To help us all get through the week, I thought we should have a little fun this Thursday. As you may or may not know, by day I am a copywriter for a wine marketing company that manages several wine clubs. One of these clubs matches wines with classic movies, which is really cool if you’re a movie buff. But what about us bookworms? Don’t we deserve to curl up with a classic novel and a delicious glass of wine after a long day?
Yes, we do.
So whether you’re a wine newbie, casual taster, or seasoned enthusiast, here are four classic novels and four classic wines to enjoy:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen & Moscato
One of the most beloved romances of all time, Pride and Prejudice blends sweet moments between characters with sharp wit and the bitterness of pride. Its ideal complement? Moscato. When sweet, Moscato has a delicious “grapey” flavor. It’s a beautiful, easy gateway into the world of wine, much like Pride and Prejudice is a wonderful introduction to Austen and romance. When dry, Moscato carries all the zip and zing of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s quips.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald & Chardonnay
The Great Gatsby is the paragon of 1920s glitz and glamour – and of course, a tragic tale of unrequited love and self-sacrifice. The Queen of Whites, Chardonnay, is an elegant partner. Depending on the wine making technique, it can be light and tropical-fruited (like the quintessential flapper), or rich and buttery (like Gatsby himself).
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde & Red Bordeaux (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde paints the tragic tale of a vain young man, hellbent on holding onto his youthfulness, no matter what the moral cost. Dorian expresses classic human desires and fears – much like red Bordeaux displays the hallmarks of classic French wine. And, like Dorian’s physique, Bordeaux’s ripe red fruit flavors and smooth character will age well for years to come.
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway & Rioja (Tempranillo)
Written in Hemingway’s signature brief but powerful style, The Sun Also Rises follows a group of friends to Spain, as they grapple with issues of unrealized love and the brutality of the modern world. The perfect match is Rioja: arguably Spain’s most famous wine style. Its deep fruit flavors, hints of leather and spice, and gritty tannins will complement the heavy themes of the novel.
There you have it. The next time you sit down to read one of these old favorites, uncork a classic wine to enjoy along with it!
What glass of wine (or delicious non-alcoholic beverage!) will you be enjoying with your next read?
Kate M. Colby 
Excellent choices Kate! Amazing idea for bookworms!!! Unfortunately I don’t know if I’ll be able to get these on the Swiss market but it is tempting…
You gave me a brilliant idea: when my last book *The Annwyn’s Secret* is on the UK and USA market (I did the translation from italian and it should be ready during Spring) I’ll let you know, so you may pick the right wine-companion for it. I’m modest, for sure an middle-aged unknown writer but who knows, maybe with the right glass of matching wine, even my story may became a best seller!! Have a lovely day or night (here is already dark) ;-)claudine
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! You should be able to get all of these wines in Switzerland. They’re all very popular and circulated worldwide. And yes, I would love to offer a wine pairing for your book! I’m no expert, but it’s a rather fun exercise. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got the deal… https://annwynsecret.wordpress.com
:-)claudine
LikeLike
Kate my lass, there are those of us (canine and human) that laud your connection of drink to class lit. However, my canine tastes lean toward chicken broth with Lassie, hamburger grease with Call of the Wild, and leftover beef Wellington gravy with The Hound of the Baskervilles. My human loves your idea – he’s dreaming up a reading list to accompany his favorite brands of bourbon. EG – Drink “Wild Turkey” while reading “Deliverance” or sipping “Southern Comfort” while enjoying “Gone With The Wind.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those sound like excellent canine suggestions. I’ll have to pass them along to my furry sisters back home! As for your human, if he’d like to do a guest post on books and bourbon, I’d love to feature it! Bourbon is one of the liquors I’d like to learn more about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woof! Woof! He says he’d be honored to. He needs to figure how to do it. Visit http://www.dlhavlin.com and go to the contact link to work it out?
LikeLike
The wine is a wonderful choice, but I would prefer a good single malt Scotch Whisky and cigar while reading A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin.
LikeLiked by 1 person