory and the money, but boxers stay because of the heritage. They feel connected to the legends that came before them and want to live up to their greatness. They train hard and know when it’s time to live it up. Sounds just like a “rambunctious yet contained” Rhone blend.
Rowing: Elite rowers come from top universities. Their smart, competitive, and carry an air of superiority that comes from competing in a sport that no one cares about except Ivy leaguers and their British counterparts. However, those that care, care a whole f-ing lot. Just like Rhone varietals – a small but immensely loyal following. Rowing is a gentleman’s sports with a ton of heritage. One does not simply start to row. It’s in their DNA. However, they party. Don’t ask how I know – just trust me. The Parade Rest GSM, like elite rowers, knows how to balance the seriousness and pressure of living up to its heritage with having a good time.
There you have it. Slouch back with a glass of As You Were Sauvignon Blanc or Parade Rest GSM and watch your favorite sports this year. Never mind that the olympics are in Paris and most of the sports will take place in the morning. Time doesn’t matter when America is asserting its dominance on the world stage. You won’t have another opportunity until 2028. Cheeers!
M.P. Fowler
Owner & Chief Sloucher
Slouch Hat Wines
