Cannes Film Festival and French Wine: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience in Calais
As the stars start to descend on Cannes for the 2023 Film Festival, here at Wine Calais, our thoughts turn to the long history of wine in film, wine from the region around Cannes, and the long-established links between the legendary festival and some of the biggest names in wine.
>Situated on the French Riviera, the perfect climate and fertile ground of the Cotes de Provence region has, experts claim, been producing wine for over 2,600 years; Phoenicians brought their grape vines, at the time unknown in France, to the region when they founded Marseille two and a half millennia ago.
Explore the Rich Heritage of Cotes de Provence Wine
Perhaps best known for its superb rosé wines, the region is dotted with famous vineyards, many boasting their own histories measured in centuries. One of our favorites at Calais Vins is Château du Rouët 1840 Rosé (€9.10). Produced in Le Muy, just 30km from Cannes, this delicate wine is perfect for a summer barbecue. You may not have an invite to the Film Festival, but if you close your eyes, we guarantee this wine will transport you onto the deck of a film star's yacht, moored in Cannes' harbor!
Legendary Wine Partners of the Cannes Film Festival
The Film Festival itself has long attracted official partners from the wine and spirits world. Long-standing associations include the legendary Mouton Cadet Wine Bar, where the stars sip exquisite wines from Baron Philippe de Rothschild's famous Bordeaux vineyards. Once again, not received your invite? Don't despair, can we tempt you with a stunning Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild 2017 Pauillac at €22.50? Or for those with (very) deep pockets, Calais Vins is very proud to be able to supply you with a bottle of Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2005 Premier Cru Pauillac at €890! Perfect for toasting the stars of Cannes!
Exploring Wine and Film Culture at Cannes
Of course, you can hardly talk about wine and the Cannes Film Festival without actually mentioning... err... films! Over the years, there have been many memorable scenes where wine
Takes center stage. Few will ever forget Humphrey Bogart's legendary "here's looking at you kid" toast as he sips on his Champagne in Casablanca. Very much more disturbing would be Hannibal Lecter's unforgettable: "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti" in The Silence of the Lambs. Premiering at Cannes in 1987, the legendary banquet scene in Babette's Feast featured this exchange between the sister and Babette:
Sister: "Surely that isn't wine."
Babette: "No, that isn't wine. It's Clos de Vougeot, 1845."
Discover Wine-Inspired Films at Cannes
This year at Cannes looks to be a vintage one, and for food and wine lovers, one film in competition surely stands out from the crowd. Tran Anh Hung's La Passion de Dodin Bouffant, starring Juliette Binoche, depicts a romance between a cook and the gourmet she works for. Based on the characters created by Marcel Rouff in his novel La Vie et la passion de Dodin-Bouffant, gourmet, the official stills released for the Festival show wine very much at the forefront of the movie.
If you're a British cinephile and wine enthusiast planning to visit France, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the captivating combination of the Cannes Film Festival and the exquisite French wines. Explore the rich heritage of Cotes de Provence wines and savor the renowned rosé wines, such as the delightful Château du Rouët 1840 Rosé. Additionally, immerse yourself in the wine culture of Cannes by experiencing the official partners' exceptional selections, such as the prestigious Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild 2017 Pauillac from Baron Philippe de Rothschild or the legendary Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2005 Premier Cru Pauillac.
Whether you have a chance to attend the Cannes Film Festival or not, these wines will transport you to the enchanting world of cinema and the glamorous atmosphere of the French Riviera. So raise your glass, toast to the stars of Cannes, and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience in Calais.