A nice chianti: wines to match 12 classic movies

The Godfather with Sicilian red
The grittiness and depth of this movie has made it the best movie of all times, in many people’s minds that is. Try the classic, unique and unusual red wines of Sicily. Red vino of this region can be as rough and ready as any mobster so grab a six pack and watch the whole series.

Glitter with corked wine
Wow, what a shocker and definitely a movie that should be used in military torture techniques. Equally as horrific is a corked wine and I wouldn’t wish either on any of my wine bar guests. Or would I?

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory with Port
There are many rules in food and wine matching, many classic matches that have formed over centuries. Port and chocolate is one of these. So I can just picture myself with a gold ticket in one hand and a small barrel of port in the other. Lead the way, Charlie I can’t wait.

Raging Bull with Veritas “Bull’s Blood”
A destructive and aggressive tale by Martin Scorsese that cover the brutal story of a boxer’s life inside and outside the ring. The Veritas “Bull’s Blood” is all that and more. This gritty shiraz/mataro blend is produced from the pressings of these grapes - not the sweet girly juice, but the pressings. Ding ding - bring on the red teeth.

The Castle with Aussie Shiraz/Cabernet Blends
What a flaming classic Aussie movie, and there isn’t a more “Australianised” wine than a Shiraz and cabernet blend. Why you ask? Just chat to a French man and they will explain that Shiraz is from the Rhone Valley and Cabernet is from Bordeaux. Whatever mate, some of our best wines are the blend of the two.

Sideways with Merlot and Pinot Noir
This movie’s main character “Miles” hates Merlot but adores Pinot Noir. Sweeping statements indeed but when two middle age American men went on a road trip through the California wine country, the American audience listened. Merlot sales across the US dropped 2% while Pinot Noir went up 16%. Didn’t anyone mention to these people it was a fictional movie, not a documentary? Try both and make your own mind up.

Life of Brian with Croser
This is the story of two Brians, one is the hilarious English comedy and the other is Australia’s best sparkling wine maker Brian Croser. Bubbles are always fun so enjoy our best from Croser with this English rib-tickler. 

Ben Hur with something bigger - Zinfandel
Well we all know Ben Hur is big but I’ve discovered something bigger in Zinfandel. A big and bold brute of a wine, this is the Hercules of the wine world. One tip though: Ben Hur is a long movie and some Zinfandels start nudging 18% alcohol so pacing yourself like a charioteer might be an idea.

Sister Act with Blue Nun
We’ve all seen it and yeah you probably enjoyed it too. This toe-tapping comedy featuring Whoopi Goldberg is a classic so next time you flick it on make sure you pay your respects with some Blue Nun Riesling. This fun easy drinking wine has been around longer than the movie and it’s so cheap you’ll think you’ve turned water into wine.

The Hangover with Wine in a Box
Why not enjoy a tasty 4 litre box of your favourite Chardy with this movie. Try this and then you’ll understand the match by the morning. The upside is at least you’ll have a free pillow for your pounding head.

Clint Hillery owns Sydney wine bar Time to Vino and is working on a new project matching wines to new movie releases with DVD rental venture Oovie.

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