Still pinching myself! It was a true dream come true. I stepped into the hallowed halls of Electric Lady Studios in New York City and meet Norah Jones. Electric Lady Studios is a place steeped in musical history and the brainchild of the legendary Jimi Hendrix. Many great artists have recorded for the past fifty years there, from Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga to Taylor Swift.
For those who know me beyond wine knows that my passion for music runs as deep as training my palate. As I always say, “My music ear is way more advanced than my sommelier palate.”
I first listened the records of Norah Jones back in México as a recommendation from some of my songwriter friends. So many memories came rushing back. They reminded me of my early days supporting authors and songwriters in México. Since my early twenties her music has accompanied me. However, Norah Jones is not only a songwriter anymore. She is a Grammy winner, a mom and a fierce woman in jazz. Therefore, meeting Norah Jones at this iconic recording studio was a perfect fusion of my love for wine, and music.
The air inside Electric Lady Studios felt charged. It was a sunny afternoon of June in New York City. The echoes of musical genius filled the studio. During the entire time for the event while meeting Norah Jones evoked a beautiful phrase for me: “My heart is drenched in wine, but you’ll be on my mind forever.” It was a full circle moment. It made me feel all the feels and inspiration. This was a testament to the power of art in different forms. Whether it is wine, music, or both intertwined, they connect and move us.
Over the years, I have encountered countless celebrity wines. I often say that too many of them focus more on the celebrity behind the label than on the wine itself. In an industry increasingly saturated with famous names gracing bottles, it’s refreshing to find a different type of connection.
While Norah Jones herself hasn’t branded a wine, the story behind This Life Wines offers a beautiful parallel. This is not her wine but a wine inspired on her music. Although she is a co-owner of the Estate that produces the wines she never thought she was going to get into it. The wines were first inspired by the song ‘This Life.’ This song is on Jones’ 2020 album, Pick Me Up Off the Floor. Robert Wessman, one of the owners of Maison Wessman was deeply inspired by Norah Jones’s music. Indeed, her music has resonated with so many of us through the years. It’s truly poetic how, years ago, Norah inspired me with her song “Don’t know why.” Now, that same spirit is inspiring Maison Wessman with their “This Life” to create their Rosé and Sparkling wine.
This isn’t just about slapping a name on a bottle; it’s about channeling an artistic spirit. As I wisely notice about Norah Jones, she doesn’t just “get better with age, but with experience.” This depth of experience is much like the layers in a truly great wine. That is what makes her art so enduring. Maison Wessman is located in Bergerac, in Southwest France.
Bringing a wine like This Life into the hallowed halls of Electric Lady Studios, a place where so much musical greatness has been forged, holds incredible significance. The presentation of the wines was more than just serving a beverage. It was bout creating a holistic experience. This experience intertwines the sensory pleasures of wine with the profound emotional resonance of music. This studio is a sanctuary for artistic expression. Introducing a wine born from musical inspiration here amplifies the entire creative atmosphere. It’s felt like a tribute to the artists who have poured their hearts and souls into these rooms. This tribute offers a tangible connection to their melodies and a libation. This libation is designed to evoke feelings of romance, introspection, or pure joy. It underscores that true artistry, whether in music or wine making, comes from a place of deep passion and dedication, not just a famous name.
During the event we enjoyed cocktails and reflection on both the Electric Lady Studios and the crafting of the wines. Norah offered us a sneak peak of what she recently recorded here. I couldn’t left more inspired.
These wines will be available in the US soon. Whenever you enjoy This Life Wines, put on some Norah Jones. Let yourself feel inspired! These wines offer the opportunity to guide you an experience the joy of pairing wine with music. Scientific research backs up this multi-sensory approach. Studies have consistently shown that music significantly influences how we perceive wine’s taste. For instance, research by Dr. Adrian North found that powerful and heavy music can make a wine taste 60% richer and more robust, while lighter music can highlight zingy and refreshing notes. Other studies reveal that specific musical pieces can enhance the perceived acidity or fruitiness of wines, and that even the sound of a cork popping can increase perceptions of quality and effervescence in sparkling wine. It’s truly fascinating how our senses are interconnected, proving that the right soundtrack can deepen our enjoyment and even alter how we experience the flavors and aromas in our glass. This is why pairing This Life Wines with Norah’s music creates an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
She was very humble and clearly stated that she is no wine expert but she has learned to distinguish what she likes and what she doesn’t. Her travels around the world with her music has also shown her different wine cultures. As I approached to talk to her she was kind and sensible. The sentiment about This Life Wines perfectly captures the romantic and soulful essence of the encounter. This Life wines, are great entry wines on their own and hopefully we can get more music lovers into wine! However, both the Rose and Sparkling also serve as a great base for cocktails. The Sparkling wine, though labeled as such, immediately brought to mind a Cremant de Limoux for me. I felt that crispness and elegance that reminded me of other Cremants I’ve tried – making it ideal for those heart-drenched, soulful moments, whether you need a glass for a heartbreak, just a sip, or to create a lovely wine cocktail. I particularly loved trying their signature cocktail, “Heart Drenched in Wine,” made with their sparkling wine and some bright citrus flavors.
40z This Is Life Rose Wine
75oz Fresh Market Berries Syrup (Strawberry.
Raspberry)
1250z Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1-2 Dashes Orange Blossom Mist
Garnish. Mint Bouquet
It was absolutely divine! If you’re a romantic at heart, you understand that some things, like Norah Jones’s music and a glass of This Life Wines Sparkling or Rosé, need no further explanation. However, for the wine lovers that need more technical information let me tell you that This Life 2024 Rosé is sourced from southern France with the Vin de France appellation. On the other hand, the sparkling brut labeled ‘Sparkling wine’ is a Chardonnay from Languedoc’s Limoux appellation.
These are great entry wines that celebrate the experience of bringing inspiration, romanticism and wine all together.
Cheers to moments that inspire and a legacy that continues to resonate! Discover more about their beautiful collection and shared philosophy at @thislifewine.
Learn more about Electric Lady Studios here.
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