There are just a few things I need for Christmas - a cozy blanket, a glass of wine and a good old classic holiday movie in the company of the people I love the most. Here’s a list of seasonal films to binge watch and a satisfying wine to match.
Love Actually - Rosé
“The thing about romance is people only get together right at the very end.” — Sam
Eight couples navigate through the crazy rollercoaster that is love in the romantic city of London around Christmas time. We have got a Prime Minister falling in love with his assistant, love triangles, potential divorces and all that rom-com drama.
Get in the mood for romance with a bottle of crisp Volcanic Hills Rosé. Summer time flavours of fragrant berry fruit blends melt into a balanced ripe strawberry gelato ice cream finish. Pair with white carrot cake to elevate the sweetness of the night.
The Grinch - Shiraz
“No one should be alone on Christmas.” — Cindy Lou Who
This beloved classic by Dr. Seuss centers around the grumpy green Grinch that lives on top of Mount Crumpit. Determined to ruin the festivities around the merry town of Whoville, the Grinch and his dog Max embark on a journey to steal Christmas and the cheer that it brings. Will the Grinch succeed in his plans or will the charming young Cindy teach him what Christmas is really about?
With its many adaptations, I am sure a lot of us already know how it ends. Crack open an electric McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Shiraz as you watch or rewatch the Grinch try and fail to bring an end to Christmas. Strong yet surprisingly sweet like the Grinch himself, this brilliant red smells like Christmas Eve dinners with berries and cream confection giving way to cherry cola and fragrant white pepper notes.
Frozen - Tyrian Clouds Sauvignon Blanc
“The cold never bothered me anyway.” - Elsa
Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, Disney movies have this magic to bring warmth and cheer all year long. With talking snowmans, dancing trolls, heartwarming sisterhood and catchy music; Frozen never fails to make the holidays more magical.
If the cold never bothered you, pop a bottle of chilled Tyrian Clouds Sauvignon Blanc as you curl up and watch Elsa build her own ice castle while saving Anna and Arendelle from deep snow. Best enjoyed cold, this cool climate sauvignon blanc is refreshingly acidic and tropical with aromas of guava, passionfruit and bready lees.
Home Alone - Chardonnay
“Bless this highly nutritious microwavable macaroni and cheese dinner and the people who sold it on sale. Amen.” - Kevin
Now on its 31st anniversary, this movie remains a classic must-watch film this time of the year. Kevin, the bratty 8-year old, was accidentally left alone while his family left for a trip to Paris. This clever young lad fought burglars and protected his home while relying on delivery pizza and microwavable macaroni and cheese for food.
Pair this movie with a fruit forward McHenry Hohnen Burnside Chardonnay, best enjoyed with creamy dishes like macaroni and cheese. The graceful light brioche dough and lemon cured palate of this Western Australian white contrasts pleasantly with the rich cheesy goodness of the dish.
Elf - Pinot Gris
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” – Buddy
Raised by elves in the North Pole, Buddy is determined to find his biological father in New York City. Guaranteed to bring out the child in us, this hilarious family movie is sure to bring smiles and laughter to your holidays.
Lively, food friendly and best enjoyed youthful - If Buddy was a wine he would definitely be this Volcanic Hills Pinot Gris. Fruity from luscious pears and stone fruit complemented with lifted floral notes and a degree of spiciness. This refreshing white will go well with just about anything. Try it with Thai Pomelo Lobster Salad, Dim Sum or Indian food.
