Which movies have featured Bordeaux wine?
Hello! That's a fantastic question. As someone who loves both movies and a good drink, wine in films always catches my eye. Bordeaux reds are frequent guests on the silver screen. They're not just props; often, they become "characters" themselves, driving the plot and shaping personalities.
Let me list a few films featuring iconic Bordeaux wines for you. Guaranteed, you'll find yourself squinting at the labels next time you watch!
## The James Bond Series: 007's Choice of Refinement
When it comes to taste in movies, Bond is second to none. His discerning palate is legendary, and Bordeaux is naturally his favorite.
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Film: Casino Royale & Spectre
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Wine Featured: Château Angélus
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In Casino Royale, Bond and Vesper share dinner on a train with a bottle of 2005 Château Angélus on the table. It reappears in Spectre. This is no coincidence. Château Angélus is a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate from Saint-Émilion on Bordeaux's Right Bank, its emblem a large golden bell. Reportedly, the owner and the Bond producers are good friends, making this wine a symbol of Bond's taste. It represents classic elegance and subtle luxury, perfectly matching Bond's persona.
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Film: Diamonds Are Forever
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Wine Featured: Château Lafite Rothschild
In this classic Bond film, Bond exposes an imposter by pointing out that the '55 Lafite offered by the villain is the wrong vintage (it should be '59). Though just a line, it shows Lafite was already synonymous with ultimate luxury at the time.
## Kingsman: The Secret Service: The Ultimate in Quirky Luxury
There's a scene in this film that's pure cinematic gold!
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Wine Featured: Château Lafite Rothschild 1945
The villain, Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson), prepares for a "last supper" with Harry (Colin Firth), serving McDonald's burgers on a silver platter. The accompanying wine? This legendary vintage of Lafite. Valentine even remarks, "It's too good not to have something to eat with it." Pairing a top-tier Bordeaux with fast-food burgers creates a jarring contrast, brilliantly capturing the villain's eccentric, unhinged, and obscenely wealthy nature.
## Ratatouille: The Magic of Taste That Melts Icy Hearts
This animated film is practically a love letter to food and wine.
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Wine Featured: Château Cheval Blanc 1947
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At the film's climax, the harsh critic Anton Ego tastes Remy's ratatouille and is instantly transported back to his childhood. The wine served alongside it is this "vintage of the century" from Château Cheval Blanc. Like Château Angélus, Cheval Blanc is a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate from Saint-Émilion. This pairing symbolizes how the humblest food, made with heart, can create perfect chemistry with the finest wine, melting even the coldest heart.
## Hannibal: Terror Beneath Elegance
Dr. Hannibal Lecter is a gourmet of the highest order (though his ingredients are... unique). His wine choices reflect his character.
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Wine Featured: Château Phélan Ségur
In the film, Hannibal prepares a dinner with an ulterior motive for Agent Clarice Starling in Florence. He pours her a glass of Château Phélan Ségur from Saint-Estèphe in Bordeaux. While not a top-tier "cult" wine like Lafite or Margaux, it's a high-quality Cru Bourgeois, showing Hannibal is a true connoisseur, not just a label-chasing snob. Using a wine that's refined but understated perfectly complements his brand of intellectual terror hidden beneath elegance.
## Red Obsession: A Documentary About Bordeaux
If you're curious why Bordeaux is so coveted, especially its connection to China, this film is a must-watch!
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Wines Featured: Almost all the top Bordeaux estates!
Narrated by Russell Crowe, this documentary delves into how Bordeaux wine prices skyrocketed in recent decades, fueled by demand from China. It focuses on all the big names – Lafite, Latour, Margaux, etc. – featuring interviews with château owners. It's not a feature film, but it makes Bordeaux wine the true protagonist, telling its story amidst the waves of globalization.
### Why Do Directors Love Using Bordeaux?
Simply put, a few reasons:
- Symbol of Status: A bottle of Lafite or Margaux on the table instantly tells the audience the character is wealthy, powerful, and refined – no dialogue needed.
- Cultural Icon: Bordeaux represents French tradition, history, and artisanal craftsmanship – the pinnacle of "Old World" wine culture.
- Dramatic Contrast: Pairing top wine with fast food (like in Kingsman) or using wine knowledge to unmask a spy (like in 007) creates powerful dramatic moments.
Hope this little rundown helps! Next time you watch a movie, try playing "spot the wine label" – you might discover some fascinating details. Cheers!