A Rosé-Tinted Reminiscence
Ah, the glorious days of childhood! When the summer sun beamed down and the scent of penny candy filled the air. Those were the times that truly shaped us, weren’t they? The memories we carry from those carefree years have a way of seeping into our lives, even decades later. And for me, those nostalgic echoes often come flooding back with each sip of a certain summertime sipper.
Picture this: my dear friend Kathy had just arrived from Boston, her suitcases rolling behind her as she stepped out into the Florida heat. After over a year of lockdowns and restrictions, she was ready to embrace the vitamin D and take a much-needed splash. And what better way to do that than with a glass of crisp, refreshing rosé?
As we settled into the wicker furniture on her screened-in lanai, surrounded by the gentle lapping of the heated pool, Kathy uncorked a bottle of Angels & Cowboys Sonoma County 2020 Rosé. One sip, and I was transported back to my time living in Northern California, driving along the Russian River and exploring the vineyards of the Dry Creek Valley.
This rosé, with its barely-there pink hue and notes of citrus and ripe strawberries, had a way of unlocking those joyful childhood memories. It was like taking a sip of French Riviera sunshine, complete with the taste of pulverized sweet-tart candy and pixie sticks. I couldn’t help but be reminded of those carefree days, when a brown paper bag full of penny candy was all I needed to feel like the luckiest kid on the block.
Bubbles and Bites
As Kathy and I clinked our glasses to celebrate being fully vaccinated, we couldn’t resist the urge to take a dip in the pool. And when we emerged, dripping but refreshed, we knew exactly what would hit the spot: the Angels & Cowboys Brut Rosé.
This bubbly delight, with its fine, Champagne-like bubbles, was the perfect pairing for our impromptu poolside gathering. At just $24 a bottle, it was a steal – the kind of wine you’d want to keep stocked in the fridge for moments like these, when all you need is good company and a plate of artisanal cheeses.
Speaking of which, Kathy and I couldn’t resist indulging in a selection from Brent, The Cheese Guy. As we nibbled on the Ghost Pepper Jack (after Kathy had carefully inspected the wrapper, of course), I couldn’t help but be reminded of another childhood favorite – the Viney Sheep cheese, aged for over 9 months in red wine and made from the milk of grass-fed Italian sheep.
The combination of the crisp, lively bubbly and the rich, decadent cheeses was a symphony of flavors that had me longing for the carefree days of my youth. It was as if I could almost hear the laughter of my childhood self, running through the aisles of the local candy store, dreaming of the sweet treats that awaited.
A Splash of Chardonnay Charm
As the afternoon drifted on, Kathy and I decided to switch things up and crack open a bottle of Cannonball Chardonnay from Ondine Chattan, the head winemaker at Share a Splash Wine Co.
Now, I must admit, I was a bit perplexed by the label – a crouching boy in the classic “cannonball” position, about to make a splash. How does that relate to a chardonnay, you ask? Well, my friends, it all comes down to that uninhibited spirit of liveliness that this wine exudes.
One sip, and I was transported yet again – this time, to the sun-drenched days of my youth, perfecting the art of the perfect cannonball off the diving board. It took balance, dexterity, and a fearless persona to truly master that summer staple, and this chardonnay seems to embody those very qualities.
From the fun, twist-off cap to the stone fruit and pineapple notes on the palate, this Cannonball Chardonnay is the kind of wine that makes you want to dive right in, without a care in the world. And let me tell you, once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be craving a lemon meringue pie – so best to have that ready before you even uncork the bottle!
As I sipped this chardonnay, savoring its oakiness and crisp minerality, I couldn’t help but feel like a carefree kid again. The worries of adulthood seemed to melt away, replaced by the infectious joy of summertime splashing and the sweet, tangy flavors of my childhood favorites.
Embracing the Nostalgia
You see, the thing about those childhood memories is that they have a way of seeping into every aspect of our lives, even when we least expect it. Whether it’s the carton of eggnog we can’t resist during the holidays or the standing rib roast that transports us back to family gatherings of the past, those formative years have a way of leaving an indelible mark on our senses.
And for me, that mark is often found in the simple pleasure of a well-crafted glass of wine. Each sip has the power to unlock a floodgate of recollections, from the Russian River road trips of my California days to the cross-country Christmas journeys in the back of a seatbelt-less Pinto.
It’s a reminder that the true magic of our childhood isn’t found in the material gifts or the grand gestures, but in the small, seemingly insignificant moments that shape us. The cartons of eggnog, the Charlie Brown specials, the roadside candy stands – these are the things that truly define the essence of the holidays and the carefree summer days of our youth.
So, the next time you find yourself sipping on a crisp rosé or a lively chardonnay, take a moment to let your mind wander. Chances are, you’ll be transported back to a time when the world was a little simpler, a little sweeter, and a whole lot more fun. And who knows, you might even find yourself craving a trip to the Brooklyn’s Georgian Coffee House for a taste of nostalgia in every sip.
