First things first: this isn’t an album review or think piece. I actually find something new to love every time I listen to Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” (savored in its intended order, of course). Like a well-made whiskey or a great wine, it’s layered and robust with a sturdy structure and unexpected notes. Speaking of wine and whiskey, I couldn’t resist asking a couple of my favorite wine and spirits experts in New Orleans (one is even from Texas) to pair drinks with their favorite songs from the album. (I’ve added shoppable shoe pairings “Just for Fun,” and they’re NOT all cowboy boots).
THE SONG: THE WHOLE (DAMN) ALBUM
“Comin’ in peace and love, y’all. Oh a lot of takin’ up space.” “Can you stand me?” “If this ain't country, tell me, what is?” —from American Requiem
THE DRINK: Responsible Hedonist, “Pop a Wheelie White” Chardonnay 2022, Hawke's Bay (New Zealand)
New Orleans-based cocktail artist, sommelier and vibe curator, Brittany Taylor feels that this chardonnay aptly captures the energy of Cowboy Carter and the way it presents past, present and up-next artists with their flowers while also paying homage to the various ways in which country music presents itself. Taylor calls the wine’s flavor “a bouquet of white flowers with traces of peaches and nectarines” and notes that it’s the “perfect white wine for our southern belles who like their wine like their cowboys--strong and alluring.” She also mentions that this wine was selected because is maker is a barrier-breaking Black woman from the midwest who now lives in New Zealand and makes unconventional wines. See the synergies?
THE SHOE: Azalea Wang Fuji Western Boot
To say this album has people talking would be an understatement. This 27-track opus is TAKING UP SPACE and demanding to be noticed- so much so that people who NEVER listen to Beyonce have suddenly become overnight music critics- one even attempted to mansplain Paul McCartney’s lyrics to… wel… Paul McCartney. That said, I chose Azalea Wang’s Fuji Western Boot in both white and black to pair with this wine and album. Covered in jewels, they’re either beautiful or garish, depending on the opinion of the beholder. Either way, they’ll be conversation starters.
THE SONG: JOLENE
“Your beauty is beyond compare. Takes more than beauty and seductive stares.” “You a bird, go on and sing your tune.”
The Drink: Messina Hof Muscat Canelli 2023 (Bryan, TX)
Kenda Jones, a wine expert and educator from New Orleans says “while Jolene is a fictional character, I envision her as a stunning cowgirl from the Texas High Plains, which is where this wine originates. It’s flavor profile is off-dry, with a hint of sweetness and a full-bodied essence that’s highlighted by notes of southern peach and juicy nectarines. I imagine Jolene as voluptuous woman who wields her sweetness and charm quite intentionally. Oh and she’s slick, which reminds me of this wine’s smoothness. Plus, this is a dessert wine, so, like Jolene, it’s what one would choose to conclude an evening.”
THE SHOE: Kendall Miles Posh Mule
We all know a “Huh-zzy” like Jolene. Sometimes she’s an insecure woman who seeks validation by trying to break up relationships. Other times, she (like me) is simply a woman who appreciates and embodies sensuality—and gets treated like she’s trying to steal someone’s man when she isn’t. Either way, she’s a bit flamboyant and is probably wearing heels when everyone else is in flats (ya know, like Sandra Clarke from 227). This feathered “Posh” mule by Kendal Miles calls to mind the above lyrics from the song and also looks like the perfect shoe to wear for a nightcap-solo or otherwise-with its seductive silhouette and slender high heel.
https://www.kendallmilesdesigns.com/collections/view-all/products/posh-mule-5
THE SONG: BODYGUARD
“So sweet. I give you kisses in the backseat. I whisper secrets in the backbeat.” “Inhalin’ whiskey when you kiss my neck.” “I’ll be your best friend” “I don’t like the way she’s lookin’ at you. Someone better hold me back.” “When you’re restless, I take the wheel.”
The Drink: Rye & Sons Straight Rye
Does anyone else notice their hips randomly swaying when Bodyguard plays-as if you didn’t really intend to dance but somehow found yourself in a groove? That, and the fact that the lyrics mention the smell of whiskey inspired Brittany to suggest sipping André Hueston Mack’s straight rye whiskey (neat or on the rocks) as you listen to this song. According to Taylor, the celebrated sommelier, winemaker and restaurateur has created “an easy-drinking and exciting rye whiskey with a silky and sultry mouthfeel that softly ignites the body and gets it moving in ways you didn’t know possible.” Oh, honey, honey, indeed!
THE SHOE: Converse Run Star Hike Platform Western Sneaker ($115)
It’s easy to get lost in a song, a drink or a relationship, but as the title indicates we also need to stand ten toes down-especially if you’re offering to be someone’s bodyguard and considering jumping bad. What better way than in a pair of easy-wearing sneakers with platform soles and western accents?
THE SONG: LEVII'S JEANS
“I’m lookin’ super hot.” “I got the perfect pose” “Denim on denim, on denim, on denim.” “Give you fashion in a simple white tee. Give you these blues, it’s in my genes.” “I love you down to the bone.”
THE DRINK: La Onda, 'Blanco de Tinto' Cabernet Sauvignon, California (Sierra Foothills)
Available at Patron Saint Wines in New Orleans
“With flavors of ripe apricot, lemon zest, honeysuckle and beeswax, this wine is made in an unorthodox way, reminding you of that first love--dreamy and full of idealism,” says Taylor, who’s also heard it compared to " looking in someone’s eyes and knowing that they aren’t looking at you, they see you.” It’s a Blanc de Noir of Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed “Renaissance” vineyard in North Yuba. The vineyards are wild, a true collection of vines, granite, red clay, insects, bees, herbs, flowers, berries, thistles, and hungry animals. Very much like the scenario represented in this song–between two people who know exactly how to elevate each other’s heart rates and rev each other’s engines–this wine has some sweetness, some wildness, a bit of complication, but most important is its reliability.
THE SHOE: Miss Lola “Abby” Denim Cowgirl Boots ($43.99)
Sometimes trendy and always in style, cowboy (or cowgirl) boots can convey a sense of ease, invoke a pioneering spirit or represent a tried-and-true reliability. A good pair can last almost forever- just like a love that’s meant to be. Plus, a denim-on-denim look done right is always a winner. That’s why this denim western-inspired boot feels like the right choice for this song and drink. Can’t you just see yourself in your favorite white tee, some dark denim cut-offs and these boots?
THE SONG: RIIVERDANCE
“Bounce on that sh** dance.” “I died and someone brought me back to life, but not my senses.” “Running through the river with you. Dance.”
THE DRINK: Vending Machine Wines, 'Wine Dive', California (Mendoncino)
The beat and refrain of “RIIVERDANCE” give listeners no choice but to hit the dancefloor, and it’s sure to inspire some great line-dance choreography. Brittany calls this grenache “a fruity red wine of bursting watermelon,” which makes it quite refreshing and the perfect choice for sipping between steps.
THE SHOE: Marfa “The Lainey” Boots ($115)
Fancy footwork deserves fabulous footwear, and Marfa’s “The Lainey” cowboy boot definitely fits that bill in bold turquoise with striking gold lightning-bolt accents. This boot exudes main character energy, and that’ll come in handy as you record your next viral dance video. Also, just so you know, the gold version of this boot is actually named “Jolene,” and it was quite a struggle deciding between it and the shoe I eventually paired with that song.
What’s your favorite track on the album? Is there one you didn’t see mentioned that you’d like to see paired with a shoe? Send a message, and I’ll post your requested pairing on Instagram.
MEET THE COLLABORATORS:
Known as the NOLA Wineaux (@Nola_winechill) on Instagram, Kenda Jones is a WSET L2 wine influencer and educator in New Orleans. In addition to offering informative wine suggestions and information via her social media platforms, she also curates educational tastings, is a brand ambassador for See Saw Wines and has curated selections for the EATER Wine Club.
On any given day, you may find Brittany Taylor (@BstandsforBands on Instagram) writing press releases, communications strategies or conducting media outreach. You may also catch her doing mom things with her toddler son. At night, though, you’ll likely find her creating cocktails, curating wine selections for some of New Orleans’ coolest bars or hosting one of her Whyne Down events.
—Edited by Tisha Watson
