Baseball and wine may not seem like obvious companions, but Scott Atkinson has a case for why both have something important in common: they make the experience around them better.
In this edition of Good Taste, he starts with a little American cultural philosophy, then heads to France for three bottles made for the dinner table.
“Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.” – Jacques Barzun
Jacques Barzun was an incredibly important historian who taught at Columbia University in New York for almost fifty years. Born in France, he was Columbia’s valedictorian when he finished his undergraduate studies before joining their faculty. At this point, dear reader, you may be wondering, “What on God’s green earth does this have to do with a periodic wine column?” Fair question.
Just as Jacques Barzun felt that America could not be understood outside the context of baseball, some may argue that dining could be viewed within the context of wine. Now, this is not to say that one must have wine to dine. Wine is not for everyone. Just like baseball is not for everyone. However… both baseball and wine make life better.
Or at least Jaques Barzun would say so.
Our suggestion? Find a good baseball game, craft a great meal, and pop on down to the Pig where we can assist you with pairing a delicious bottle that will pair with your dining experience.
In honor of Dr. Jacques Barzun, a few French wines which are delightful, versatile, and perfect for dining…
Justin Girardin Bourgogne Blanc & Rouge
Justin Girardin is the nephew of the much more well-known and more prolific Vincent Girardin. While Justin does not produce nearly as much wine, he is an absolutely wonderful winemaker and person.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet Justin a few times and was very impressed by his wines, kindness, and humility.
Nothing quite like enjoying good wines made by great people.
His red and white burgundies are truly spectacular values.
Les Vignerons d’Estézargues Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc, Taparas
Well now, that is a long name for a bottle of wine. So… I’ll keep it brief.
This is one of the most delicious bottles of white wine we have tasted in the past year. Period.
Domaine de Beaurenard Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge
The translation of “beaurenard” is “beautiful fox.” Who doesn’t want to sit down and enjoy a meal with a “Beautiful Fox?”
To finish, we hope that all of these wines knock it out of the park for you.
“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This
