There’s a new film coming out very soon (Aug 6th) called Bottle Shock. Based on a true story, it’s about the lives of two men involved in the wine business striving to become successful at what they do. One is an ex real estate lawyer turned winemaker, lives in California, and is trying to perfect the art of making Chardonnay – while the other is a British man who owns a wine shop in Paris.
The film is also about relationships as the California-based winemaker struggles with his relationship with his son who doesn’t seem to be pulling his weight. He also has the added pressure of creditors breathing down his neck.
The wine shop owner in Paris, in an attempt to revive his business, decides to hold a competition between French wines and Californian wines (known as ‘The Judgment of Paris tasting’).
Back then (in 1976), Californian wines were just finding their feet and weren’t on the map whilst French wines were a lot more established. There was no comparison. French wines were going to win hands down. You can’t run with the big boys.
Or so they thought.
The Californian wine maker won the competition!
The film, Bottle Shock, portrays the events leading up to this competition.
Unfortunately, it’s only showing in the US which is a real shame. A real shame. A lot of people would have enjoyed watching it. Maybe it’s due for wider distribution in the future or perhaps it’ll go straight to DVD in other countries, but whatever happens, I want a copy!
I do hope the script’s well written and the film’s well directed and produced. There’s no greater sin than a fascinating true story that makes a weak transition into film.
The trailer’s available on the site. I’m gonna go watch it now. Care to join me? You bring the wine, I’ll bring the popcorn!
Ciao!
(img by: shodan)