Let me preface by saying that I loathe this election cycle. I am not an overly political person. I can usually see pros and cons to each candidate, try to understand people’s differing point of view. It means I may never take a hard stand on a specific candidate. Issues, yes. Party, no. It makes my husband crazy. So this is not meant as a political post, only to suggest wines you might enjoy while playing one of a dozen Debate Drinking Games I’ve seen floating around.

If you’ve been reading for  while, you know that I often mention Monday Wines. They are usually in the $9-15range. They are wines you open for any reason or no reason. You don’t really focus on pairing, just taking the edge off a Monday. And this Monday may have some edges.

I recently received a shipment of Chilean wines from a program that Whole Foods is having with Wines of Chile to showcase some of what they are offering. Of the four shipped, two were classic Chilean varieties, two were commonly seen but, in my opinion, hard to do at the Monday wine price point. Two were tasty and fun and I’d buy them again. And whether you swing red or blue, red or white, I’ve got a wine you can toast with or drink away your sorrows.

Voting for White Wine?

Odfjell 2016 Armador Sauvignon Blanc from the Casablanca Valley is delightful. Citrus dominates the nose:lime blossoms, zest, grapefruit oil. Tropical and zesty, great acidity, a hint of pyrazine which gives the green, vegetal notes I love. It is priced around $12 and I will buy it again. Serve with goat cheese, lime marmalade on crackers. Or seafood. Or flying insults.

Voting for Red wine?

Criterion of the Colchagua Valley puts out a classic Carménère. Rich, deep red and black fruit. Leather and dusty, smoky cedar. Paired nicely with grilled buffalo wings (the spice) but could go with any number of rich stews, soups, red meats. Even charcuterie, but let’s leave out the bologna, shall we?

While these wines and tonight’s programming may leave you want to run to South America, you only have to go to your nearest Whole Foods to solve the need for more wines. The other problems? Well, I can’t help you with those.

But I’ll leave you with this: No matter which political party you identify with, remember that there are real people, with real feelings and (we hope) well thought out reasons why they feel the way they do. Be kind. Do your own fact-checking (are we allowed?) and although there are some very serious issues we are facing, try to maintain a sense of humor and civility as we navigate the next 6 weeks. Who knows? Maybe sharing a glass will help you find you share more that that. Opening a bottle can help open your mind. We can make America Grape again. That’s the quote, right? There is still time to stock up! Cheers!

Many thanks to Wines of Chile, Whole Foods and Nonni Marketing for the samples. Thoughts and opinions are my own. I received no other compensation.