Literary Escapes & Perfect Pours
June 2025 | Mary Domange
This month we are pairing one of my favourite reads this year with a delicious little wine from Bordeaux which seemed appropriate for a seafaring tale.
For membership perks on our monthly selections and some cool discounts and special gifts throughout the year, sign up today!
About the Book
The Wager by David Gramm is a riveting maritime saga which recounts the true story of the HMS Wager shipwreck off Patagonia in 1741 and the men who survived to tell the tale. The cover quite rightly promises mutiny and murder, to which you can add scurvy, starvation, and an incredible story of human endurance. Much of the source material comes from first hand accounts in the form of diaries, written by those on board, including 16-year-old midshipman John Byron, grandfather of the poet Lord Byron.
Wine Pairing:
We chose an inexpensive Bordeaux to accompany the story for several reasons. The first being the fact that Bordeaux was highly sought after in the 18th century in England, and a major export from the city's vibrant port. I like to think it may have been available on board ship, for the Captain and other officers, alongside the kegs of rum. However, during the War of the Spanish Succession, official trade between Bordeaux and England became tricky, so unofficial trade routes, involving privateers and auction houses were became popular. Another reason why its slightly chequered history seemed to match the times and tensions of the book. And finally, I don't believe there is anything finer than sipping a smooth, fruity, French red wine while reading a proper page turner. Let us know what you think!
Join the Experience:
Where there are books and wine, the world seems a brighter place. We are putting together a new opportunity to be part of our story - so if you'd like to be part of the conversation Sign up today!
Buy the Book:
Waterstones
Amazon
Bordeaux AOC 2020, Chateau La Croix du Grand Jard
From a small family vineyard on the banks of the Gironde Estuary, opposite Saint Estephe and Pauillac. The Martin family have been making wine for over a century and use traditional, low intervention methods to achieve this timeless classic including hand harvests, de-stemming the grapes and using a cold maceration before fermentation to preserve all the flavours of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend that is typical of the region.
94 points Decanter World Wine Awards
In the glass
It has a warm ruby red colour with a ripe red berry and truffle nose. Deliciously round, well-balanced palate that is full of cherry, ripe berries, truffles and a hint of smoke. All helped by a long, smooth, harmonious finish.
