When I saw this week’s #SundaySupper theme, it didn’t take me long to decide which movie I would pick. Sideways! The best wine-theme movie I’ve ever seen. There are three things I’ll always remember about the movie…
First, the line most people remember from the movie is…
No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any f**king Merlot!
Who knew that such a line could single-handedly, if unintentionally send Merlot sales into a downward spiral, and elevate Pinot Noir to dizzying heights?
Second, was the scene that I enjoyed the most and resonated with me, even before I got into wine big-time. It was delivered by Virginia Madsen her Oscar-nominated role as Maya (caution – there is profanity at the end of the clip)
It was a beautiful, evocative scene that was that I’ll always remember.
And last but not least was the most infamous food and wine pairing of all time, when a depressed Miles, played by Paul Giamatti pairs a 1961 Cheval Blanc – one of the great wines of the 20th century – with a burger and fries (and drinks the wine from a Styrofoam cup) At the time I had little idea what ’61 Cheval Blanc (a red Bordeaux blend) was, and knew even less about food and wine pairing. Nonetheless I knew the pairing was kin to blasphemy.
Like any great movie, Sideways speaks to our human frailties, and our need to enter into life and relationships in such was that we experience fullness in our lives. It wasn’t about so much about wine, love, or buddies on a road trip. It was about the memories created.
It’s the same with #SundaySupper, food bringing families together around the dining table and the memories that go along with it.
Check out the blockbuster recipes the #SundaySupper crew is premiering this week, and my wine pairing recommendations. Oh, and I’ve made sure to include Merlot among this week’s recommended wines 😉
Pair these dishes with Prosecco. One of my favorites is the Terre di San Venanzio Fortunato Prosecco Brut. It show aromas of green apples, stone fruits, and white flowers. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, dry with a creamy mousse and apple, white peach flavors with a mineral undertone.
- Scones (inspired by Tea with Mussolini) – Country Girl in the Village
- “Eat Me” Strawberry Orange Scones (inspired by Alice in Wonderland) – The Messy Baker
- Dog Bone Breadsticks (inspired by Frankenweenie) – The Urban Mrs.
- Basic Bread Recipe (inspired by Agora) – Masala Herb
Pair this dish with Moscato d’ Asti. I like the 2012 Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d’Asti. It has a lovely rose, and peach character with a soft effervescence.
- Vanilla Cinnamon Pancakes (inspired by No Reservations) – Pies and Plots
Pair this dish with Sauvignon Blanc. Look for the 2011 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It’s an outstanding value, and delivers grapefruit, tropical fruit, and lemongrass aromas followed by grapefruit, tropical fruit and hint of herb and mineral flavors.
- Goat Cheese Basil Grits (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) – Diabetic Foodie
Pair these dishes with Pinot Gris, or Pinot Grigio depending on geography and interpretation. It’s a grape that’s made in a variety of styles. Look for the 2010 Domaines Schlumberger Pinot Gris Les Princes Abbes from Alsace, France. It’s a dry-style with a rich honeyed tropical fruit and baked apple character.
- 10-Minute Potato Ham Soup with Pesto Swirl (inspired by Julie & Julia) – Shockingly Delicious
- Alaska Smoked Salmon, Celery, and Apple Salad (inspired by Salmon Fishing in the Yemen) – Pescetarian Journal
- Eggplant in Garlic Sauce (inspired by The Joy Luck Club) – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Mushroom and Asparagus Mini Quiches (inspired by Sixteen Candles) – Home Cooking Memories
- Veg Samosas (inspired by Monsoon Wedding) – My Cute Bride
- Not So Fried Green Tomatoes (inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes) – Mama.Mommy.Mom
Pair these dishes with Viognier. It’s an aromatic white grape most often associated with the Rhône Valley in France. It’s underrated in its ability to be a good match for a variety of foods. Look for the 2011 Yalumba Eden Valley Viognier from Australia. It has a floral, citrus, apricot, and spice character.
- الدار البيضاء Fish Tajine (inspired by Casablanca) – Maroc Mama
- Puerco Pibil (inspired by Once Upon a Time in Mexico) – From the Bookshelf
- Spicy Sichuan Noodles (inspired by Eat Drink Man Woman) – Food Lust People Love
- Chicken Tchoupitoulas Pasta (inspired by Last Holiday) – Gourmet Drizzles
Pair these dishes with Beaujolais, a wine from the eponymous region made from the Gamay grape. While I’m not a big fan of the Beaujolais Nouveau release annually in November, I am a fan of Cru Beaujolais. They tend to be light-bodied, food friendly red wines with soft tannins. Look for the 2010 Potel-Aviron Côte de Brouilly “Vieilles Vignes” Cru Beaujolais. It has a black raspberry, floral, and asian spice character. Can’t find a Beaujolais? Then go with your favorite Pinot Noir – a similar style of wine.
- Croque Monsieur (inspired by It’s Complicated) – That Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
- Beet Chips (inspired by Food Matters) – girlichef
- Better Baked Mac & Cheese (inspired by Soul Food) – What Smells So Good?
Pair these dishes with Chianti, the classic Italian red wine. Look for the 2011 Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti. It’s a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo with a beautiful black cherry, spice, and licorice character with a kiss of rusticity.
- Individual Deep Dish Pizzas (inspired by Mystic Pizza) – Momma’s Meals
- Mystical Double Cheese Pizza (inspired by Mystic Pizza) – Webicurean
- Big Night Timpano (inspired by Big Night) – Kimchi Mom
- Spaghetti with Meatballs and Gravy (inspired by Lady and the Tramp) – Juanita’s Cocina
Pair these dishes with Merlot. Look for the 2010 Wild Horse Central Coast Merlot. It has a fruit forward plum, sour cherry, baking spice character with good acidity.
- Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs (inspired by Brave) – Big Bear’s Wife
- Spicy Seared Tuna with Balsamic Reduction (inspired by Big Fish) – I Run For Wine
Pair this dish with (Miles would be devastated!) Chimay Grande Reserve (Blue Label) beer. It’s big beer, (9% alcohol) with a bit of a vinous character. It show big, deep dark flavors with a kiss of sweetness often found in Belgian beers. If beer isn’t your thing, pair with the Merlot recommended above. (Looks like Miles will be devastated either way;-)
- Beef and Onions Braised in Beer (inspired by Julie & Julia) – Magnolia Days
Pair these dishes with a Rioja, the 2007 Bodegas Vina Eguia Reserva. It shows spice, leather and bright red fruit aromas followed by raspberry, sweet tobacco and vanilla spice on the palate. I recommend letting the wine “breathe” for an hour or so and you’ll be amply rewarded.
- Ratatouille (inspired by Ratatouille) – Noshing With The Nolands
- Roasted Taters with Bacon (inspired by Lord of the Rings) – Curious Cuisiniere
Pair these desserts with the 2012 Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d’Asti noted above.
- Pao de Lo | Portuguese Bundt Sponge Cake (inspired by My Big Fat Greek Wedding) – Family Foodie
- (Gluten Free) Orange Soda Pound Cake (inspired by Joe Vs The Volcano) – Blueberries and Blessings
- Peach and Berry Cobbler (inspired by Soul Food) – The Lovely Pantry
- French Macarons (inspired by Marie Antoinette) – Happy Baking Days
- Pistachio and Cherry Cannoli Cups (inspired by The Godfather) – Peanut Butter and Peppers
Pair these desserts with Banyuls, a lighter style fortified wine made in France. It’s a Port-style wine made from Grenache, and is a great match for chocolate. Look for the 2009 Les Clos de Paulilles Banyuls Rimage. It has rich, dense blackberry, plum, caramel, and vanilla aromas and flavors.
- The Best Chocolate Cake (inspired by Chocolat) – The Foodie Army Wife
- Chocolate Almond Torte with Raspberries (inspired by Chocolat) – Vintage Kitchen
- Iocane-Dusted Brownies of Unusual Size (BOUS’) (inspired by The Princess Bride) – The Cooking Actress
- Minny’s Chocolate Pie (inspired by The Help) – Daily Dish Recipes
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie (inspired by Life of Pi) – No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Fantasia Cakes (inspired by Disney’s Fantasia) – NinjaBaking. com
Pair this dessert with an Oloroso Sherry, a denser richer style of Sherry. Look for the Lustau East Indian Solera. It’s a provocative sweet creamy Sherry with a toffee, fig, caramel, raisin, and baking spice (cinnamon and clove) character.
- Golden Ticket Peanut Butter-Pretzel Truffles (inspired by Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) – Weekend Gourmet
- Chocolate Dipped Almond Coconut Bars (inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) – Kudos Kitchen By Renee
Bottle Shock (beverages)
- Raspberry Cordial (inspired by Anne of Green Gables) – NeighborFood
- Grapefruit Flirtini (inspired by Sex and the City) – Ruffles & Truffles
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday, April 14th to talk all about movies that have inspired us to head into the kitchen – and the food that comes from that inspiration (7pm EST)! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Follow the#SundaySupper hashtag, and include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.
Thank you for the recommendation of Port from Grenache for Fantasia and other chocolate cakes. Very much appreciate too your fine comments about Sideways being more about human foibles, relationships and healing =)
Thanks so much for your kind words!
I haven´t seen Sideways, but I´m writing it down. So many movies I need to watch! The pairings are wonderful Martin, as usual. And since I usually make desserts, I get the ports and moscatos, which I love! Have a great day
Sideways is one of my favorite movies. I also like the line “Can we drink it now?” Great pairings, as usual.
Thanks so much for the kind words Shelby!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Sideways. I love that movie. There are so many great aspect to it; humor, love, wine, friendships, etc.
Thank you so much for another one of your fantastic wine pairings for Sunday Supper. My wine to-buy list keeps growing with each one.
Thanks Renee! Cheers!
Another great wine-pairing post. I actually take notes sometimes when I’m reading your recommended pairings! “Sideways” was a funny movie, and my husband and I enjoyed watching it. Kudos!
Thanks so much Alaiyo!
A friend was just recommending Sideways to me last weekend. He went so far as to say I HAD TO see it. So now I guess I really, really do! Great wine pairings, as usual, Martin. Like Renee, my list of “to buy” keeps growing.
Stacy
Yes Stacy…Sideways is a must see. I bet you’ll love it!
That scene of Maya’s is probably my favorite my favorite scene of that whole movie! You definitely chose the perfect one for you 🙂 And I’ll admit to drinking an awful lot of Pinot after this movie came out… I’d gladly sit and munch my beet chips with a glass of it today. Thanks for the great pairings, Martin!
Thanks so much Heather…get job hosting this week’s event. I could watch that scene over and over again. Mean more to me now than it did when I originally watched the movie…
Great suggestion of a Viognier with my Chicken Tchoupitoulas Pasta! And what a fun post… so glad you are part of #SundaySupper!
Thanks so much Diana!
Thanks for all the magnificent wine pairings! Guess I need to add Sideways to my movie list 🙂
Thank Liz! I think you’ll enjoy it!
Such great pairings. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much Shannon!
We are huge lovers of Rioja here. Thanks for sharing such a great post as always. Perfect pairings!! Sideways was a great movie!!
Thanks Tara…I’m really starting to get into Rioja wines. We’ve visiting Spain in June, and staying in La Rioja for a few day. Looking forward to it!
I knew before the lineup that you would do Sideways 🙂 I am actually remaking my dish tonight and going to pair it with your suggestion. Thank you!!!
Thanks Megan…how was the pairing?
I’ve never seen that movie but adding it to the line up. I love seeing your pairs!
Thanks so much Amanda. I think you’ll enjoy the movie!
Great wine pairings as always! I thought Sideways was a great movie and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thanks so much Heather!
I love Sideways and love how you related it to #SundaySupper. It really is all about the memories created around the family table, many times with great wine. Looking forward to trying your recommendation http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/vietti+cascinetta+docg+muscat+d+asti+piemonte+italy/2012/usa/-/a!
Thanks so much Isabel!
Thank you for all of these wonderful pairings. And now I have another movie to add to my Netflix queue 🙂
Thanks Conni – I hope you enjoy Sideways!