By Nicole Bayne
On Valentine’s Day Notaviva Vineyards, the Purcellville winery known for pairing wines with music, will release its first drink created specifically for the hip-hop music scene: Back Dat Glass Up.
>> Back Dat Glass Up playlist after the jump.
“People are tired of the same old messages,” says co-owner Stephen Mackey. “Innovation and creative thinking, maybe that’s what it all comes down to.”
Notaviva reds vary from the Celtic rock-inspired Celtico Chambourcin or the Vierzig Blaufrankisch, which is recommended with Wolgang’s 40th. Whites include the Verano White Wine paired with film scores or the Calor White Wine, motivated by rock ‘n’ roll-style saxophone.
“People have become open-minded about things complementing each other. This, to me, seemed like a very natural pair,” says Mackey.
Notaviva’s guests have been requesting a wine for the hip-hop genre. For Back Dat Glass Up, the goal was to create a wine that fit the symbol. The result is a silky, poly-tank fermented blend of vidal blanc and sauvignon blanc embodying what Mackey calls “floral and fruit forward” notes with a nice, crisp acidity.
“This wine is blended and designed for millennials,” he says. “It’s a very enjoyable, all-purpose white wine [that feels like] down-tempo hip-hop.”
Mackey admits he is no hip-hop aficionado and created the new blend with ’90s-era hip-hop in mind (the name has no relation to the song “Back That Ass Up” by Juvenile). Notaviva uses genres, not specific songs, in the pairings for this very reason.
“The playlists develop organically and are very customer-driven,” he says. “And this is fun, late night, date night wine.” / Back Dat Glass Up ($22/bottle) releases Saturday, Feb. 14; Notaviva Vineyards; 13274 Sagle Road, Purcellville
Mackey’s personal playlist for Back Dat Glass Up:
