Skip to main content

The World Cup of Wines

By Matt Domino Jun 11, 2014 12:00 PM

The World Cup starts tomorrow! Whether you are swept up in the United States’ chances in the Group of Death without Landon Donovan, Brazil taking home the trophy as the host nation, or catching some of the magic of Argentina’s Lionel Messi, it’s a time to celebrate.

Since this is the World Cup after all, we’ve picked five wines from around the globe that you should have on hand over the next month while you watch as the champion of the “World’s Game” is crowned.

Recommended Videos

First, there is the Tenuta Frescobaldi di Catiglioni from Italy. The Italians are always a favorite in the World Cup and this 2010 blended Tuscan red wine is a favorite of ours. With its ruby red color, rich notes of cherry, currant, strawberry and blueberry, and hints of spice, this is the perfect wine for the passionate fan.

The reigning World Cup champions are from Spain, a country that is no slouch, and perhaps slightly underrated when it comes to wine consideration, and the Naiades, D.O. Rueda is no exception. We’ve already paired this wine, with its sweetness and touch of minerality on the finish, alongside a fish dinner and needless to say, there were no regrets.

Portugal’s top player, Cristiano Ronaldo has fought through a leg injury to represent his team in the world’s most famous tournament. If you feel for the guy (though with his looks and his bank roll it’s hard to feel bad for Ronaldo), pick up a bottle of 2009 Sino da Romaneira, a light, floral red wine from the Douro region of Portugal.

Finally, when you think of Argentina, you think of healthy portions of steak with chimichurri, and most likely you think of the best soccer player on the planet: Lionel Messi. The Argentineans are poised to make another deep run in the World Cup behind La Pulga (“the Flea”). If you’re behind the Argentines, then you’ll be opening up a bottle of Cultivate’s “The Gambler” Malbec from 2011. While Malbecs aren’t known for their “nimbleness” like Messi, The Gambler is an approachable Malbec with a strong backbone and aromatic notes of eucalyptus and tobacco leaf. Trust us, you’ll enjoy it.

All you have to do is uncork a few bottles and enjoy the games. Just make sure to brush your teeth periodically. Nobody likes wino mouth.

Matt Domino is a writer living in Brooklyn. His fiction has appeared in Slice and The Montreal Review, while his non-fiction… Read Full Bio

Topics

Liquor, Beer, Wine & Drinks

New tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels celebrates two UNESCO-recognized Mexican traditions

Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor

A new limited-edition tequila is bringing together two of Mexico’s most celebrated cultural traditions in a single bottle. Reserva de la Familia, the luxury tequila brand from Jose Cuervo, has unveiled Private Cask Collection Edition No. 2: Mole Cask, the first tequila finished in mole-seasoned barrels.

The release highlights the deep connection between Mexico’s culinary and distilling heritage. The tequila begins its journey in the agave fields surrounding Tequila, Jalisco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its historic agave landscape and tequila production. It is then finished in barrels seasoned with mole, one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes and part of the country’s UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of traditional cuisine.

Old Overholt’s newest cask-strength rye is its boldest yet

Alcohol, Liquor, Whiskey

Old Overholt, the rye whiskey brand owned by Beam Suntory, just released the 2026 edition of its Extra Aged Cask Strength rye — and it’s the strongest bottle the series has ever put out.

This is the fourth annual release in the Extra Aged Cask Strength line, an offshoot Old Overholt started a few years back to showcase its rye at full cask strength.

JetBlue unveils new Mint menus from Crown Shy and Birdee

JetBlue

Love flying JetBlue? JetBlue just unveiled the first menus from its newest Mint® culinary partners – Crown Shy and Birdee – available online now and across select domestic and transatlantic Mint routes starting now. Developed in collaboration with Kent Hospitality Group, the new menus from New York City eateries Crown Shy and Birdee build on JetBlue’s distinctive approach to hospitality, this new collab brings new flavors on board. JetBlue is known for its premium Mint experience, feartuing an award-winning business class that features lie-flat seats & suites, exclusive perks & amenities, and of course, premium dining paired with complimentary drinks. This new collab will bring new flavors of New York’s favorite restaurants on board.

“The best part of any new Mint menu is seeing it come to life onboard,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president of marketing and brand, JetBlue. “Our teams worked closely with the talented chefs at Crown Shy and Birdee to thoughtfully adapt their dishes for the onboard experience. We’re excited for customers to enjoy menus that bring two of New York’s most exciting restaurants to their next Mint flight.”