In celebration of the Sundance Film Festival coming to our home town for 10 days each January, we always do some sort of movie-themed class. This year was no exception, with our “Indies and Blockbusters” class. Students tried five wines that were either featured in movies, or had some fun movie fact to go alongside each delicious (or not so delicious) sip.

Movie Wine Grade Averages:

Francis Coppola Winery 2010 “Sofia” Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine – “A-”

12.0% alcohol
Est. Price:$15.99
Cork and cage

Francis Coppola Fun Movie Fact…
Francis Coppola, super-director, made this wine specifically for his daughter’s wedding. He had promised Sofia, when she was a young girl that he would made a sparkling wine and name it after her.

Sources say… This wine offer delicate scents of orange blossom, lemon and apricots and flavors of quince, green apples, pears and pineapple. Consider taking this wine on picnics and serving with goat cheese.

Professor Szczeny says… This wine is amazing with Asian foods with salty or spicy elements.

Grgich Hills Estate 2009 Fume Blanc – “B-”

Napa Valley, California
14.3% alcohol
Est. Price: $27.96
Cork
100% Sauvignon Blanc

Grgich Hills Estate in the Movies….
Most people don’t know that Mike Grgich is the wine maker for the famous Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which won the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” (first time a California wine beat French wines in a blind tasting in France,) and is featured in the movie Bottle Shock.

Sources say… Elegant floral aromatics with crisp elegant flavors of passion fruit, lemongrass and a hint of mineral. Pair with goat cheese, grilled seafood or chicken.

Critics say… 88 pts., Wine Spectator

Fess Parker Winery 2010 Chardonnay – “A-”

Santa Barbara County, California
14.2% alcohol
Est. Price: $16.17
Cork

Fess Parker Winery in the Movies…
Fess Parker, who played Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone in the 50′s and 60′s, owns a vineyard; the tasting room at his winery was the setting for the Sideways tasting room for “Frass Canyon Winery” where Miles drinks the spit bucket.

Note: “Frass” is what entomologists call insect excrement.

Sources say… Aromas of apple, pear and pineapple combine with a touch of oak, melon and white flowers. Lush citrus flavors with layers of apple, honey, pear and a hint of light cream and lemon.

Critics say… 89 pts., Gary Vaynerchuck/The Daily Grape

Siduri Wines 2009 Pinot Noir – “B+”

Santa Rita Hills, California
14.1% alcohol
Est. Price: $27.99
Screw cap

Fun (kinda) Movie Fact…
This is an independent winery, devoted to a single grape – Pinot Noir, which buys wine from only independent growers, reflective of the indie nature of the the Sundance Film Festival.

Sources say… This wine offers dark rich fruits, dried herb notes all backed up by textbook Santa Rita Hills tannins that give the wine good structure, as well.

Critics say… 91 pts., Wine Advocate

Fattoria del Cerro 2008 – “C+”

Chianti Colli Senesi, Italy
12.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $12.99
Cork
90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero

Disturbing Movie Fact…
Hannibal Lecter: “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.”

Sources say… The wine is fruity with hints of black cherry, cherry and a delicate balsamic and herbal finish. It is optimal with appetizing first-course dishes with meat and mushroom sauces, veal stews and roast chicken. (No liver mentioned.)

Critics say… 88 pts., Wine Advocate