As an increasing number of us spend more time within the confines of our own homes, we thought it an apt time to re-share this blog post. We currently have a 12% discount offer on our website so that you can opt to follow our pairing suggestions below or simply plump to stock up on your tried and tested favourites. So without further ado, here are some of our favourite movies about wine, together with our tips for what you might want to drink while watching.
Sideways
Two lads set off on a stag weekend in California wine country. Miles is a struggling writer and wine buff, who is finding it tough to get over a failed marriage. Jack, an actor and voice over artist, is out to have some fun on his last few days as a single man. Miles does his best to teach Jack a bit about wine and keep him on the straight and narrow – a task that is far from simple. Meanwhile, Miles, who refuses to drink Merlot, suffers another blow when his novel fails to find a publisher – cue a scene in which he drinks Pinot Noir from a spit-bucket. There are laughs and tears as the dynamic duo stop off at various wineries, including Foxen, Kalyra and Firestone.
What to drink while watching:
It’s got to be a Pinot Noir (definitely not Merlot!): a Bugey from Burgundy has the Pinot Noir characteristics that Miles loves, while a Bulgarian alternative is one of our favourites.
You Will Be My Son (Tu seras mon fils) – French with English sub-titles
Paul de Marseul is the owner of a vineyard in Saint Émilion (in real life, Clos Fourtet). He repeatedly demeans his son and heir, Martin, who tries desperately hard to endear himself to his father. The most painful snub comes when the winemaker takes legal steps to hand over ownership of the vineyard to Phillipe, recently returned from working abroad as a winemaker to be with his terminally ill father, François, the vineyard manager. Martin’s final humiliation comes when Paul invites Phillipe to accompany him to a ceremony at which he is being awarded the Legion d'honneur. Tensions build between the Paul, Martin and Philippe, while François also has a key role to play in a tense finale.
What to drink while watching:
Bring out the Merlot for this one: a Saint Emilion Grand Cru mixes Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and is perfect, if a little extravagant for a night in front of the telly. So perhaps a more modestly priced Merlot from nearby would be a good choice.
A Good Year
A collaboration between filmmaker Ridley Scott and author Peter Mayle, this is a gentle romp through Provence, based around the real-life vineyard Chateau La Canorgue in Bonnieux (it actually sells the wine made in the film). Russell Crowe brings to life the main character Max, a London investment banker who inherits a vineyard in France. Initial plans to sell it are placed on hold as he reminisces about the summer holidays of his childhood, and a flawed investment scheme adds to the turmoil. Increasing the attraction of keeping the property is local bar owner Fanny, while the winemaker Francis and his wife Ludivine are strongly opposed to the sale for reasons that become apparent. Meanwhile, the arrival of an American, Christie, brings extra intrigue.
What to drink while watching:
Revive memories of hazy sun-filled days with our best-selling Rosé.