Metaphysics
featuring Joe Kitsch
White Rabbit in a Snowstorm, grass and paper on paper, 11x14 inches
Craggy Range, "Fletcher Family Vineyard" Riesling, Marlborough, 2008
Paired with "White Rabbit in a Snowstorm" #1,#2,#3
The motto of Craggy Range Winery is: Single Vineyard, Single Minded. This Riesling from the Fletcher Family Vineyard expresses its origin. Like each of the three "White Rabbits" there is a uniqueness to the wine that cannot be recreated elsewhere. The rich texture of painting 1 is echoed by the silky minerality in the Riesling. The piercing red eye of painting 2 is reminiscent of the bright, piercing acidity of the wine. Painting 3 shows a rabbit near a patch of grass, this is representative of the subtle earthiness that Riesling is known to display.
Nude (female), acrylic in canvas, 30 x 20 inches
J. Lohr "Wildflower" Valdiguie, Arroyo Seco, 2008
Paired with Nude (Male), Nude (Female)
The Nude has been a classic subject of artists for centuries. These two nudes are a new take on an old classic. Such is the way with the J. Lohr Valdiguie. This wine is very similar to Beaujolais, the famously delicious Red Burgundy made from the Gamay grape. Light, fruity and refreshing when slightly chilled, Valdiguie is also known as "Napa Gamay." We will leave the more senual parallels of this pairing to your own interpretation!
Triskaidekaphobia, cigarette ash and mixed media on paper in found frame with rabbit feet, 28x23.5 inches
Tablas Creek Mourvedre, Paso Robles, 2005
Paired with Triskaidekaphobia, White Rabbit in a Snowstorm
Mourvedre is a grape which originates in the Rhone Valley of France. It is known for its gamey, earthy and smoky flavors. There is a smokiness to to both these paintings that is echoed in the tobacco and mocha aromas of the wine. One tasting note I have heard for this wine in the past is "roasted meat." There is something about Triskaidekaphobia that evokes these roasted qualities, or at least a slight morbidity that is alluded to by the brooding fruit character of the wine.
White Rabbit in a Snowstorm, acrylic on canvas, 30x20 inches
Crios de Susana Balbo Rose of Malbec, Mendoza, 2008
Paired with White Rabbit in a Snowstorm
Apart from the clear color association taking place between the wine and the art in this case, there are other parallels to be drawn. This is a wine that has elegance and depth while being light and refreshing. Joe Kitsch's art in general is fun and lighthearted, but as many of you have probably discovered by now, there is more than meets the eye with these beautiful works of art. Aromas of strawberry, raspberry and roses abound from the glass. Any of which a white rabbit in a snowstorm would love to discover.
Eye Candy (medium), store-bought, computer-mixed latex paint on canvas, 30x20 inches
Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes, Mendoza, 2008
Paired with Eye Candy
Torrontes is a grape variety with a very colorful character. Peach, tangerine, tropical melon and floral aromas make this wine taste like candy in a glass. This pairing explains itself.
-Austin Ward, wine steward, Legal Seafoods, Park Square
