You may know The Chicks for their chart-topping singles such as “Wide Open Spaces” or “Cowboy Take Me Away”. But at this point, The Chicks represent far more than music alone — and their newest endeavor reflects that. The group just launched Gaslighter Wines, a label that is emblematic of their decades-long journey through pop culture.
Gaslighter is a wine that stands for “speaking your own truth” and “having your own opinions.” If there’s any music group that has a reputation for having opinions, it’s The Chicks. In 2003, The Chicks voiced their stance against the allied invasion of Iraq, as well as being “ashamed” of President Bush’s Texas heritage. This earned them sharp backlash from the country music industry. Many country stations even stopped played their music. Despite this, The Chicks continued to release their own records. In fact, their next album, Taking the Long Way, topped both the U.S. Billboard pop and country albums charts in 2006.
Photo credit: Gaslighter Wine Co.
Gaslighter is named after The Chicks’ most recent album. In the album, lead singer Natalie Maines shares the struggles of her latest marriage. A gaslighter is typically defined as someone who manipulates a more vulnerable party into questioning itself, its sanity, and its validity as a human being. As such, Gaslighter Wine Company seeks to fight these negative forces, and provide empowerment. It is for “those who think and drink for themselves.”
Gaslighter Wines are made in partnership with Gundlach Bundschu. “From the early days of this project, my family has been excited to work with The Chicks,” states Katie Bundschu, 6th generation vintner and Chief Marketing Officer of Bundschu Company. “The Chicks have been part of each step with us, from sourcing decisions to wine style and ultimately determining the final blends.”
At launch, the Gaslighter California Rosé of Pinot Noir is available through the Gaslighter website, Drizly or BevMo. It is made with whole-cluster, direct-to-press grapes. Initial tasting notes include “strawberry, rose petal and cantaloupe with mineral notes and bright acidity.” In March, Gaslighter will launch its appelation-specific wines, the Gaslighter Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc and the Gaslighter Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. All three wines will retail at $25 each.
Photo credit: Gaslighter Wine Co.
In a somewhat unusual move, Gaslighter will debut a luxury Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon in the fall. Unlike the other Gaslighter wines, the Howell Mountain cab retails at $140. It is crafted from a single vineyard and barrel-aged for 20 months.
“Natalie, Emily and I have always loved great wine!” says Martie Maguire. “Through close relationships with some Sonoma California friends, we were offered the chance to do a partnership with the Gundlach Bundschu family. Many wine samples and bottle designs later, we are finally so proud to be offering our Gaslighter Rose’, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet to our families, friends, fans and discerning wine lovers!”
We look forward to reviewing their wines once more are released. Learn more or purchase Gaslighter wines at gaslighterwineco.com.