Hi everyone!!
I’ve been away as it’s been a busy summer, but I’m excited to get back into sharing recommendations and fun wine reads. This Wednesday, in the spirit of summer coming to a close, I wanted to go over some book recommendations with some wine pairings. These are books I had the pleasure of reading this spring and summer, along with the wines that joined me on the journey. This time, instead of focusing on genres, I’ve chosen specific titles.
Lightning in a Mason Jar & Chianti
Author: Catherine Mann
This book is a fiction drama with a dual timeline that follows two women’s connected stories. It touches on themes of family life and female resilience. Chianti feels like a perfect match. Rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, Chianti has deep historical roots in Tuscany, but modern winemakers have redefined it over time. That reflects resilience: respecting the past while adapting and moving forward. Just like this story, Chianti is structured (from its Sangiovese grapes) but also bright, fruity, and lively with acidity. It reminds us that strength can also be vibrant and expressive.
Dinner for Vampires & Riesling
Author: Bethany Joy Lenz
An old-world dry Riesling is a fitting pairing for this memoir by Bethany Joy Lenz, who was part of a religious cult while also building a career in acting. She lived a hidden double life, and her memoir shares the painful truths of surviving that experience and looking back on it. That’s why I chose Riesling: it has great aging potential, and it balances sharpness with elegance, echoing both pain and hope for survival. Germany is the region where Riesling truly rooted itself, and its influence set the stage for new-world interpretations.
The Summer I Turned Pretty & Moscato
Author: Jenny Han
I don’t often recommend Moscato because of its sweetness, but this series is an exception. With the third season of the TV adaptation airing, this three-part series has been a big hit this summer. The books capture the feeling of being young and experiencing first loves, which makes Moscato d’Asti such a great match. Slightly sweet, bubbly, and low in alcohol, it perfectly reflects that innocent, flirty, first-crush energy. Serve it very cold! A little tip if you add ice: use plenty so it cools the wine without diluting it too much. Moscato d’Asti is higher quality, with natural effervescence, lower alcohol, and enough acidity to balance the sweetness.
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The summer I turned pretty and moscato pairing is top tier. I feel like it’s the perfect combo to immerse you in that story!