Red, White, and Brut: The Inauguration Wine Pack

To say that I’m looking forward to January 20 is an understatement. The past four or so years since 45 came on the political scene have been pure torture watching that evil man child attempt to run this country. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and like the old baptist saints used to say ‘trouble don’t last always.’

So, as we look to the future, it’s time to welcome in a new administration. None of us knows what next week holds, but I do pray that there will be a peaceful transfer of power. In preparation, I thought it would be fun to put together an inauguration wine pack to celebrate the upcoming ceremony. I don’t know about you, but I’m a news junkie and will probably be glued to the TV (sans any work meetings) all Wednesday. The evening will definitely call for a bottle or two (depending on the day’s events) as I watch my favorite political correspondent George Stephanopoulos and his crew provide their commentary. I’m sure this will be a historic day as the first Black/South Asian woman is sworn into the second highest office for the first time and we say good riddance to the worst president my generation has ever seen. I mean, who wouldn’t drink to that! Whew, I’m getting excited just thinking about it!

I’m calling this my “Red, White, and Brut: Inauguration Wine Pack. There’s something in here for everyone! Plus, I’m including a fun, bonus wine. And, they’re affordable and easy to find at your local Total Wine. I’m posting this early, so that you can pick up your wine in time. Check out what’s featured in the pack!

2018 Black Girls Magic Red Blend

Ladies first! In honor of Madame Vice President Kamala Harris, I selected the Black Girl Magic Red Blend by the McBride Sisters. I’ve posted about them before. They’re like the Sister, Sister of wine. Sisters that grew up separately, but would eventually meet and connect over wine. It’s a really cool story. Anyways, it’s very empowering when I think of what it means for our country and women (of all backgrounds) to see a woman who is Black and Indian become the vice president. That feeling could easily be summed up as ‘Black Girl Magic.’ It’s hard to put into word what that means for people who may not be familiar with the phrase, but essentially it’s that sense of pride that honors the resilience and essence of Black women. And, luckily there is a wine that aims to embody that same spirit.

The Black Girl Magic collection is starting to be sold at more stores. Aside from Total Wine, you can find it at Target and Trader Joe’s for like $21. This is a California Red Blend. Also, very fitting for Vice President Harris since she used to be a California senator. The McBride Sisters don’t reveal what’s in their blend, but that’s okay. On the nose, there are aromas of black cherry and plum. Switching gears, this wine is VERY smooth. It almost feels like velvet in your mouth. I’d say this is a dry, full bodied red with fruit forward notes of cherry and plum, along with a heavy presence of oak and what appears to be a chocolaty taste on the finish. The tannins are present, but not as strong as the oak found on the finish. If you enjoy a bold, smooth red, then you’ll like this. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the new vice president.

2017 Dom Chatelain Chablis

I wanted to select something classic for the incoming president as I know that Joe Biden will bring professionalism and humanity back to the oval office. I always had a Chardonnay in mind as the choice for the white wine in the pack, but I wanted to step it up a notch. I went with a Chablis (pronounced “Shah-blee”), which is a Chardonnay making wine region in the northwest corner of Burgundy, France. Unlike other Chardonnay wines, Chablis rarely uses oak-aging, resulting in a very different style and taste profile. The cool climate of this region produces wines with more acidity and flavors less fruity than Chardonnay wines grown in warmer climates.

This Chablis was $34.99 at Total Wine. Starting with the aromas, this Chablis has a little citrus and green apple on the nose. It actually has this pretty straw yellow color to it. This is a medium bodied white with a continuation of the green apple flavors with the addition of some pear. This is an unoaked Chardonnay with lots of minerality that complements the fruit notes. A great add next to the Black Girl Magic Red Blend.

Bollinger Brut Special Cuvee

Now, the inauguration wine pack wouldn’t be complete without some bubbles! And I’m not talking about the cheap stuff. I’m talking about breaking out the big guns and buying some champagne!

I honestly really don’t drink champagne, but decided there was no better time than now! And, if I’m being more honest, I really didn’t know what to pick in this category. I chose this particular bottle because it came in this really cool 007 commemorative packaging, so I thought I was being fancy…lol.

The Bollinger Special Cuvee is about $60 and consists of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier. It’s very aromatic with hints of baked apples and peaches. On the palate, the bubbles are like velvet. There were flavors of pear, brioche with a little spice. It’s a very nice rich champagne. Like I said before, there is a lot to be thankful for come Wednesday, so let’s not skimp on the champagne!

2018 SHE CAN Sauvignon Blanc

I couldn’t resist adding the SHE CAN Sauvignon Blanc as a bonus! It’s another wine from the McBride Sisters. The fun, fab, eco-friendly and award-winning SHE CAN collection and its related SHE CAN Professional Development Fund are inspired by the endless pursuit of all women who are making their dreams a reality and breaking barriers daily.  The SHE CAN range of premium wines and spritzers reminds you that SHE CAN do anything. I decided to add this as another nod to Vice President Harris.

The SHE CAN wines run for about $5.99 each and contains about a glass (heavy pour) of wine. It comes in various flavors like citrus berry, rosé, and island citrus. I selected the sauvignon blanc for personal reasons. Don’t let the can fool you, this is traditional New Zealand sauv blanc that the McBride Sisters are well known for. It has aromas of lemon citrus, mango, peach, and green apple. You get a lot of those tropical fruit flavors on the palate with this dry, medium bodied white. There’s a touch of minerality and acidity on the finish, but nothing too crazy. I love this brand! It’s the perfect fit to round out this wine pack!

So, who else is looking forward to Inauguration Day on January 20? Get your YGOM wines together and tag me on social (@yourglassormine) if you pick up any of these wines as you’re watching the Inauguration coverage. Let me know what you think. Until next time…glasses up!