This Valentine's Day: Movies and Wine

Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and "Netflix and Chill" is a thing now, Vivino recently posted an article that pairs classic romantic movies with wine. 

If you haven't discovered Vivino, it's a game-changer as far as wine goes. It lets people photograph and "cellar" wines they have tried, offer great deals on rare, unique and compelling wines from around the world as well as a real sense of community and news for online wine lovers. Needless to say, I'm a fan. I am also a fan of many of the items in their "news" section. 

The clock is taking to make tomorrow special, or at least better than your average Tuesday... 

Thanks to Vivino and the two authors, Courtney Schiessl and Joel Caruso for their great recommendations. I hope you don't mind me lifting your suggestions. 

Top 10 Valentine's Day Movies + Wines to Match

People tend to overthink Valentine’s Day. And let’s be honest, there’s not much romance in an overpriced prix fixe menu at a packed restaurant or a frigid February carriage ride around a park. Cuddling up on the couch with your beloved, a bottle of wine, and a romantic film? Now that will get the sparks flying. And for those of you flying solo this year, we’ve got you covered too.

We teamed up with FandangoNOW to develop movie and wine date night pairings so perfect, they’ll melt your heart.

FandangoNOW asked several thousand film fans for their top picks for Valentine’s Day date night movies, and Vivino’s partner sommeliers Courtney Schiessl and Joel Caruso picked the wines to match, with a little “he said, she said” twist. Check out FandangoNOW’s full playlist of romantic classics to rent or buy on-demand, and read on for wine tasting notes.

Now just decide what Valentine’s mood you want to to set— from funny, to seductive, to tearjerking—and use our guide to pick the film and bottle (or two). As for dinner, takeout, of course! We’ve got wine ideas for that, too. You’ll be feeling the love and reciting your favorite lines from these classics in no time.

The Notebook + Moscato d’Asti

Courtney says: A date night viewing of The Notebook? Oh boy, things must be getting serious! This heart-fluttering classic needs a wine that’s also close to being sickeningly sweet, but ends up holding its own. Sweet but fresh Moscato d’Asti from northern Italy is just the thing, and while your date might not admit that he likes the wine OR the movie, I’ll bet you can catch him shedding a tear during the final scene.

Joel says: Do we have to? At least the wine is delicious. I only hope I go into a sugar coma before you catch me crying when they hold hands.

Pretty Woman + Malbec

Joel says: We all like dipping our toes in the fancy end of the pool. No movie speaks more to this desire for some of us than Pretty Woman. Is it Julia Robert’s incorrigible forthrightness, Richard Gere’s charm? It’s everything. This is a pairing that needs some sass; Malbec is sass in a glass. It doesn't care if it was invited to the party or not, it knows it will be the one everyone is talking about.

Courtney says: Sass in a glass? You know me so well. And after a few glasses, I may be ready to challenge Julia for that Rodeo Drive shopping spree.

Dirty Dancing + Tempranillo

Courtney says: Dirty Dancing was the first romance movie I ever saw. For me and most others, it will forever be a classic. Despite the fun going on behind closed doors, that staff definitely needed booze to get through family summer camp. Something lush, seductive, and sexy like Tempranillo from Rioja encapsulates all of that electricity between Johnny and Baby onstage (and at every other point, for that matter). Plus, by the end of the bottle, you and your date will think you’re really good dancers. Just don’t try the lift—safety first, of course.

Joel says: Ok, why not, for the 100th time. What if I tempted you with Crazy Stupid Love? Ryan Reynolds reenacting THE water scene with Emma Stone?!

Crazy Stupid Love + Gamay

Joel says: How do you match the quirky sexy chemistry of a movie so cocksure and aggravatingly self-aware? Keep it casual, fun, and the possibility of a future open. Gamay suits the bill perfectly. While easy enough for a one night stand, this grape shows it is capable of commitment, too. Beaujolais is the obvious choice, but more California producers are jumping on the wagon. We’re sure to see a rise in the popularity and staying power of this grape over the next handful of years. It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?

Courtney says: Swoons! If you were wondering about the way to a girl's heart, this is it. More of all of this always.

Titanic + Cabernet Sauvignon

Courtney says: No matter what James Cameron says, Jack and Rose definitely could have shared that door-raft. To get through this epic (and epically long) movie, reach for a rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and channel warm thoughts to poor, freezing Jack. Who knows—enough wine might have kept the icicles away long enough for the rescue ship to arrive. Oh, farfetched hope that the ending will magically change, I’ll never let you go!

Joel says: Heavy. Heavy Heavy. Maybe if James Cameron wasn't so busy trying to fill his plot holes, I could get around this ending. That door was big enough for sure. Pour me a glass, Boo, I'm getting frustrated.

The Princess Bride + Merlot

Joel says: Something as classic as The Princess Bride calls for nothing less than a respectable noble variety like Merlot. A timeless film, light and heavy-hearted, this movie is brilliant, but it took most of the world years to accept it. Merlot has fought its fair share of popularity battles, but like a true classic, it isn't going anywhere and just keeps getting better. The movie strikes an impeccable balance between serious and fun, any good Merlot will do the same. “Farm-boy, fetch me that pitcher (of Merlot).”

Courtney says: I see your reasoning, but this choice might be a little dangerous, what with all of the spill-inducing outbursts of laughter. I hope you don't mind some Merlot on your couch as much as you'll mind me reciting the entire movie from memory.

Love Actually + Pinot Noir

Courtney says: Many have tried to replicate the perfection of Love Actually, but to this day, it remains the one and only truly great use of the iconic interwoven storylines model. The same goes for Pinot Noir; many try to imitate the one and only Burgundian Pinot Noir, but they never quite equals the original (to me, you are perfect). That doesn't mean that Pinot Noir from other areas isn't worth trying, of course; find a bottle that flows as seamlessly as these storylines do because who knows—the next great love story may be just around the corner.

Joel says: The storyline about the little drummer boy and his girlfriend gets me every time. Like a good Beaune, makes me want to cry happy tears.

Deadpool + Cabernet Franc

Joel says: Deadpool for date night? Did I win the lottery? What could you possibly pair with sarcastic wit and morbid hilariousness? Cabernet Franc comes to mind, with its underdog mindset and dominant presence. Made in all different styles all over the world, it's as unpredictable as Ryan Reynolds in that weird red zentai suit. We know it's red, we know it's a bit more lighthearted than its Cabernet Sauvignon counterpart, we know it's always entertaining, everything else is up in the air. At least we know we aren't going to have a bad time.

Courtney says: You picked one of my favorite wines to go along with one of my favorite guys, Ryan Reynolds. I'm definitely making it through this movie.

Silver Linings Playbook + Albariño

Courtney says: How can you not love the pairing of Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook? The movie is quirky and strange, but so fun and lovable at the same time—plus, dance scene! Albariño, an odd Spanish grape that’s found a corner of the white wine spotlight with its fresh and fun-loving nature, is a perfect fit. And while the family at the center of the plot favor beer over wine, they definitely would approve of Albariño's affordable price tag. Depending on how well you know your date, you may want to avoid the Cooper-inspired trash bag and sweatshirt outfit, though.

Joel says: Ok you got me. B-Coops and J-law? Not sure I could say no to either. Bring on the Spanish wine; this is going to be a good night!

50 Shades of Grey + Montepulciano

Joel says: Did date night just get really hot again? A wine pairing for a movie like this needs to be quite flexible and...accepting. For me, this screams Montepulciano. Much like Grey, these wines can be powerful, dominate, and a little intimidating at times, but the soft, approachable nature of the grape always shines through, alluring even the most innocent wine drinkers. Like Ana, they can seem meek at first, but the sensual depth and capacity might surprise you. With the capability of voluptuous, ripe fruit, dirty, sexy earth, and tantalizing floral elements, these wines will take you to places you never knew you liked.

Courtney says: This pairing is perfect because both Montepulciano and 50 Shades are things you may pretend not to like... but secretly can’t resist. I won't tell!

Courtney Schiessl is a Brooklyn-based sommelier, wine writer, and consultant. She is a full-time Sommelier at Marta in Manhattan and has spent time working the wine harvests in both Portugal and Bordeaux. Courtney will be spending Valentine's Day with Ryan Gosling (in her dreams) and a whole lot of delicious Champagne (in reality) but will consider better offers.

Joel Caruso is Beverage Director at Pizzeria Ortica in Costa Mesa, California. Joel has expertise and an appreciation for all things wine, beer, spirits, and hospitality. He is WSET level 3 certified and was named Orange County’s Best Bartender in 2015 by OC Weekly. Joel will be participating in Single’s Awareness Day by mixing wine cocktails for Orange County’s finest and hosting readings of his 50 Shades of Grey Montepulciano pairing.

Wine and Kids

Once you have children, your priorities get rearranged, reordered and all askance, askew and akimbo. When Caitlin and I used to have a free weekend, we would plan a trip to Virginia's wineries, find a food and wine festival, or simply relax and go out to a nice dinner. 

Then Finn came along in 2013. Gracie followed in 2015. And everything leading up to both kiddies was both wonderful and eye-opening, but it also means that instead of passing fleeting moments sipping wine in a vineyard, our weekends now consist of finding things that involve music, animals, clowns or other activities that our juice and goldfish constituency would enjoy... And hopefully make them so exhausted that they will both nap simultaneously for a few moments. 

Water, milk and juice. We'll call it juice.

Gone are the day when this free time did not involve Clorox wipes, laundry or cleaning up uneaten food. 

Those of you with kids know where I'm coming from. Those of you thinking about kids, go for it! It is well worth it. Every moment. Even the ones where you are covered in vomit and you want to euthanize every single member of the Paw Patrol...

If you are expecting and still in the pre-parenting lie that kids won't change you and you will make THEM adapt to YOU, good luck with that. "Alternative Facts" are a thing now, so keep telling yourself that will happen. 

But back to wine with children. While Caitlin and my's free time is no longer occupied by touring vineyards, enjoying haute cuisine or strolling through festivals, it is now spent chasing two wonderful kiddies. We reward ourselves by collapsing in front of the TV with a goblet each before limping up to bed to do it all over the next day. And it is fantastic. 

An Unbiased Look at Finger Lakes Reds

To recap what I have said in the past about wine from the Finger Lakes: they make some fantastic Rieslings, a few other notable whites, and their reds tend to be on the light, watery and not terribly interesting side. It really wasn’t all that long ago when the difference between a New York white and a New York red may just as well have been a few drops of food coloring. There is a good reason why most people—myself included—are skeptical of reds from the Finger Lakes, namely that for a long time, they haven’t been very good.

As the region’s wine industry continues to evolve, some of the reds produced in the Finger Lakes are starting to hold their own. Heart and Hands Winery, for example, is focused on producing a high-quality pinot noir. They produce two types of non-sparkling wines: Riesling and pinot noir. Pinot is, if not an obsession, certainly, an area of intense focus for this small winery. Their obsession is starting to pay off in the form of a medium-bodied, silky pinot that has both fruity and spicy notes with a great, satisfying finish. As a young winery that is taking an extremely focused approach, Heart and Hands sets a good example for what Finger Lakes reds can be.

Anyela’s Winery is also doing their part for the red wine cause. Like Heart and Hands, Anyela’s is relatively new. And like Heart and Hands, Anyela’s makes very good reds for the region. Heart and Hands has very much of a “work-in-progress” feel to it—from its grounds that under construction to its pinot noir obsession which is nowhere near exhausted. Anyela’s demonstrates what is possible when good wines and beautiful, natural settings come together. No wonder why Caitlin and I held our rehearsal dinner here.

Perched atop Skaneateles Lake, the inside of the winery looks like a grown-up’s clubhouse with big, comfortable chairs, a central fireplace, wine barrel tables and natural wood walls. Panoramic views of the vines and the lake are available from just about everywhere. To top it off, their wine’s good, too. Taking a page out of Heart and Hands’ playbook, Anyela’s produces a pinot noir—and a very good one at that. There is an initial sweet and mellow aroma and fruit-forward taste of raspberry that evolves into a pleasant smoothness and finally finishes with hints of figs and exotic spices.

Another red that Anyela’s offers is their very approachable and drinkable Overlay blend. Comprised of 35% Cabernet Franc, 15% Pinot Noir, 20% Shiraz, and 30% Merlot; this thick, jammy, velvety red could, in a blind test, have people convinced they were drinking something from Napa Valley. I lost track of how many people complimented us on the wine served during our rehearsal dinner, and how impressed they were that it was local.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Goose Watch Winery. They have been around for longer than either Heart and Hands or Anyela’s, but are also contributing to the Finger Lakes red march towards respectability. We served their chambourcin at our wedding. The deep, ruby red color and thick, well-rounded aromas of dark fruit and hints of leather, cherries and oak went perfectly with the steak that was served.

Heart and Hands, Aneyla’s and Goose Watch all serve as the exception, and a good example, for the caliber of reds that the Finger Lakes region can produce. With the influx of new wineries opening up in the area, let’s hope at least some of them put the same amount of care and effort into producing interesting, well-made reds.

Beer vs. Wine. An Infographic

Much has been written about the fact that the United States has taken over France as the number one consumer of wine in the world. But what about per capita consumption? That awards goes to... The Vatican. 

When it comes to beer, the most popular brand in the world is Snow, a Chinese brand. The top two American brands, Bud Light (#3) and Budweiser (#4) combined still come in far short of Snow. 

For that any many other fun facts - bathing in beer is good for your skin, "bum wine" is its own category - check out this infographic from the good folks at CompareCamp:

Republished from: comparecamp.com Author: Alex Hillsberg

Winemaking During a Drought

Virginia winemakers often talk about the challenges of making high-quality wine in the state. Indeed, from unexpected frosts, to rapidly-changing weather conditions and from pests like stink bugs to pests like deer, Virginia's winemakers are face with many challenges from the vineyard to the bottle. The optimists say that these challenging conditions really highlight the art - rather than the science - of winemaking. 

In California, the challenges are even more pronounced. The state is experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent memory. Despite the dwindling water supply, California's winemakers are similarly upbeat about what their most recent vintage will look like. 

Below is an update from Sonoma County Winemakers and Sonoma County Vintners. 

Sonoma County’s 2014 harvest season started earlier than normal with the     first grapes being picked on July 29 for sparkling wines.  Since then, winegrowers and winemakers throughout Sonoma County have been holding a steady pace on grape picking for still wine varieties, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Pinot Noir. With the moderate, cool climate weather and typical Sonoma Coast fog patterns throughout most of August, fruit maturity on the vines has slowed down and allowed the grapes to ripen at an optimal pace.  This slower pace has also allowed this harvest season to resemble the timing of previous vintages with many of the AVA’s reporting that 2014 is now only approximately 7-10 days early.

Harvest activity is anticipated to increase throughout September as most varieties, whites and reds, will reach full maturity and ideal flavor profiles. Winegrowers are also predicting an average crop size with quality looking good across the region with some calling the fruit “clean,” “sound,” and “excellent.”  

“Despite the challenges we’re facing as a result of the drought, we are still anticipating another successful harvest season here in Sonoma County. Throughout the season, the vines continued to stay healthy with moderate weather conditions creating an ideal growing season. Yields are expected to be lower than the last few years, while quality is looking exceptionally great.  It’s still early in the season, with only about 20-25 percent of harvest completed throughout our region, but winegrowers and winemakers are thrilled with how the fruit has developed on the vines with great flavors, colors, and sugar and acid levels. There’s a great energy building right now since we know our winegrowers will be working tirelessly day and night over the next 30-45 days to bring in the remaining fruit.  The race is on!”   - Karissa Kruse, President of the Sonoma County Winegrowers

Here are some quotes from the “front vines” of several of our AVA’s:

Alexander Valley

“This growing season has been filled with concern about water.  From the lack of rain during the winter, to the spring rains which are always of a concern, to the curtailments in Alexander Valley, it has been a whole season of water worry.  All of that said, we have made it to less than a week from our first pick, and the fruit quality looks amazing.  All of the Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs are starting to develop their harvest time flavors, with sugars within a couple of points to go.  Even our Merlots are up in the mid 21’s.  This recent cool weather might have applied the brakes just a bit to sugar accumulation, but still has us on a 5-10 day earlier harvest schedule.  We started hand-harvesting Sauvignon Blanc on Thursday, August 21.” – Bret Munselle, Munselle Family Vineyards.

”We have started picking a little bit of Sauvignon Blanc on Westside Road in the Russian River Valley. Quality has been very good and the flavors are there. We are about 10 days ahead of when we picked that same block last year. As for the rest of the varieties we are about two weeks away from starting. We have Cabernet Sauvignon in Alexander Valley that is running 18-21 brix right now. Zinfandel is running a bit behind that. With the foggy mornings and warm afternoons the fruit has been ripening nicely. The fruit is in great shape with no shrivel and very little if any sunburn from the hot weather several weeks ago. We are looking forward to a great harvest with what appears to be excellent quality and tonnages that are average.” – Brad Petersen, ‎Vineyard Manager at Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Cellars, and Sonoma County Winegrowers Chairman

Dry Creek Valley

“It looks like we have the potential for another high-quality harvest.  Ripening is earlier than average, and we've been able to cherry-pick the riper sections of a few Sauvignon Blanc blocks with almost no picking tying up harvest crews at other vineyards so far.  This early harvest should help us get fruit ripe and picked before any rains come along in the late fall….Quality is looking very good. Sauvignon Blanc is developing very nice flavors early, so we are really having to keep on top of our vineyards to harvest when flavors are peaking.  Zinfandel is looking potentially early and delicious.”  – Tim Bell, Winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyards.

Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak

“Given the elevation of Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak vineyards, where we usually harvest from early to late October, it is nice to see the possibility of picking Cabernet Sauvignon in the month of September, though likely late September. Most of our vineyards are tracking 2-3 weeks early… looks to be a very nice quantity and quality year for us.” - Barry Hoffner, owner of Silverwood Ranch.

Sonoma Valley

“Harvest is off to a medium-paced start.  The moderate temperatures the last few weeks have allowed for more ideal fruit maturation conditions.  Pinot Noir for sparkling wines is finishing up and we are seeing yields off between 10%-30% from last year. Chardonnay for sparkling wines is just beginning so it’s still a little too early to get a read on yields but expected to be lower than last year.” – Steve Sangiacomo, 3^rd generation winegrower at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards

Russian River Valley

“Three pinot noir vineyards sampled in mid-August were between 19.5 and 22.1 brix. Seeds seem to be ripening nicely but the flavors are still developing. Nice juice color. Much darker than we usually see at these bris levels. I think that we have another week, maybe 10-12 days…Even the Syrah and our little bit of Cabernet Sauvignon (which usually comes in at the end of October or early November) are tasting really nice. The vines are holding up well with very little loss of leaves in the fruiting zone so we should have a nice window in which to pick if the cool weather continues.”  Rod Berglund, Winemaker at Joseph Swan Vineyards

Despite the drought in California, most of those quoted are excited about the early ripening leading to an early harvest. Some varietals - like Cabernet Sauvignon - are anticipated being picked a full month earlier than usual, though with lower yields.

While we all enjoy drinking and discussing wine, this harvest update from Sonoma reaffirms that wine is - ultimately - influenced by the weather. Between California's drought this year, and the Finger Lakes being under a State of Emergency last year because of the sustained cold temperatures that decimated grape crops, the changing weather patterns means that wines from different regions may start to take on very different characteristics in the coming years... Or not. Only time and tasting will tell.

A Victim of Success

When people think of Virginia wine, they most likely think about Viognier for whites and Cabernet Franc for red. Despite the spirited debate and range of opinions the last post on the subject received, Cabernet Franc remains both the state's workhorse and showhorse and likely will be for some time. The challenge becomes how does a region continue to showcase signature varietals while at the same time branching out, diversifying and making a wider range of wines that will be accepted and enjoyed by consumers?

In Virginia, winemakers are having great success with Bordeaux-style blends, and are experimenting with traditional blending grapes - like Petite Verdot and Tannat - and non-French varietals - like Nebbiolo and Barbera. The state is also far from the only one that is trying to expand while also continuing to produce what has been successful and what people expect. 

The Paso Robles AVA in California is having a similar dillema. Long known for its big, fruity Cabernet Sauvignons and Zinfandels, some wineries in Paso Robles are also looking for ways to diversify. At Villa San-Juliette, for example, they offer the traditional wines the region is known for - Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel - but they also produce several different red and white blends, a Petite Sirah and a Cabernet Franc. 

Villa San-Juliette's blends - Chorum White and Red - are more unique than the Rhone Ranger varietal blends that Paso is also known for. In fact, its Chorum Red Blend contains Rhone varietals (Syrah and Grenache), Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc) and more unique varietals such as Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet.

Given the blend, the Chorum red is a big, smokey red with a lot of blueberry, blackberry and chocolate mixed in and goes very well with grilled meats. 

VSJ's Chorum Blend is a big, bold mutt of a wine, which is a compliment.

As for the Petite Sirah, it is also a big, smokey wine with a lot of tannins, cedar, oak and vanilla on it. To be honest, I am not all that familiar with the Petite Sirah grape or the wines it produces. I know enough to know that it is totally different from Syrah, and the style of the wine is also vastly different from most Syrah/Shiraz I have had. 

The Villa San-Juliette is a good introduction to this varietal, and has intrigued me to want to try other ones. And isn't that really what offering more than just the known varietals is all about - giving people choices and letting them grow their love of different types of wines?

Virginia, like Paso Robles, has found success with a few very popular varietals and styles of wine.  The challenge now is how to continue to give people what they have come to expect while also expanding the types of wine a certain region produces. Given how strict rules for winemaking are in Europe, this is pretty much a New World problem, but it is a wonderful problem to have.