Forget food and wine pairing for the moment. Right now it’s time to find the perfect wine partner for the vacation books many of us are enjoying this summer. Whether it’s chic-lit, beach books, thrillers, or more serious reads, settling down with a good book and equally good glass of wine can be both wonderfully stimulating and absolutely relaxing. Want to try matching the wine to the book? Here is a handful of examples to get you started. Well, ok, yes, the concept is slightly tongue-in-cheek, but the books and wines, together or on their own, are all legitimate recommendations.
Dreaming of Italy but can’t get there this summer? Escape to Venice via one of Donna Leon’s wonderful Inspector Guido Brunetti stories. Pour yourself some Prosecco as you join Brunetti in any one of his deliciously recounted meals. In this one (from “Dressed for Death”) he pops the cork on a bottle of fizz while his wife, Paola, “…took some basil leaves, rinsed them under cold water for a moment and chopped them into tiny pieces. She sprinkled them on top of the tomato and mozzarella, added salt, and then poured olive oil generously over the top of everything.” We aren’t told what brand of Prosecco the Brunettis are drinking, but you might try something delicate and creamy, such as Bortolomio’s Brut ($27), or Adami’s somewhat lusher Garbel Brut ($15).
If you’re looking for something a little more, well, noir, you might try Stephen King’s collection of short stories, “Full Dark, No Stars,” now out in paperback. Of course you’ll want to pair it with Pinot Noir, specifically Mr. Noir, from Australia’s irreverent Marauding Vintners. If the award-winning label isn’t enough to make you grab a bottle of this wine, the $10 pricetag may persuade you.
Arturo Perez-Revertez fans, such as myself, can rejoice knowing that a new book is just out in translation. The sixth and last in his Captain Diego Alatriste series, “Pirates of the Levant” is bound to be another wonderful 17th century seafaring romp, with the impeccable historic accuracy for which this terrific Spanish author is known. You’ll need a big, gripping Spanish red to set the mood for what promises to be a swashbuckling adventure filled with blood, grit and romance. I’ll bet you’ll like the wild and succulent “Clos Martinet”, from Mas Martinet in Catalonia. At $55 it may seem pricey, but one sip and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered liquid pirate’s treasure.
What—you haven’t read any of the Steig Larsson books yet? Quick, get yourself a copy of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and start reading. Once you’re hooked, see if you can somehow, somewhere, find a bottle of Sav. I haven’t tried it yet myself and don’t know anything about its cost, but I’m itching for a taste of this lightly sparkling Swedish wine that’s based on birch sap. It sounds intriguingly tasty as well as the perfect companion for a Scandinavian page-turner.
NPR has compiled a list of the 100 Best Beach Books ever, ranging from the number 1 “Harry Potter” series, to Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” number 100. Choose a book from that list, slip your feet into your flip-flops, and don’t forget to pack the sunblock and a bottle of fruity FlipFlop Pinot Grigio ($7). Once you’ve staked out your spot on the sand, fill your glass and settle back to enjoy the read.
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