The Taylor Swift of Wine
Thirteen wines by women winemakers vis-à-vis Taylor Swift's discography.
It is curious how many of my formative wine-related experiences arose during many-an-evening at Niche Niche (RIP). Previously of Le CouCou, sommelier Erin Healy had hosted one night in early January 2020, with her wineup featured magnum bottlings themed with the underrated and bastard grapes of France — a woman truly after my own heart. On top of the absolute fire wines she had uncorked, she curated an exclusively Taylor Swift playlist to accompany the food and wine, resounding the intimate space with catchy hooks and melodic fun. Erin unabashedly declared herself the ultimate Swiftie, proclaiming there exists a Taylor song for every one and for every moment in life.
For the longest time, I didn’t understand the hype behind Taylor Swift nor her steadfast fandom. I wasn’t sure I liked her music, prematurely (read: regrettably) writing it off as cliché and uninspired. But now, I’ve come to realize I was not yet ready to channel my inner Swiftie and all of the emotions contained within that calling.
Our collective suspension in coronavirus lockdown, without a clear end, was unprecedentedly taxing, a toll we did not expect to pay in multitudes. A pause for the foreseeable future on communal activities like live music and dining out, made in exchange for involuntary isolation and social distancing, far from human connection, an innate part of who we are.
As many had during the pandemic, I was pretty anxious and depressed for that time, not sure how I’d shake it. Then in July 2020, folklore was released as Taylor’s surprise ninth album conceived during quarantine, as a collection of songs and stories that flowed like a stream of consciousness. I kept returning to Erin’s infectious enthusiasm for Taylor’s music, and once I heard folklore’s opening track, “THE 1”, it hit me hard. All the emotions I’d felt as an awkward teenager, then in my twenties’ youth, and now as a thirty-something woman came to a head through Taylor’s lyrical prowess.
folklore had somehow understood me in ways I couldn’t imagine an album ever could, especially with Taylor’s uncanny ability to capture the specificity of ordinary experiences in elevated poetry, allowing the listener to feel relatable and seen. So in typical Stefie-fashion, down the rabbit hole I’d gone, on a mission to thoughtfully listen to each of Taylor’s albums in full, building that situational repertoire of ballads.
THE CONCEPT
In no time at all, I had fully embraced my inner Swiftie and instantly connected with many of her songs, just as Erin had maintained. I had spent the next years in peak Taylor Nation under the passionate tutelage of my dear friend and seasoned Swiftie Josie, turning upside down my Spotify Wrapped in 2021, with Taylor earning the top spot three years running. Then after a drawn-out battle with Ticketmaster, I victoriously scored floor seats at regular price to the 2023 Eras Tour at MetLife Stadium.
That said, I wanted to showcase my newfound identity and the expressive beauty of my favorite verses. With most tasting ideas, I work through rough sketches of a pairing or two, letting them take shape. After few hours lining up those proverbial dominos, a full scale affair emerges, miraculously tied in a proud bow.
I discovered Hope Well’s Pinot Noir rosés at Leon & Son, each named ‘Monday’s Child’ and ‘Tuesday Child’ by winemaker Mimi Casteel, immediately bringing to mind Taylor’s sister albums of folklore and evermore. It also didn’t hurt evermore’s “NO BODY, NO CRIME” cites meeting up “every Tuesday night for dinner and a glass of wine” — what serendipity.
Champagne was the clear next “get” — funny enough not for evermore’s “CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS” but for “we were somewhere else, in an alleyway drinking Champagne” in “PARIS” on Midnights. Just me and my mere wits — you get the idea!
Très apropos in honoring Taylor’s lucky number, I ended up choosing thirteen wines for this tasting, each highlighting women in wine, just in time for Women’s History month as well as the recent kick-off of the Eras Tour.
Each wine was paired with a song or two through various tie-ins to chosen lyrics, whether it be the wine/cuvée/winery name, its provenance, or the winemaking itself, with Taylor’s entire discography (ten albums at the time) thoroughly explored — an “A-side” and a “B-side” from each. As my favorite and most prized detail, these song pairings also align their year of album release with the chosen wine’s vintage or disgorgement date.
THE LINER NOTES
🍇🍷 Women in Wine feat. Taylor Swift 🪩
No. 1: NV Champagne, dég 9/2022
Champagne = sparkling wine ・ disgorgement year = album year
“PARIS” (2:20) ・ Midnights (2022)
We drew a map on your bedroom ceiling
No, I didn’t see the news
’Cause we were somewhere else
In an alleyway drinking Champagne
“BEJEWELED” (1:12) ・ Midnights (2022)
I think it’s time to teach some lessons
I made you my world, have you heard?
I can reclaim the land
And I miss you, but I miss sparklin’
❧
No. 2: 2014 ‘Cuvée L’Inconnu’ Blanc de Blancs, dég 11/2020
l’inconnu = French for ‘the unknown’ ・ vintage = album year
“BLANK SPACE” (1:20) ・ 1989 (2014)
But I’ve got a blank space, baby
And I’ll write your name
❧
No. 3: 2020 Côtes du Jura Chardonnay
vintage & Twenties = album year
“THE 1” (0:55) ・ folklore (2020)
But we were missing something, don’t you think so?
Roaring Twenties, tossing pennies in the pool
And if my wishes came true
It would’ve been you
❧
No. 4: 2021 ‘Monday’s Child’ Rosé
No. 5: 2021 ‘Tuesday’s Child’ Rosé
Monday/Tuesday & folklore/evermore = siblings ・ rose = rosé ・ vintage = album year
“THE LAKES” (1:52) ・ folklore (2020)
I want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet
’Cause I haven’t moved in years
And I want you right here
A red rose grew up out of ice frozen ground
With no one around to tweet it
“WILLOW” (0:05) ・ evermore (2021)
I’m like the water when your ship rolled in that night
Rough on the surface but you cut through like a knife
And if it were an open-shut case
I never would’ve known from the look on your face
Lost in your current like a priceless wine
“NO BODY, NO CRIME” (0:25) ・ evermore (2021)
Este's a friend of mine
We meet up every Tuesday night for dinner and a glass of wine
❧
No. 6: 2021 ‘Gerne’ Skin-Contact Blend
gerne = German for ‘gladly’ ・ NY Anthora coffee cup on label
“WELCOME TO NEW YORK” (1:01) ・ 1989 (2014)
It’s a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat forevermore
The lights are so bright, but they never blind me
Welcome to New York, it’s been waitin’ for you
❧
No. 7: 2019 Fleurie ‘L’Alchimiste’
l’alchimiste = French for ‘the alchemist’ ・ vintage = album year
“AFTERGLOW” (0:21) ・ Lover (2019)
Fighting with a true love is boxing with no gloves
Chemistry ’til it blows up, ’til there’s no us
“ME!” (0:24) ・ Lover (2019)
But one of these things is not like the others
Like a rainbow with all of the colors
Baby doll, when it comes to a lover
I promise that you’ll never find another like me-e-e!
❧
No. 8: 2021 Pinot Noir ‘Mirabai’ Dundee Hills
No. 9: 2008 Pinot Noir ‘Elsbree’ Russian River Valley
Mirabai = Hindi name meaning “an ocean of knowledge” ・ vintages = album years
Oregon & California wine country = old county roads
“YOU BELONG WITH ME” (0:22) ・ Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (2008, 2021)
I’m in the room, it’s a typical Tuesday night
I’m listening to the kind of music she doesn’t like
And she’ll never know your story like I do
“YOU ALL OVER ME” (0:31) ・ Fearless (Taylor’s Version) (2008, 2021)
The way the tires turn stones, on old county roads
They leave ’em muddy underneath, reminds me of you […]
But like the dollar in your pocket, it's been spent and traded in
You can't change where it's been, reminds me of me
❧
No. 10: 2017 Pinot Noir ‘Vista al Rio’ La Rinconada Vineyard
la rinconada = Spanish for ‘the corner/intersection’ ・ vintage = album year
“GORGEOUS” (0:36) ・ reputation (2017)
Whisky on ice, Sunset and Vine
You’ve ruined my life, by not being mine
“DELICATE” (1:00) ・ reputation (2017)
Is it cool that I said all that?
Is it chill that you’re in my head?
’Cause I know that it’s delicate
Is it cool that I said all that?
Is it too soon to do this yet?
’Cause I know that it’s delicate
❧
No. 11: 2010 Rioja Rosado
blushing = rosé ・ daughter = current winemaker ・ vintage = album year
“ENCHANTED” (1:35) ・ Speak Now (2010)
This night is sparkling, don’t you let it go
I’m wonderstruck, blushing all the way home
I’ll spend forever wondering if you knew
I was enchanted to meet you
“MINE” (0:49) ・ Speak Now (2010)
Do you remember, we were sittin’, there by the water?
You put your arm around me for the first time
You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter
You are the best thing, that’s ever been mine
❧
No. 12: A Tribute to Grace 2012 Grenache
A Tribute to Grace = State of Grace ・ middle of the night = biodynamic winemaking
・ vintage = album year
“STATE OF GRACE” (3:03) ・ Red (Taylor’s Version) (2012, 2021)
This is a state of grace
This is a worthwhile fight
Love is a ruthless game
Unless you play it good and right
These are the hands of fate
“ALL TOO WELL (10 MINUTE VERSION)” (3:08) ・ Red (Taylor’s Version) (2012, 2021)
’Cause there we are again in the middle of the night
We’re dancing ’round the kitchen in the refrigerator light
Down the stairs, I was there
I remember it all too well
❧
No. 13: 2006 Franciacorta Satèn
stars = sparkling wine ・ vintage = album year
“TIM MCGRAW” (0:13) ・ Taylor Swift (2006)
He said the way my blue eyes shined
Put those Georgia stars to shame that night
I said, ‘That’s a lie’
“TEARDROPS ON MY GUITAR” (1:07) ・ Taylor Swift (2006)
He’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He’s the song in the car I keep singing, don’t know why I do
THE WINEUP
/ March 27, 2023 @ Paulus Hook, Jersey City /
Grongnet NV Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut
CÉCILE GRONGNET
$49 @ Flatiron Wines (circa 2023)
Transatlantic Bubbles (Connecticut) | 🇫🇷 sparkling white (dég. 9/2022)
Chardonnay
quintessential QPR ・ crisp & chalky ・ dosage dame
Wenzlau 2014 'Cuvée L’Inconnu’ Estate Blanc de Blancs
CINDY WENZLAU
$45 @ Morrell Wine & Spirits (c. 2023)
Wenzlau Vineyard (California) | 🇺🇸 sparkling white (dég. 11/2020)
Chardonnay
bright & brioche-y ・ the lees’ knees ・ California grower champagne
Les Dolomies 2020 Côtes du Jura ‘Les Combes’
CÉLINE GORMALLY
$45 @ Flatiron Wines (c. 2022)
Zev Rovine Selections (New York) | 🇫🇷 still white
Chardonnay
honeysuckle ・ delicate richness ・ oxidative oasis
Hope Well 2021 Pinot Noir ‘Monday’s Child’
Hope Well 2021 Pinot Noir ‘Tuesday’s Child’
MIMI CASTEEL
$55 each @ Leon & Son Wine (c. 2023)
Hope Well Wine (Oregon) | 🇺🇸 still rosé
Pinot Noir
older/est child energy ・ fruit forward ・ traditional rosé
younger/est child energy ・ wild & bramble-y ・ new wave rosé
Martin & Anna Arndorfer 2021 ‘Gerne’ Weinland
ANNA ARNDORFER
$31 @ Henry’s Wine (c. 2022)
Coeur Wine Co. (New York) | 🇦🇹 still orange
Grüner Veltliner / Riesling / Neuberger / Sauvignon Blanc
hug in a glass ・ bright & briny ・ shimmery synecdoche
Anne-Sophie Dubois 2019 Fleurie ‘L’Alchimiste’
ANNE-SOPHIE DUBOIS
$33 @ Court Liquors (c. 2022)
Grand Cru Selections (New York) | 🇫🇷 still red
Gamay
burghound bojo ・ anti-carbonic ・ slow burn
Kelley Fox Wines 2021 Pinot Noir ‘Mirabai’
KELLEY FOX
$48 @ Leon & Son Wine (c. 2023)
Kelley Fox Wines (Oregon) | 🇺🇸 still red
Pinot Noir
reuniting with an old friend ・ like no time has passed ・ strawberry jello
Papapietro Perry 2008 Pinot Noir Elsbree Vineyard
DIANA ELSBREE
$45 @ WineBid (c. 2022)
Papapietro Perry Winery (California) | 🇺🇸 still red
Pinot Noir
pep in step ・ earthy & aromatic ・ cherry lozenge
Sanford 2017 Pinot Noir ‘Vista al Rio’
LAURA ROACH
$39 @ Last Bottle Wines (c. 2022)
Terlato Wines (Illinois) | 🇺🇸 still red
Pinot Noir
structured balance ・ fine tannins ・ dark fruit
R. López de Heredia 2010 Rioja Rosado ‘Viña Tondonia’ Gran Reserva
MARÍA JOSÉ LÓPEZ DE LA HEREDIA
$46 @ CoolVines Jersey City (c. 2020)
Think Global Wines (California) | 🇪🇸 still rosé
Grenache (Garnacho) / Tempranillo / Macabeo (Viura)
rosé x skin-contact mashup ・ strawberry leaf ・ full-bodied elegance
A Tribute to Grace 2012 Grenache Santa Barbara Highlands
ANGELA OSBORNE
$55 @ The Wine Store (c. 2023)
A Tribute to Grace (California) | 🇺🇸 still red
Grenache
mellow fellow・ energetic & wise ・ savory spice
Contadi Castaldi 2006 Franciacorta ‘Soul’ Satèn
MARIELLA MORETTI
$19 @ Last Bottle Wines (c. 2021)
TMT USA (Texas) | 🇮🇹 sparkling white
Chardonnay
pizzelle pairing ・ no-skip cannoli dip ・ Italian silk
THE CODA
Hard to believe this came together over a year ago, especially with the lady of the hour having had re-released Taylor’s Version for Speak Now and 1989 while also having had dropped the brand new The Tortured Poets Department album in the elapsed time. I suppose I had borrowed a cup of ambition (🥂 Dolly!) from Taylor, as this tasting has been my most ambitious one to date, mostly because this was me while planning it all.
Biggest high five to the #WineSwifties (IYKYK) in my life for surrendering yourselves (at least for a few hours) to the Swiftie-verse with me — we’ll have to really play up the karaoke segment next time! Also, a huge thank you to the ladies behind Blank Plate: A Podcast for Swifties with an Appetite for their shoutout on a recent episode. And of course, all the props to Erin Healy for inspiring and sending me on this path.
“The Art of Storytelling” has had me thinking a lot about the “tasting stories” I’ve told thus far. Women in Wine feat. Taylor Swift is certainly one for which I had pulled out all the stops. It was not only a blast belting in sync the lyrics to Taylor’s greatest hits, but equally gratifying to unveil this endeavor into the world.
This Two Bottle Stef original let me recognize how creatively I could push my storytelling abilities — how tightly I could ride along parameters as abstract as this. As it turns out, quite a bit, finally demonstrating I could contribute to wine something fresh, offbeat, and truly mine.
Could I ever become the Taylor Swift of wine? Who’s to say. Regardless, there’s simply one way to proceed: to continue having friends over to drink nice wine.1
from “I LOOK IN PEOPLE’S WINDOWS” on The Tortured Poets Department