Lyrical liquor

Singing and drinking go hand in hand and that’s probably why there’s a lot of songs out there that mention some form of alcohol; the Eagles’ “pink Champagne on ice”, Billy Joel’s “bottle of red, bottle of white” or more my parents’ speed, Garth Brooks’ “two piña coladas, one for each hand”.  From time to time, I’ll share some of my favorites with you. 

Flame on, I’m gone
I’m so sweet like a nice bon bon
Came out rapping when I was born
Mom said rock it ’til the break of dawn
Puttin bodies in motion ’cause I got the notion
Well like Roy Cormier with the coconut lotion
The sound of the music makin’ you insane

You can’t explain to people this type of mind frame
And like a bottle of Chateau Neuf Du Pap
I’m fine like wine when I start to rap
We need body rockin’ not perfection
Let me get some action from the back section
-Beastie Boys
“Body Movin'”
Hello Nasty1998

When the Beastie Boys released their Hello Nasty LP in 1998, I had no clue what Châteauneuf-du-Pape (shat-toe-NOOF-duh-pop, often shortened to CDP) was.  I’m happy to say that’s no longer the case.  

Isn’t it great how they’re using the wine as a similie for the smoothness of their sound?

In addition to being featured in a Beastie Boys song, here are some other (nerdy) fun CDP facts:

*It’s an appellation in the Rhône region in southeastern France where the prototypes of the current wine laws in France were created. 
*You may recall from an earlier posting of mine that CDP means the “Pope’s new castle” and this is because in the 14th century, the papal court moved from Rome to Avignon.
*It’s often quoted that up to 13 different grape varietals are allowed to be planted here, but if you take into account that both Grenache and Picpoul can be used in both their dark (noir) and light (blanc) skinned versions, the number is actually 15. 
*Many of the vineyards are covered in stones called galets.  These large pebbles get baked in the sun, retain the heat and release it at night, hastening the ripening process of the grapes.  In the summer, they can also serve as a protective layer to keep the moisture in the soil below.