Sommelier Playlist: Wines to Celebrate Mariah’s 50th “Anniversary”

via shutterstock

Singing the praises of extraordinary wines to pair with Mariah Carey’s greatest hits for her 50th

Let’s take a moment and get one thing straight: there’s no other voice like Ms. Mariah Carey’s. We are in a time of uncertainty and now more than ever we need a hero—along with great wine, of course! As an artist, and most importantly, a person, Mariah has made it through the rain on many occasions by sharing life’s struggles in her music.  Mariah started 2020 by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (she writes and produces much of her music) and this month she reaches another milestone, turning 50.

Mimi (as she refers to herself) has proclaimed that she “doesn’t acknowledge time”. She says instead, “I don’t celebrate birthdays, but anniversaries, because I celebrate life darling!” And that’s just what we are going to do—celebrate life with friends, family, good music, and amazing wine. It’s the Mariah thing to do. 

Born on Long Island March 27, 1970, to a black father and white mother, Mariah (named after the song They Call the Wind Maria, 1951, pronounced “Mariah”) has claimed singing helped her through a difficult childhood, one that she references throughout her career. As a teenager, she escaped to New York City to record demo tapes, determined to be a star. In the late 1980s, those tapes finally got in the hands of record executive Tommy Mottola (and future first ex-husband) and, well, they rest the say is her-story. 

Mimi has struck a chord with audiences on and off the stage through many successful albums and accolades, including the Billboard Icon Award in 2019 and an astounding 19 No. 1 singles. Aside from that ear-piercing high note (imagine a high acid wine on your palate)  and philanthropy (Camp Mariah, Fresh Air Fund, to name a few), Ms. Carey has piqued interest with her quirky, diva-licious personality (she wears gowns to the playground with her two kids, y’all!) as well as her love for red wine, Champagne, and Christmas.

In honor of 50 years of Mariah, this edition of Sommelier’s Playlist harmonizes some favorite bottles with Mariah’s greatest hits, fan favorites, and other medleys that sing to us. Whatever the moment, we are here to celebrate 50 “anniversaries” with you, Mariah, including all the ups, downs, and wine splatters in between.

Happy anniversary and cheers, darling. 

Inspirational Moments

“Hero” (Music Box, 1993) with Macari Vineyards Dos Aguas Merlot blend 2016

North Fork of Long Island, New York ($35)

Louise Lyshoj via Unsplash

Hold on, there will be tomorrow. “Hero” is a Mariah staple and one of her most-performed songs. The lyrics inspire to search for the inner strength to face tomorrow in times of despair. The vino hero here is Macari Vineyards Dos Aguas and has inspiring notes of its own. Macari Vineyards is on Mariah’s home turf of Long Island and is one of the unsung heroes of New York state wine and is a pioneer of biodynamics in the area. Supple red fruit with some oak spice, the Dos Aguas has the strength to carry on for years, but we’d like a glass now.

Incidentally, March 28th is “Open That Bottle of Local Wine Night” - a celebration of local wines and ciders as we enter the virtual happy hour age. Macari Vineyards is one of many taking part for NY state. More info here. #openlocalwine

“When You Believe” (duet with Whitney Houston from The Prince of Egypt, 1998) with Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2017

Napa, CA ($52)

Miracles can happen. That’s certainly the case when we talk about Chateau Montelena chardonnay. The (at the time) unknown wines of California were pitted against the best French chardonnays and cabernets at the historical 1976 blind tasting competition, The Judgement of Paris. As the fates were feeling mighty ballsy that day, California wines took first prize in both categories. Chateau Montelena’s chardonnay would go on to be a part of the Cinderella story of California wine. 

“Through The Rain” (Charmbracelet, 2002) with Moët and Chandon 150th Anniversary Edition

Champagne, France ($45)

2001 was not a great year for most Americans, even Mariah. Her highly publicized film debut Glitter (and its soundtrack) was a disaster, following months of bizarre TV appearances—remember that episode of “Total Request Live”? All of this lead to a very publicized public breakdown in the summer of 2001. People thought she was over. The following year, fierce determination, rest, and writing were the ingredients to come back swingin’-n- singin’. Times may get tough, but a splash (or two) of Champagne always helps. 

“Make It Happen” (Emotions, 1991) with Poema NV Brut Rosé

Catalonia, Spain ($15)

When you want something, you work hard to get it. This empowering number was written during a time when youngster Mariah was sleeping on a bare mattress and struggling to find money to eat in 1980s New York City. That perseverance is matched with that of cava, the sparkling wine of Spain. The DO Cava is now going through its own evolution, trying to further establish itself as a quality-minded sparkling wine while still remaining affordable. Poema’s grapefruity, crisp trepat rosé made it happen at the 2019 New York International Wine Competition, where it was awarded a Double Gold Medal. 

“The Roof” (Butterfly, 1997) with Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Napa, CA ($80)

We all have our favorites. Butterfly has often been considered Mariah’s magnum opus and her own personal favorite album as it was a turning point both personally and professionally. A sexier and single Mariah emerged with a new sound that was more R&B than pop. This hidden gem (and a fan favorite) throws it back to classic 1980s hip hop, with sultry lyrics mixed in—raising, well, the roof of fan expectation. The 2014 Caymus Cabernet is one of Mariah’s favorites as she once mentioned on Twitter, but 2018 is also great,  as it was also a favorable vintage.

Other splashes and hits

“We Belong Together” (The Emancipation of MiMi, 2005) with Charles Mignon Brut Premium Reserve NV

Champagne, France ($34)

You didn’t think we’d only have one Champagne on this list, did you? Mariah, Champagne, and any great wine list, well, belong together. This approachable bottling of traditional Champagne grapes will be singing to you until the sun comes up with its toasty apple pie notes. It was a big hit at the 2019 Berlin International Wine Competition, winning a Double Gold medal. 

“Vision of Love”  (Mariah Carey, 1990) with Hosmer Winery Cabernet Franc 2018

Finger Lakes, NY  ($17) 

If you’ve ever had a cabernet franc from New York state you may be envisioning your love of wine a bit more clearly—and perhaps, differently. The Bordeaux grape thrives in the Finger Lakes and is one of the most planted red grapes in the state. Hosmer Winery planted its vines in 1972 near Cayuga Lake and debuted its first vintage in 1985, which was a couple of years before Mariah’s own debut with this Grammy-winning song. Hosmer is a winner too, taking Silver for North American Cabernet Franc at the 2018 New York International Wine Competition. 

“Emotions” (Emotions, 1991) with McGuigan The Shortlist Riesling 2013

Eden Valley, Australia ($20) 

screen grab from Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Mariah has us feeling high E notes ( a.k.a. “The Whistle Register”) in this spunky early-90s feel-good song. Not many singers are able to reach for those sky-high notes (successfully, anyway) and not many wine’s natural acids flirt with that elevated range, either—except for riesling. Australian rieslings, especially from Eden Valley, are known for that palate-piercing acid and The Shortlist riesling has us feeling good and flying high. It was a Silver Medal Winner at the New York International Wine Competition in 2018.

“Loverboy” (Glitter Soundtrack, 2001) with Dominio Fournier Reserva 2014

Ribera Del Duero, Spain ($40)

Dominio Fournier winemaker Marian Santamaria says: “When you love what you do, the end result is worth it.” And that even applies here, since “Loverboy” (from the box-office flop Glitter) enjoyed some delayed success, but finally peaked at #1 on the iTunes charts 17 years after its release. Fournier crafts wines from Ribera Del Duero that are thoughtful, thorough and full of warmth. This 2014 Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) bottling is seductive and flirtatious, sprouting mature aromas of vanilla, balsamic, and lush red fruits. Perfect for an innocent rendezvous. 

“Obsessed” (Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, 2009)  with Ruffino Tenuta Santedame Chianti Classico 2016

Tuscany, Italy ($24)

There are two types of Chianti drinkers: those who enjoy it on occasion and those that are obsessed. Tuscany cornerstone Ruffino converts the skeptics to fanatics with this vivacious rosso from the 2016 vintage, which was an extraordinary year for Tuscany. Silky red fruit with a bouquet of wild herbs straddles the line between elegance and rusticity. This has us all fired up, and answering our own question of why we are so obsessed.