By Christine Salins.
The Alliance Française French Film Festival opened in several capital cities, including Canberra, last week and not surprisingly, the occasion was celebrated with plenty of French wine.
The largest celebration of contemporary French films outside of France, the festival is being held in selected cinemas around Australia from March 7 to April 23.
The 2023 program has several films that will particularly appeal to food and wine lovers: Sugar and Stars, The Tasting, and Umami. The Tasting (La Dégustation) is a delightful, witty, and heartfelt romance that takes place when Hortense enrols in Jacques’ wine tasting course.
Champagne Lanson is sponsoring the festival, and all these wonderful films are best served with a glass of French wine. The four wines here were served on the opening night at Palace Cinemas in Canberra.
Champagne Lanson Le Black Label Brut, $62: Founded in 1760, Lanson is one of the oldest Champagne houses and its Black Label is one of the best value non-vintage Champagnes around. Consistently excellent quality with a fine and elegant palate, soft texture and delicate acid, it dances on the tongue with a nice long finish. Fresh and fruity, with just a wee bit of toastiness, it makes for a classic aperitif.
Maison de La Villette 2021 Chardonnay, $16: I have to say it was hard to appreciate this after the Lanson but that’s unfair for a wine that doesn’t pretend to be any more than it is. A fruity, full-bodied wine from Languedoc, it has citrus, melon, pear and stonefruit characters with hints of vanilla and almond. Buttery and oaky without being too tannic or astringent.
Miraval Provence Rosé, $46: Miraval is a magnificent château owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (at least I think it is, who knows how that split has played out?) The wine is made in collaboration with the highly regarded Perrin family of vintners. It’s a gorgeous light-bodied Rosé, with a lovely pale pink colour, packaged in a striking bottle. Delicately aromatic, it is vibrant, crisp and refreshing with raspberry and strawberry notes and a pleasing, lingering finish. It would hit the spot on a glorious summer day, but really, any time is the right time.
Maison de La Villette 2020 Pinot Noir, $16: A smooth, easy-drinking red from the south of France (foothills of the Pyrenees and Cevennes). Refined and delicate, it was aged for six months in oak and has generous ripe fruit flavours of berries and plums with hints of spice and smokiness.
