Expert Wine Suggestions to Help Soothe Your Post-Inauguration Anxiety
We think it’s safe to say that no matter what side of the aisle you stand on, politically speaking, Donald Trump’s inauguration coupled with the anticipation of what’s to come has been stressful and anxiety-ridden (and the Obamas’ emotional farewell tour hasn’t helped dry our tear ducts!). Of course, events like the Women’s Marches around the world are making us feel more empowered to harness our post-election feelings, but we’re still looking for some self-care methods that’ll keep us happy and hopeful. Enter wine. And no, we don’t mean simply drinking our feelings away! We chatted with Adam Chumas, beverage director of Tom Douglas Restaurants, about how sharing a simple bottle of wine among friends can foster feelings of togetherness and positivity, and get you excited to learn about (and taste!) something new. To get the (grape) juices flowing, we asked Adam to pair some of his favorite bottles with some of our most pressing inaugural concerns. Cheers!
The “Treat Yo’ Self” Bottle To Share With Your Friends, Because Feelings
AC: A splurge is always one of two things — a bottle of Champagne or a half bottle of something that I couldn’t afford if it were in a full bottle. Champagne just says good times. I like bracing, low dosage, blanc de blancs from grower producers [peep our handy Champers guide]. As far as half bottle splurges, they usually end up being a Barolo or Barbaresco to share with my wife over a bowl of handmade pasta at a great Italian restaurant.
The bottle with an eco-conscious edge that’ll get you inspired to get active
AC:Memaloose out of the Columbia Gorge in Washington has all estate and organic vines that are planted around organic certified orchards. Their wines show off something that many Washington wine drinkers aren’t accustomed to: cool climate, low alcohol, fresh and expressive wines with refreshing acidity.
The bottle that’s forward-thinking, innovative and Brave — just like you!
AC: One of the coolest things I’ve tasted recently is the Raconteur Wine Co. White Blend. It’s made from Gruner Veltliner and Chenin Blanc — I’m not sure these two grapes have ever been incorporated into a blend together. Why it’s so cool to me is that it shirks the notion of single varietal wines and embraces the art of blending. Historically and even geographically these two grapes don’t belong together, but when you think of them from a flavor standpoint, it makes perfect sense. Minerality and acidity from Gruner and plush texture and ripe stone fruit from Chenin is a delicious combo!
The bottle to buy now and open in, oh, four years?
AC: I always like to get my hands on some Zind Humbrecht from one of their Grand Cru vineyards like Heimbourg or Turckheim and lay it down for a few. The wines are so powerful and rich but after a few years of maturation, they become well integrated and still maintain freshness. I love well-aged old world whites!
The bi-partisan bottle that will bring together palates of all politics
AC: A few times a year I get the pleasure of drinking a bottle of wine with my dad (we live on opposite sides of the country). He’s a self-proclaimed neophyte when it comes to wine, but he actually has a great palate. I like to challenge him and please his palate at the same time while drinking something that helps work for my old-world tendencies as well. The wines of Spain, particularly Ribera del Duero are a great way to get both plush full-bodied texture and earthiness. The most recent hit was a bottle of Emilio Moro.
What’s your go-to wine to relax? Share it with us @BritandCo!
(Photos via Getty)