Wine and Mother’s Day do mix. A larger percentage of women prefer wine over beer or spirits than do men. Something to think about, guys, when plotting how to pay homage to your mom or the mother of your children this Sunday.
A word of caution. Among some men, there is a chauvinistic stereotype that women prefer daintier, sweeter wines while manly men prefer bold, brawny reds. Wrong. Both sexes enjoy wine across the spectrum. You should already know what your mother and/or your wife enjoy in wine, but if you don’t, ask for directions. I know that is hard. Do it anyway.
Mother’s Day does act as a portal into the season for lighter wines—whites and rosés—but that is function of temperature rather than temperament. Because white wines typically go to market the year after vintage—no need to languish in barrel like those red dudes do—they are perfect for warmer weather, fresh, usually crisp, with exciting fruit. The fact they go from vineyard to store much faster also makes them less expensive without sacrificing quality.
The classic Mother’s Day pairing is roses and rosés. Toss in some chocolate and you’ve got this gift gig knocked whether you are a daughter, son, or husband.
Can’t fail: ask mom what she likes, buy a quality bottle of it, pair with meal, salad, cheese of her choice that you prepare, clear the table, do the dishes, give her a kiss.
Tasting notes:
• Bervini 1955 Rosé Spumante Extra Dry: Tartness and tang marry with strawberry and pear; interesting bottle, interesting copper-rosé color. $17-19 Link to my tasting notes
• Adriano Adami Bosco di Gica Brut, Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG NV: Light body, crisp, easy drinker with whisper of honey. $18-20 Link to my tasting notes
• The Hess Collection Estate Grown Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015: Nicely complex, delicious, and elegant. $18-22 Link to my tasting notes
• Left Coast Cellars Truffle Hill Chardonnay 2016: Soft, creamy, delicious expression of chardonnay with nice complexity. $18-24 Link to my tasting notes
• Stags’ Leap Chardonnay Napa Valley 2016: Superb expression of food-friendly Napa chardonnay. $24-30 Link to my tasting notes
• Laetitia Brut Rosé Arroyo Grande Valley 2015: Pleases both eye and palate. Extremely fresh and lively. $28-36 Link to my tasting notes
• Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut Champagne NV: World-class Champagne mom should sip during her life’s journey into wine. $50 Link to my tasting notes
Last round: Don’t forget to buy wine for your mother on Mother’s Day. After all, you are one of the reasons she drinks.
Email Gus at wine@cwadv.com. Facebook: Gus Clemens on Wine. Twitter: @gusclemens. Website: gusclemensonwine.com.