Sipping on Nostalgia: Wine, Vibes, and the Perfect Soundtrack
Note: This blog post is inspired by my WSET 1 Module 2: Types and Styles of Wine & Module 3: Tasting.
Types and Styles of Wine: A Love Language of Grapes
Wine is like music—there’s a style for every vibe, and the best ones tell a story. Just like Beyoncé gives us soul, Drake delivers a vibe, and Lauryn Hill serves timeless truth, wine speaks in flavors, aromas, and textures that match any mood. Whether you’re in your ‘Renaissance’ era or feeling ‘Take Care’ levels of introspection, there’s a bottle for that.
The Classics: Red, White, and Rosé
Before we dive into the deep cuts, let’s start with the headliners.
Red Wines: The Bold and the Beautiful
Red wine is that rich, complex friend who’s been through some things and always has wisdom to share. These wines get their color from grape skins left to ferment with the juice, creating depth, structure, and tannins (that dry-mouth feeling).
Cabernet Sauvignon – The Jay-Z of wine. Big, bold, and a legend in its own right. Notes of dark fruits, tobacco, and spice.
Pinot Noir – Light yet layered, like an acoustic set by Lauryn Hill. Smooth with red fruit flavors and earthy undertones.
Malbec – A little mysterious, a little smoky, like a track from The Weeknd. Plum, chocolate, and black pepper vibes.
White Wines: Crisp, Bright, and Refreshing
If reds are the old souls, white wines are the fresh perspectives that keep life interesting.
Sauvignon Blanc – Zesty and energetic, like an early 2000s Neptunes-produced beat. Think citrus, green apple, and grass.
Chardonnay – The versatile queen. Oaked? Buttery and full, like a slow jam. Unoaked? Crisp and vibrant, like an upbeat bop.
Riesling – A chameleon that can be dry or sweet. Refreshing like a surprise Beyoncé drop.
Rosé: The Ultimate Day Party Wine
Rosé is that friend who’s down for bottomless brunch, festival season, and poolside lounging. It’s made by briefly letting red grape skins mingle with the juice, giving it that signature pink glow. Flavors range from strawberries and citrus to watermelon and herbs. It’s the Cuff It of wines—lighthearted but still carrying weight.
Sparkling Wine: Pop, Fizz, Clink!
Whether it’s Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, sparkling wines are the hype tracks of the wine world. They elevate any moment with their effervescence and range from dry to sweet. Think of it as the ‘Drunk in Love’ of beverages—always a celebration.
Dessert Wines: The Sweet Serenades
From Port to Moscato, these wines are the grand finales, the encore, the slow jam you didn’t know you needed.
Tasting Wine Like a Millennial Sommelier
Now that you know the types, let’s get into the experience. Tasting wine isn’t just about drinking—it’s about understanding its personality, just like you’d analyze a Drake lyric.
Step 1: See It
Hold your glass up to the light and check out the color. Red wines deepen with age, while white wines tend to darken. If it’s cloudy, it might be unfiltered, which just means it’s keeping things natural—like an unplugged set at a tiny venue.
Step 2: Swirl and Sniff
Give it a little swirl (not a shake, you’re not making a cocktail). This releases the aromas. Stick your nose in there and take a deep whiff. Is it fruity, floral, oaky, or spicy? Like picking up on the production details in a song—this tells you what’s coming next.
Step 3: Sip and Savor
Take a small sip, let it sit on your tongue, and then breathe in a little air. This wakes up the flavors. Pay attention to:
Acidity – That zippy, refreshing feeling. Think lemonade.
Tannins – That slight bitterness or dryness in reds.
Body – Is it light (like a summer jam) or full (like a deep-cut ballad)?
Finish – Does the flavor linger like a track you keep on repeat?
Step 4: Pair It Up
A great wine pairing is like a perfect feature on a track—it just makes everything better. Here’s a quick guide:
Cabernet Sauvignon + Steak – A timeless collab like Kendrick and J. Cole (if it ever happens).
Chardonnay + Buttery Lobster – Classic luxury, like a Sade track.
Sauvignon Blanc + Goat Cheese – A zesty, fresh duo, like a Missy Elliott production.
Rosé + Charcuterie – The ultimate group track—everyone shines.
Step 5: Talk About It
No gatekeeping here. Wine should be accessible and fun. Instead of stressing over “proper” terminology, describe what you taste in your own way. If a Merlot reminds you of a deep bass line, say that. If a Chardonnay feels like sunshine in a glass, own it.
Final Sip: Drink What You Like
At the end of the day, wine is an experience, not a test. Whether you’re popping bottles of Champagne to celebrate or sipping on Pinot Noir while reflecting on life choices, there’s a wine for every moment.
And speaking of moments—let’s talk about Nokia by Drake. This song is more than just a track; it’s a whole memory. A summer of 2017 throwback when life was just pool parties, carefree nights, and my short bob cutting through the breeze like I was the main character. And the perfect drink to match that energy? A chilled glass of Chardonnay, effortlessly smooth, full of nostalgia, and just the right amount of fun. That’s why it’s going to be playing at my wedding—because some songs, like some wines, aren’t just drinks or melodies. They’re time machines.
So explore, experiment, and most importantly—enjoy. Because just like a perfectly crafted playlist, your wine journey should be filled with bangers, deep cuts, and a few surprise discoveries along the way. Cheers to that!
