Movie & Wine Pairing

wine

Jean Harlow Petite Sirah 2015
North Coast, California

Libeled Lady (1936)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 @ 08:30 AM (ET)

One of Jean Harlow’s signature films, this screwball comedy was also one of her biggest box-office hits. Co-starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy, it’s a hilarious story of love and libel that ultimately garnered a Best Picture nomination. Sweet and eminently pleasing Petite Sirah is a clever match for MGM’s young superstar – a gorgeous icon whose presence and too-short career still resonate to this day.

PETITE SIRAH

WINE STYLE

ROOM TEMPERATURE

ROASTED MEATS

VEGETARIAN

THE WINE

Jean Harlow was Hollywood’s original ‘Blonde Bombshell,’ tantalizing moviegoers with her dramatic, revealing costumes and memorable one-liners. Offscreen, the actress affectionately known as ‘the Baby’ was quite different. This limitededition Petite Sirah is a suitably sweet-natured, unassuming wine with which to pay tribute. Hailing from California’s premium North Coast and the landmark 2015 vintage, it overflows with juicy, darkfruit flavor, hints of sweet spices, and velvety-smooth tannins. Enjoy your bottle with good friends and one of Miss Harlow’s classic films.

THE GRAPE

Petite Sirah is also known as Durif (named for François Durif, the French botanist who first discovered the variety), and is most likely a crossing of Syrah and Peloursin that originates in France’s Rhône Valley. It’s a “grape that takes no prisoners,” says Tim Atkin, MW. Plantings are up 13% over the last five years, and no wonder. With its inky-black color and full body, the wines are hard to resist (just ask a member of its fan club, PS I Love You).

THE REGION

The North Coast encompasses the counties of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino – where you’ll find California’s most famous vineyards (and some of the world’s most sought-after reds). One hundred miles long and 50 miles wide, the region was formed by colliding tectonic plates, volcanic activity, and changes in sea level. The resulting, diverse soil types are ideal for grape growing.

WITH FOOD

While you can absolutely enjoy this velvety, dark-fruited Petite Sirah on its own, it’ll really shine with food. Our favorite match is beef brisket, but it’ll be equally tasty with roasted lamb or pork shoulder. You could also serve it with meaty pasta dishes or hearty vegetarian fare, like stuffed eggplant, mushroom ‘steaks,’ or lentil- or beanbased stews and casseroles.