The Book
The Sound of Waves is a 1954 novel by the Japanese author Yukio Mishima. It is a coming-of-age story of the protagonist Shinji and his romance with Hatsue, the beautiful daughter of the wealthy ship owner Terukichi. This timeless story of love follows Shinji and Hatsue as they endure the calumny and gossip of the villagers as their love blossoms. For this book, Mishima was awarded the Shincho Prize from Shinchosha Publishing in 1954.
The Wine
As we read a classic story of love in Mishima’s The Sound of Waves, it only makes sense to pair this month’s novel with classic wine blends. Like two partners in love, when the right grapes join together, they truly balance each other out to make for a delectable combination. While many grapes can be blended together for a delicious outcome, we will focus this month’s selection on blends that are so perfect, winemakers cannot help but make them again and again.
Our first offering is Bow & Arrow Wines‘ Rhinestones, which is a blend inspired by a Loire Valley classic of Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes. I make no joke when I say that this blend from this winery is the wine that got me into wine. As the weather warms up, do not hesitate to give this beauty a slight chill and pair it with some carnitas tacos or lamb kabobs.
Next up is champagne from J. Lassalle! We have not featured champagne since our first meeting, and I felt that we were overdue for some bubbles. Also, our April meeting falls on my birthday, and I always celebrate with a glass of champagne. This lovely Cachet Or is the right price if you are looking for a solid go-to champagne that won’t break the bank. Pop this sucker with a piece of grilled white fish…or nothing; champagne needs no accompaniment.
Lastly, we have a blend inspired by the traditional Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre from Roark Wine Company. Winemaker, Ryan Roark, decided to have a little fun with this classic, and instead of the expected “GSM” shorthand, he has given us his lighthearted interpretation: “MSG.” You have got to love a winemaker with a sense of humor! Enjoy this bodacious 2019 red blend with your favorite charcuterie board staples and have yourself a fancy picnic.
*No monosodium glutamate was used in the production of this wine!*
$ Bow & Arrow Wines | Rhinestones | 2019
(Cheverny; Gamay & Pinot Noir blend)
$$ J. Lassalle | Brut Réserve “Cachet Or” | NV
(Champagne blend)
$$$ Roark Wine Company | MSG | 2019
(Mourvedre, Syrah, Grenache blend)
Free to join and open to all!
About Reading Cru
What do we read?
Our club curator selects a range of literature, both fiction and nonfiction
What do we drink?
Three suggested wines that pair with the book based on themes and flavors.
What & where do we meet?
Join us virtually the last Sunday of each month at 5pm via Zoom or Google Meet.
