JJ Julius Son is a Grammy-nominated musician whose meteoric rise can be credited to his soulful voice and the unique way he combines his Icelandic heritage and artistry. From recording the viral hit “Way Down We Go” with his band, KALEO, at the bottom of a dormant volcano and singing in the front of an erupting one, to performing at the top of a rock pillar in the Icelandic sea, JJ leaves no stone unturned with his amazing talents.
JJ connected with the Maison Wessman owner, Robert Wessman over their love of fine wine and music as well as their shared heritage coming from the same town in Iceland. Their collaboration led to an incredible line of four terroir-driven wines under the Hot Blood + Raven labels.
JJ worked closely with Robert and the winemaking team to create two red blends, Hot Blood Red and Raven Blood, as well as two Chardonnays, Hot Blood White, and White Raven. All of these wines are accessible and reasonably priced under $25 making them the perfect wine for the next meal or weekend gathering. They are ideal for gifting.
JJ combined his love of wine and music to reimagine the wine experience. Each of the Hot Blood wines feature a QR code on the labels that reveals an unreleased KALEO track, bringing an exclusive musical accompaniment to the wine.
We had the opportunity to ask JJ some questions about his interest in wines and his career.
When did you first realize your passion for wine?
I learned pretty early to appreciate wine, pairing it with food, etc. Then my love for wine developed and grew throughout the years. I enjoy trying different wines from all over the world since I tour and travel as much as I do.
We love the idea of music and wine being perfect partners. When did you first connect with Robert Wessman of Maison Wessman?
Robert and I have known each other for many years, and I’ve played at events for him before, including his wedding.
He brought the idea of making wine together a few years ago and invited me to the vineyard. It was a no brainer for me. Thankfully we have very similar taste in wine as well. A true passion project for both of us.
We know that both you and Robert came from the same town in Iceland. We’d like to know a little about it.
Yes, we’re both from Mosfellsbær. We actually only found that out when we started doing the wine together and that makes this collaboration so much more special. We both have a lot of love for our town and Robert has joined me on charity work there alongside supporting our local soccer team, Afturelding.
Can you suggest a wine pairing with food that you enjoy with a Maison Wessman wine?
I love pairing the two reds, Hot Blood and Raven Blood, with a good steak or Icelandic lamb, as well as cigars. The Hot Blood White and White Raven pair really well with fish and sushi.
We are excited about your impressive musical career. Can you share with us some of your future plans?
This summer marks the 10th Anniversary of our debut album A/B, so we’re releasing a special deluxe edition and going on tour in support of it. A few shows in Europe before a full tour in North America and hopefully back to Europe later in the year. But on June 20th we’re doing a very unique show at our national park in Iceland. Truly a dream come true.
Anything else, absolutely anything you would like our readers to know.
I’m just trying to stay active and immerse myself in as many things that interest me as I can. I’ve got a cigar line with this amazing company called Kingmakers and a jewelry collab with a company out of Toronto called Clocks + Colours. Plus, there are more wines coming in the future and all of that is in addition to the music, which is and will always be my number one. So yeah, there’s a lot on my plate but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Maison Wessman website and Instagram
JJ wines website and JJ Julius Son Instagram
Top photo courtesy of Maison Wessman
