D&D brings Hollywood glamour to wine

UK restaurant group D&D London has challenged its sommeliers to come up with a film and wine match for a new promotional initiative starting next month.

Actor Sam Neill at his Two Paddocks estate in Central Otago

The “Love Wine and Film” programme runs from 9 February until 2 March, tying in with the film industry’s awards season and representing the latest effort by D&D to link wine with another aspect of popular culture. Previous initiatives have included revelations about music lovers’ wine preferences and a “Bordeauxliscious Silent Disco”.

From old vintages of Barolo chosen by Michael Simms of Sartoria restaurant to draw a contrast with the modern style of wine documented in The Barolo Boys, to the focus on actor Sam Neill’s Central Otago wine brand Two Paddocks at Plateau restaurant, the scheme is designed to help sommeliers draw attention to wines for which they have a particular passion.

Over at Skylon, head sommelier Marco Marcuzzo leaps to the defence of Merlot after its famous character assassination in Sideways. Five of his favourite examples of this variety will be available by the glass, bottle or wine flight. While three of these wines come from regions commonly associated with Merlot – Chile, the US and South Africa – Marcuzzo will also feature the 2010 Grant Burge Merlot from Barossa Valley and the 2012 Jean Leon “2055” Merlot/Petit Verdot blend from Penedès in Spain.

Mondovino provides the inspiration at the group’s New Street Wine Shop, whose focus will on wines either inspired by or featured in this provocative documentary. This will include a special offer on the 2009 Meursault from De Montille, whose late owner Hubert de Montille plays a major role in the film and inspired shop manager Julian Tessier with “his incredible personality and character.”

Other D&D restaurants will feature wines inspired by Bottleshock, a film starring Alan Rickman that is based on the “Judgement of Paris” tasting, wines from the estate belonging to film director Francis Ford Coppola or a selection of famous actors’ favourite wines. There will also be a series of special film screenings where guests can relax with truffled popcorn and Moët & Chandon Champagne.

Explaining the thought behind this latest project, James Jones, wine marketing manager for D&D London, said: “We want to share our passion for wine with as many people as possible. Our music activities over the summer were really popular and combining with film is a logical and fun next step.”

For more details and to see the line-up as it is confirmed click here.