Dearest Gentle Reader,
Benedict Bridgerton is the mystery we can’t quite seem to figure out this season. One moment he is intent on finding his wife and the next he has disappeared. While we are rooting for him and Sophie, what will this mean for his social status? There are so many questions left unanswered, and we are dying for part two to be released. In our opinion, a good social season requires some good bottles of wine. Lady Whistledown (or should we say Lady Winedown) has rounded up her favorite wines for the Bridgerton social season.
The Presentation at Court
The presentation at court in front of Queen Charlotte is extremely important for the start of any season on the marriage mart. It is your society debut and your chance to make the best first impression. This calls for a fun aperitif wine to kick it off. It needs to be unforgettable, unique, and oh so delicious! The perfect wine for this occasion is the Alta Vista Brut Blanc de Blancs. This wine combines Alta Vista’s French sparkling wine heritage with Argentina’s unique terroir. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this bubbly has elegant bubbles with notes of pineapple and peach. The perfect unique bottle that Queen Charlotte won’t forget!
The Ton
Short for the French phrase le bon ton, which means “good manners” or “good style”, the ton refers to the upper crust of society. They are the fashionable high society of Regency-era London. It encompasses the elite group of aristocrats and wealthy families who dominate the social scene that includes dukes, viscounts, debutantes, etc.
The wine of the ton calls for something that is fun, delicious, and trendy, but still polished and elegant. The AIX Rosé is made in the heart of Provence and is a hypnotizing salmon pink color. It has notes of strawberry, watermelon, peach, and subtle floral hints. This wine is truly a crowd-pleaser that is hard to resist.
The Diamond of the Season
This is the title every young woman dreams of. Being named the Diamond of the Season is a tremendous honor and signals you are the most coveted choice on the marriage mart. The Diamond embodies elegance, luxury, and unforgettable charm.
For us, the true Diamond of the Season is Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Grands Crus Blanc de Blancs. Crafted entirely from Chardonnay and sourced from the top vineyards of the prestigious Côte des Blancs, it represents the ultimate expression of the Taittinger style. Powerful yet refined, this expressive and complex Champagne reveals notes of citrus fruits, lime, blossom, and caramelized grapefruit, with a long, rich finish that hints at sweet licorice. It is a wine that dazzles in every glass and is certain to impress the ton.
The Ball at Bridgerton House
The Bridgerton’s are a prominent family, and their multiple children have dominated the social scene. Every social season, the Bridgerton family hosts an elegant, exclusive ball. This requires a wine that is refined yet a delicious crowd-pleaser.
The perfect wine for a Bridgerton Ball is the Chateau la Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes-du-Rhône Villages. Wine grapes have grown at the estate since the 1500s, making it one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With such a rich history, it is the perfect regal wine for a ball. The wine is a blend of organic Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes grown on 40+ year old vines. It dances on your tongue with notes of red berries, fresh plum, and wild herbs. It is elegantly supple, and the tannins are polished. An exquisite choice for any Bridgerton ball.
Garden Promenades
During the social season, the ton gathers in gorgeous gardens around London to chat with the hot prospects on the marriage mart. It is another chance to find your love without the intense pressure of a ball. A beautiful sunny day in the garden calls for an aromatic, lively white wine. The perfect pairing to this is the Louis Jadot Chablis from Burgundy, France. It features fresh orchard fruit aromas, zesty lemon, floral notes, and a signature minerality that reflects the region’s terroir. A sip of Chablis will transport you to your own garden promenade.
The Queen’s Approval
Queen Charlotte is not an easy one to impress. She is very particular, and it takes a lot for the Queen’s approval. A wine that Queen Charlotte would love is the San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC. It is truly one of a kind and one of the most iconic wines ever. Debuted in 1968, Sassicaia was the first ever Super Tuscan. It was so successful that it was granted its own appellation Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC in 1994. Sassicaia is a dense, complex wine of legendary longevity. It has elegant aromas of red fruit and a harmonious depth with sweet, balanced tannins. This wine is truly the most iconic pick.
