I’m one of those people that loves cooking and lifestyle shows – and sports. If they put it on Food Network, chances are, I’m going to watch it. I mean, they even got me to watch the Halloween-inspired “Last Bite Hotel” – which I loved! But, I didn’t have “With Love, Meghan” on my bingo card. I honestly didn’t even know about it. But then the internet blew up and the haters started hating, so I KNEW I was going to watch this show. But then I watched the second episode and it put me to sleep – twice. I was going to throw in the towel. But the more hate I read, the more determined I was to watch it. And you know what happened? But then she uncorked some wine and brought in Roy Choi for some fried chicken and I was all in! She just had to work out the kinks y’all! And hate all y’all want, but I’m going to try that single skillet spaghetti! And let me tell you, the Meghan Sussex wine game is strong!
As a wine gal through and through, my eye always seems to gravitate towards a bottle of wine being uncorked. And I’m always surprised at how many wine bottles that I easily recognize from afar. And that’s how it was with Meghan. I was recognizing bottles left and right. And I loved her taste in wine. No surprise as she really is a wine enthusiast. In fact, she named her previous newsletter, The Tig, after one of Italy’s famous Super Tuscan wines – Tignanello. It’s one of her faves.
I loved that the bubbles and rosé were flowing during the episodes. And I loved that these weren’t super high-end, inaccessible wines. Many of them are widely distributed. I actually had a few of them in my cellar. So which wines did Meghan Sussex uncork?
Domaines Ott Côtes de Provence Rosé ($45-60)
When Meghan opened her fridge and I saw those distinctly shaped bottles of rosé, I instantly knew it was the Domaines Ott Rosé. With so much ubiquitous, pale pink, Côtes de Provence rosé out there, I loved the choice here. Of course when it comes to Côtes de Provence rosé, we generally get a paler, fruitier, and more delicate wine. This one also gives floral and mineral notes and never disappoints. Meghan and co enjoyed with focaccia and veggie pasta featuring sautéed onions, garlic, garden peas, snap peas, chard, and kale, as well as a charcuterie board. I’m not mad at any of it.
Champagne Taittinger La Française Brut NV ($50-70)
Meghan popped open a bottle of Champagne Taittinger for guest Mindy Kaling for bellinis to enjoy with frittatas. And when Meghan shared that, ‘I like just a wink of fruit flavour in my bubbles,’ I knew this was my kind of show. Same, girl, same. You just need a splash of juice in the bubbly!
Champagne Taittinger is a renowned family-owned Champagne house that was founded in 1734. They are known for their Chardonnay-dominant wines, but also craft some killer rosé wines as well. I’m a fan of their top of the line Comtes de Champagne, but also enjoy their “everyday” champers like this one. Fairly widely available for around $50.
She also had this champagne with Roy Choi. I mean, anyone that understands the magic of fried chicken and champagne is a-ok with me. When Meghan and Roy Choi made some Korean fried chicken and added champagne to the mix, I almost did a happy dance! And who knew you could pickle strawberries?!
Billecart-Salmon Brut Le Rosé Champagne ($90-100)
The minute I saw the little “squiggle” on the neck of the bottle, I knew this was a Billecart-Salmon champagne. I always have several of their bottles on hand at home, including this rosé champagne. Vintage, non-vintage, brut, rosé – I love them all! Billecart-Salmon is the oldest continuously family-owned house in Champagne and dates back to 1818. And while Sussex included it in a mimosa, I love it just as it is – sans juice. And such a great wine to have with the salt-bake fish with roasted tomatoes that Meghan and friends made.
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé ($50-60)
When her idol Alice Waters visited, Meghan again went for rosé. But this time, it was a Bandol rosé. In this case, Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé. While both Bandol and Côtes de Provence rosés hail from France’s Provence region, there are some distinct differences in the wines. Bandol rosé, which is required to feature a significant amount of Mourvèdre, is known for its deeper pink hue as well as being more robust and complex. Think fruit plus herbs and minerals. It can also age a little – if you’re so inclined.
And if you’re drinking Bandol, you can’t go wrong with Domaine Tempier – one of the region’s most renowned producers. I imagine this wine would have been fabulous with the salad and tomato quiche that Alice and Meghan were making while sipping on it.
Champagne Ruinart Blanc de Blancs ($95-120)
I adore Champagne Ruinart, so was thrilled to see Meghan Sussex pop this one open during the last episode of the season. Founded in 1729, it is the oldest champagne house and is today a part of the LVMH portfolio. Out of all of their wines, the Blanc de Blancs is probably my fave. Sussex featured it with a beautiful brunch spread. And it makes sense as it is a wine that can literally go with anything on your brunch table. Seriously, anything. In addition to the aforementioned quiche and salad, the brunch also featured crepes, floral cookies, homemade preserves, and more.
By the time I got through all of the episodes, I found myself eagerly awaiting the next season. I mean, I’m ready to see what wines she opens. Beyond the wine, the hack with the individual margaritas in the mason jars was genius! I love it! Keep on doing you Meghan! I’m here for it!
The series really was a nice diversion from the craziness and madness going on in the world. And I loved Meghan’s parting words in the last episode of the season: “We’re not in the pursuit of perfection. We’re in the pursuit of joy.” Bring it Meghan Sussex!
*Cover Image Courtesy Netflix
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