The following notes are written to give the reader/sipper hints of which character from Netflix’s Season 3 Bridgerton Series matches the character of the wine. Answer and explanations below the break.
J Bookwalter Winery "Readers" Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA 2020
J Bookwalter Winery commits itself not only to producing exceptional wines from the Columbia Valley but also in promoting literacy in the local community. Though Merlot is often underestimated, the 2019 “Readers” Merlot casts aside that alias and shows a complexity with layers of blackberry, black plum, and juicy cherry flavors. Complementing the powerful fruit flavors, are the savory herbs and spice. The “Readers” Merlot though surprising to some, not to astute gentle sippers.
Meadowcroft Winery Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA 2023
Tom Meadowcroft of Meadowcroft Winery sources premium grapes from Northern California, including this Pinot Noir from the esteemed Russian River Valley. Pinot Noir is a well traveled grape, considered an international variety, but only thrives under the most ideal conditions. Pinot Noir’s versatility and food friendliness charms many sippers and is perfect for a party. Meadowcroft’s inviting aromas and flavors of cranberry, pomegranate, black cherry, cola, and lively acidity make it a perfect partner for a variety of foods and quite a social bee.
Il Trullo Primitivo, Salento, Puglia, Italy 2021
When Italian wines come to mind, classics such as Chianti, Brunello, Barolo, Prosecco, or even Pinot Grigio come to mind, and yet in the heel of the book in Southern Italy lies Salento, home to Primitivo. Primitivo, thought to be the identical twin - if not the same grape - to Zinfandel, defies the norm of what many thought it capable - table wine. While it has many of the characteristics of Zinfandel, Primitivo may not be to everyone’s taste - all the fruit character Zinfandel is known to have are contrasted (and complemented) by dried herbs, leather, and a brazen streak of acidity. Vivacious, complex, and slightly unconventional, Il Trullo Primitivo is an emerald worth discovering.
Bele Casel Extra Dry Prosecco, Asolo, Veneto, Italy NV
Bele Casel’s Asolo Extra Dry Prosecco dazzles and sparkles with aromas of golden apple, pear, wisteria, and white flowers. All sparkling wines stand out in a crowd, however Prosecco is a hint softer and subtler. This Italian sparkling wine from the Asolo hills is a symphony of flavors balanced by quiet, but persistent acidity - striking the perfect chord of elegance. Bele Casel’s Extra Dry Prosecco is reserved, balanced, and elegant and harmonizes with everything from appetizers to light desserts.
Terroir Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA 2020
Opulent and luxurious, Terroir Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a quintessential Napa Cab - bold, forthright, dignified, a wine that commands respect. Extravagant and powerful notes of ripe blackberry, currant, dark cherry, and plum. Intertwined with the powerful Napa Valley fruit notes, are the intricate notes of bittersweet chocolate, espresso, anise. Despite its overwhelming nature, Terroir Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon shows a softer side without sparing elegance. A Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that would win over even the most opinionated of wine sippers.
Penelope - J Bookwalter’s “Readers” Merlot
J Bookwalter, based out of Washington, has a literary theme through his entire brand that also translates from the glass into philanthropic efforts in promoting literacy and the proliferation of more “gentle readers.” The 2019 “Readers” Merlot is bold and elegant, similar to how Penelope became a flourishing businesswoman by assuming the “Pen” name Lady Whistledown. Often underestimated, Merlot has the ability to become a complex and refined wine, as seen in this Merlot, with layers of blackberry, black plum, and juicy cherry flavors. Like Penelope and her alias Lady Whistledown, this wine proves to be more than meets the eye as the fruit flavors are enhanced by savory highlights and sweetly spiced oak. More than just a wallflower, Penelope’s wit and intelligence is surprising to most, but not astute gentle sippers.
Colin Bridgerton - Meadowcroft Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Meadowcroft Winery’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is one of the many wines that Tom Meadowcroft and his team produce, though there may not be in alphabetical order, each of Meadowcroft’s wines have their own style and personality. Like Colin, Pinot Noir has traveled far and wide, known as an international variety, many have tried to cultivate Pinot Noir, but it only thrives in the most ideal conditions, and has found a new home in the Russian River Valley. Colin is as charming and adventurous as this Pinot Noir with aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, and black cherry. Its layered palate features cherry cola, ripe dark cherries, and fresh raspberry and lively acidity make it a perfect partner for a variety of foods and quite a social bee. Colin is a friendly and sociable person, who has found his own way and purpose, while still maintaining his charming, sociable, and friendly personality.
Eloise Bridgerton - Il Trullo Primitivo
A wine that matches the tenacity and brazen nature of Eloise Bridgerton can be found in the Il Trullo Primitivo from the Puglia region in Southern Italy. As someone who looks to defy social norms and desires something beyond the ordinary, this Italian Primitivo is set to surprise and delight. Primitivo, thought to be an identical twin to the more commonly recognized Zinfandel, came from Croatia and was thought to be a common table wine, however under the right climate and through the guidance of local winemakers has found a home in Southern Italy. Like Eloise, Primitvo, may not suit everyone’s palate - while it has notes of black fruit and savory herbs, it is complemented by earth, leather, and a streak of acidity. For those more familiar with California Zinfandel, this a complex and intriguing version, not unlike Eloise. A wine that matches the vivacity of Eloise and echoes her sharp wit is bound to be popular with like minds, you must make haste.
Francesca Bridgerton - Bele Casel’s Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore
Queen Charlotte has named Miss Francesca Bridgerton this season’s sparkler, and equally sparkling is Bele Casel’s Asolo Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore. Aromas of golden apple, pear, and wisteria captivate, as many Bridgertons do. Prosecco, sparkles like a Champage, but is more subtle and reserved, without sparing elegance. Bele Casel’s Extra Dry Prosecco still stands out from others Proseccos due to it’s location - Asolo - and its complexity and depth. Bele Casel’s Prosecco is a delicate balance of fruit and acidity. Like Francesca’s quiet strength and elegance, this Prosecco is a refined sip that offers a perfect harmony of flavors.
Queen Charlotte - Terroir Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Opulent and luxurious, Terroir Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine fit for the commanding Queen Charlotte. To match Queen Charlotte’s strong personality and flair for the dramatic, Terroir Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon can hold its own. Queen Charlotte’s love for the grandeur and extravagance is embodied by this Cabernet Sauvginon’s succulent aromas of ripe blackberry and currant to the nuanced palate of dark cherry, deep plum, and mocha. Much loved at parties, this Cabernet Sauvignon is complex, its flavors deep, and has a strong character to rival that of Queen Charlotte.