Wines and Signs
photo by Daniel Vogel via Unsplash
What’s your wine? The answer might be written in the stars.
Is there a wine that perfectly describes your sign? Zodiac sign, that is.
The Zodiac consists of 12 signs that correspond to constellations that occupy star-studded real estate in the sky. According to astrological history, it is believed that each of the 12 signs represents different human traits that connect your spiritual being to the universe based on how the sun, planets, and stars align on your birthday.
Each astrological sign is divided into one of the four element categories: earth, air, fire, water—elements that are crucial for human life. Further defining why you are the way you are (according to the zodiac, anyway) each sign has a ruling planet that bestows upon you more individual idiosyncrasies. Far out, right?
Whatever your stance is on the zodiac, this wine-o-scope is aimed to help you find a suitable wine designed by your sign.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Ruling Planet: Mars Symbol: Ram Element: Fire
Characteristics: leadership, courage, honesty
Compatible Wine: Semeli Mantinia Moschofilero 2019
Mantinia, Greece ($16)
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and begins at the spring solstice where grapevines gradually awaken and ignite hope and ambition for the growing season. The Greeks, like Aries, are natural-born leaders and when it comes to viticulture and astronomy have it fine-tuned. This flinty and floral moschofilero from the Peloponnese peninsula radiates with a pure, fiery passion that will arm you like the Greek warrior, Aries.
Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)
Ruling Planet: Venus Symbol: The Bull Element: Earth
Characteristics: trustworthy, practical, musical
Compatible Wine: Mission Hill Family Estate Prospectus Pinot Noir 2016
Okanagan Valley, BC, Canada ($40)
(Double Gold Medal, Pacific Northwest Pinot Noir, NY International Wine Competition 2019)
Pinot Noir, like Taurus, may be a bit stubborn. Although, when cared for lovingly it’s nothing short of poetic and has become a reliable go-to for those seeking light and seductive wines. Mission Hill’s Prospectus (meaning “to look forward” in Latin) aims to craft wines with integrity and attention to detail. Just great wine with no bull!
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Ruling Planet: Mercury Symbol: The Twins Element: Air
Characteristics: dynamic, adaptable, sociable
Compatible Wine: Yalumba Signature Cabernet Shiraz Blend 2015
Barossa Valley, SA, Australia ($65)
Yalumba can easily dominate any conversation about Australian wine, especially when it comes to their cab sauv and shiraz Signature blend. The two grapes, like Gemini, possess adaptable qualities that make them successful in any situation—a nod to being some of the most cultivated grapes in the world. The twin-like grapes offer both spice and power and are often blended together in Australia and are well-suited to be dressed up or down.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Ruling Planet: Moon Symbol: The Crab Element: Water
Characteristics: nurturing, mysterious, sensitive
Compatible Wine: François Chidaine Brut Nature 2017
Montlouis-Sur-Loire, France ($28)
Ruled by the moon, The Crab can be quite peculiar and withdrawn sometimes. Biodynamics, a series of winemaking strategies also governed by the moon, adheres to creating a respectable marriage between the lunar cycle and earth. France’s Loire Valley is just one epicenter of the practice. This Demeter-certified, outgoing, 100% chenin blanc sparkling is ideal for any crab ready to come out of its shell.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Ruling Planet: Sun Symbol: Lion Element: Fire
Characteristics: theatrical, strong, proud
Compatible Wine: Rocca di Frassinello Poggio alla Guardia Rosso 2016
Tuscany, Italy ($20)
The Lion is bold, strong-willed, and eager, like the trailblazing Super Tuscan wines of Italy.
The “Super Tuscan” craze began in the 1970s and is still coming to the thirsty consumer’s rescue today. This approachable super hero of a wine is a traditional French/Italian blend of merlot, cab sauv, and sangio that keeps you roarin’ and soarin’ to the very last drop.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Ruling Planet: Mercury Symbol: The Virgin Element: Earth
Characteristics: stoic, reasonable, systematic
Compatible Wine: Rose Rock Chardonnay 2017
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon ($30)
This chardonnay is in the virgin territory being made in Oregon’s pinot noir land, which makes it an ideal pick for Virgo who likes to try new things. This celestial white from the famed Drouhin family stands out from the crowd with its elegance and precision. With a little bit of oaky-toastiness, it is an appropriate segue from summer to fall.
photo courtesy Lievland Vineyards
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Ruling Planet: Venus Symbol: The Scales Element: Air
Characteristics: charming, judicious, selfless
Compatible Wine: Gut Oggau Timotheus White Blend 2017
Burgenland, Austria ($50)
The ever-enchanting Venus watches over Libra, who enjoys a well-balanced life full of imagination. Austrian natural wine producer, Gut Oggau, knows a thing or two about creativity in that all of their wine labels feature a member of the family whose personality describes that wine. In this case, Timotheus, named after one of the older males in the family, is a pale orange blend of Grüner Veltliner and Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) that successfully balances the scales in the favor of us, the wine drinker.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Ruling Planet: Pluto, Mars Symbol: The Scorpion Element: Water
Characteristics: Brave, intuitive, assertive
Compatible Wine: Buttonwood Grove Winery Cabernet Franc 2017
Finger Lakes, NY ($20)
(Gold Medal, 2020 Berlin International Wine Competition)
This water sign rushes into the world with intense fearlessness and passion. The same can be said about the hardworking folks in New York’s Finger Lakes region where year after year their determination to showcase their remarkable wines proves successful. Buttonwood Grove’s Cab Franc keeps the tradition alive with its seductive spice and assertive red fruit.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Ruling Planet: Jupiter Symbol: The Archer Element: Fire
Characteristics: optimistic, funny, audacious
Compatible Wine: Steele Shooting Star Zinfandel 2017
Lake County, California ($15)
The archer shoots for the stars and enjoys the ride. This adventure-seeking sign will enjoy taking aim at this Cali Zin, which is a thrill all its own. The wine is a bit lighter than expected for zin, but delivers an intoxicating allure of wild blackberry and raspberry notes with a touch of vanilla. Exactly the ferocious ride The Archer craves.
photo by Andrew McFetridge
Capricorn (December 22nd - January 19)
Ruling Planet: Saturn Symbol: The Goat Element: Earth
Characteristics: traditional, genuine, hardworking
Compatible Wine: Graham’s 10-year-old Tawny
Douro, Portugal ($30)
The diligent craftsmanship of the sweet fortified nectar known as “Port” goes back hundreds of years and is still made the same way. Well, a bit more alcohol is added today than when the 17th Century monks of Lamego were at the helm. But, the tradition of barrel and bottle aging and,yes, the foot-and-grape stomping, are all still alive and well—and tradition makes Capricorns thrive.
Aquarius (January 20th - February 18th)
Ruling Planet: Uranus Symbol: The Water Bearer Element: Air
Characteristics: innovative, progressive, independent
Compatible Wine: Lievland Pinotage 2017
Paarl, South Africa ($15)
Today is the dawning age of pinotage, a grape that is recovering from its unsavory past and morphing into one of the most bang-for-your-buck wines available—traits that appeal to forward-thinking Aquariae. The solely South African grape is a cross between pinot noir and cinsault and was created by the inventive mind of Dr. Abraham Perold. Lievland’s bush vine pinotage is a luxurious mix of violets and pomegranate stemming from a successful vintage. Progress, indeed!
photo by Fabio Sasso via Unsplash
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Ruling Planet: Neptune Symbol: The Fish Element: Water
Characteristics: emotional, romantic, creative
Compatible Wine: Mercer Estates Spice Cabinet Rosé 2017
Horse Heaven Hills, Washington ($15)
(Horse Heaven Hills Winery of The Year, NYIWC, 2019)
Meaningful and deep conversations come naturally to The Fish. Pisces are an imaginative bunch and get along swimmingly with like-minded folks. Rosé also has a way of bringing people together, especially when it makes a splash like Mercer Estates easy-breezy grenache rosé. It may even have you drinking like a fish.