Movie & Wine Pairing

wine

Grande Reserve de Gassac Blanc 2015
Herault Vin de Pays, France

Lust for Life (1956)
Not currently scheduled. Check TCM Schedule for more information.

The rugged landscape of the southern France lends itself to this wine’s concentrated notes of wild herbs and citrus just as it did to painter Vincent Van Gogh’s richly concentrated colors. Watch Kirk Douglas’ layered performance as Van Gogh in Lust for Life and enjoy the shared brilliance of director Vincente Minnelli’s lush palette and this white blend’s satisfying finish.

WHITE BLEND

WINE STYLE

CHILLED

CHICKEN

CHEESE

THE WINE

An exciting release from the iconic Mas de Daumas Gassac estate, crowned 'The Lafite of the Languedoc' by the legendary Hugh Johnson. Their Grand Vin white sells for over $40 a bottle – but because we go way back with the Guibert family, they craft a special Grande Réserve just for us (and now, you). Made in the image of their Grand Vin, this ripe gold-medal winner (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, 2015) blends local star grapes Grenache Blanc and Viognier with dashes of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

THE LAND

Sleepy Gassac Valley was purchased in 1970 by Véronique and Aimé Guibert, former glove makers to the royalty of Europe (that’s Aimé pictured below with son Roman). On a visit, their friend – the great Bordeaux geography professor Henri Enjalbert – discovered that under the thick scrub were 98 acres of ideal vine-growing soils. The soils are so deep and porous that, even after a rainstorm, vine roots are forced to find nourishment at great depth, promoting intense, concentrated flavors in the glass.

THE REGION

Hérault is a département in the Languedoc-Roussillon, a rugged swath of vineyards in France’s sunny south. The region’s famed, brushy landscape, known as garrigue, imparts enticing wildherb notes to the wines (which Hugh Johnson has described as having “real local character, a strong French accent and remarkably attractive prices”). This fine white from the Guiberts is a perfect example.

WITH FOOD

As this cuvée is modeled on the top wine from the Languedoc’s premier producer, it’s worth trying a few sips (or more) without food. But this complex wine also marries well with a variety of foods. The Guiberts recommend garlicroasted Cornish game hen or vegetarian options such as a rich mushroom quiche. Soft cheeses like aged goat cheese or Brie also make a fine match.