FINE Wine & Champagne India - Winter 2018

COLUMN
MARY KAE IRVIN
MOVIES AND
WINES
When I was first introduced to the wine industry in the United States, the year was 1985.
I was a newly minted 21 year old – just barely legal to enjoy alcohol. On route to a job
interview, I took a wrong turn (both literally and figuratively) that led me to what would
become a major change of course in my life. I stopped for directions in a beautiful park like setting surrounded
by fountains, flower, trout ponds, beautiful trees and a French Empire style Chateau. “Now this,” I thought, “is
lovely! I’d love to work in a place like this!” The place was the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, a fairly young and
upcoming enterprise at the time. They offered me a job, and my wine journey began.
Though I was a quick study, there was much to
learn. What better way to catalogue information
in my newfound interest than to marry it to
things I already knew? I loved movies and acting
so in an effort to help myself better understand
and remember wine styles I set about casting a
movie with wine:
Chardonnay is my Leading Lady (Best
Actress) – smart, sophisticated and sexy. She
might be curvy and voluptuous like Marilyn
Monroe – think barrel fermented California
ageing ‘sur lees’. She might be lean and sinewy
a la Natalie Portman – think French Chablis.
But, showcasing her varietal character with or
without the mantle of oak – she’s typically the
most complex of the Divas – she’s Meryl Streep,
Susan Sarandon, Katherine Hepburn, Audrey
Hepburn... Elegantly crafted and intelligent,
she has warranted the most care and attention
to detail in her handling.
Sauvignon Blanc would be my Best
Supporting Actress – along with Semillon,
Pinot Gris, and Viognier – not quite as complex
or layered. She’s the best friend, witty side-kick
108 FINE WINE & CHAMPAGNE INDIA