Purple Owl Pinot Noir 2023
Classic Movie Pairing
The Big Heat (1953)The Purple Owl would have been a fitting name for a classic film noir and as a great noir, the wine will keep you intrigued from the first taste. Directed by Fritz Lang and starring Glenn Ford and Gloria Grahame, The Big Heat is equally engrossing from start to finish. Fast-paced and a classic of the genre, it nicely pairs with this captivating Pinot.
The Wine
We’re always on the lookout for great-value Pinot Noir, and this beautiful example had us smiling from ear to ear. Named for the clover that blankets the vineyards of California’s Central Coast, Purple Owl is as pretty as its watercolor label (a work by early 20th-century artist, Ernest Clayton). A previous release won a coveted San Francisco medal, and the silky 2020 edition is every bit as impressive. Feeling inspired by the artful label? Why not pen a review in your Wine Cellar—we’d love to know what you think.
The Grape
Nicknamed “The Heartbreak Grape,” Pinot Noir is infamously difficult to grow. The same thin skin that’s responsible for giving the wines their trademark, pale color also renders the grape susceptible to vineyard maladies and damage from harsh weather. Pinot ripens early and thrives in cool climates—while its spiritual homeland is the Côte d’Or in France’s Burgundy, it has found a delicious new character in cooler corners of New Zealand, Oregon and California, all of which produce world-class Pinot.
The Region
Burgundy may be home to the world’s most famous Pinot Noir, but Central Coast Pinot has a style all its own—balancing California’s riper character with the finesse you’d find in cooler climates. Known for brilliant sunshine and cool ocean breezes, the Central Coast boasts some of California’s oldest vines and is dotted with olive trees, both planted by immigrants over a century ago.
With Food
Such a pretty label and gorgeous wine deserve an equally lovely food pairing. Puréed purple potatoes with rosemary-citrus salmon and asparagus will certainly fit the bill. (Pinot Noir does well with many meaty fishes, so you could also try a rare tuna steak.) Vegetarian? A plate of garlic roasted, multi-colored heirloom carrots over warm freekeh will be a tasty (and healthful!) match.
What's Not to Love?
TCM Wine Club brings the magic of movies and wine together - all delivered right to your door. Your first case includes 12 delicious wines from around the world expertly paired with the classic films you love on TCM. Plus, enjoy our 3 BONUS CLASSIC MOVIE WINES!