Mother’s Day

By Bob Lipinski

“Some are kissing mothers, and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the same, and most mothers kiss and scold together.” (Pearl S. Buck, 1892-1973, American writer and novelist)

Mother’s Day is traditionally credited to Anna Jarvis (1864-1948), who, following the passing of her mother in 1905, campaigned for the establishment of a national holiday dedicated to celebrating motherhood. This effort culminated in President Woodrow Wilson issuing a proclamation that officially designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, starting from May 9, 1914.

Mother’s Day often conjures up images of vibrant, multicolored flowers, greeting cards with heartfelt messages, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and perhaps breakfast in bed. To make mom’s day even more special, serve platters of cheese and fruit accompanied by glasses of chilled wine or champagne.

I have a few wine (and one cocktail) suggestions that can enhance the festivities.

Let’s start with some bubbly…!

Moët & Chandon “White Star” Champagne, France. Technically this is an extra-dry champagne, which means that it is not as dry as a brut but is drier than sec, and absolutely delightful. An abundance of pin-point bubbles and a lightly perfumed bouquet of violets and nuts along with a creamy and soft taste awaits you. Perfect paired with grilled scallops served with a tarragon butter sauce.

2023 Bogle “Sauvignon Blanc,” California. (100% cold-fermented in stainless steel) Clean and refreshing bouquet and taste of melon, mint, pineapple, and pear. Key lime, along with freshly cut grass, citrus, and passion fruit round out this delicious Sauvignon Blanc. Try it with crab cakes served with a wasabi cream sauce.

2023 Santi Infinito Rosé “DOC Chiaretto di Bardolino” Veneto, Italy. (Blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara and Corvinone grapes). Very attractive bottle. Salmon-colored with a floral bouquet and taste of red spicy cherries, currants, and peaches. Flavors of citrus, candy apple, and watermelon with a lingering strawberry aftertaste. A great accompaniment to a chilled rice salad with marinated mushrooms.

2021 Murphy-Goode “Pinot Noir,” California. Medium to deep ruby-red with fragrances of black cherry, anise, mulberry, and cola. Flavors of cranberry, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried fruits, with hints of mushrooms, cinnamon, black pepper, and herbs. Serve with your favorite pasta with plenty of pesto sauce.

2023 Carmenet Chardonnay “Reserve” California. Notes of apple, banana, honeysuckle, and citrus with flavors of tropical fruit, toasted wood and vanilla. Pair it with a honey-glazed, smoked ham studded with cloves.

Crane Lake “White Zinfandel,” California. Pink-colored and medium-sweet with tons of berries and cherries along with hints of peaches, citrus, and a lingering aftertaste of watermelon. I paired it with grilled chicken marinated in hoisin sauce.

Cocktail time! “Golden Cadillac.” A throwback cocktail whose name derives from the richness of the drink and its golden color, alluding to its association with the Cadillac, an American luxury car. The drink was developed at the Poor Red’s BBQ in El Dorado, California in the 1950s.

Ingredients & Directions

• 1-1/2 ounces Galliano liqueur
• 1-1/2 ounces white crème de cacao liqueur (a white chocolate liqueur can be substituted)
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• Shake or blend the ingredients with ice and serve in a tumbler

That’s it… and say hello to mom for me!

“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it!” (Mark Twain, 1835-1910, American humorist and novelist)

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com