Michael Bottigliero, founder, president and lead sommelier of Detroit-based Bottles Nation, shares the perfect wine pairings for this year’s Academy Award-nominated movies
By Michael Bottigliero
Featured photo by Mathilde Langevin
The 93rd Academy Awards ceremony, airing Sunday, April 25 on ABC, is Hollywood’s biggest night. Whether you are planning to watch with family members in person or gather with friends via Zoom, consider taking the viewing marathon up a notch for a festive and celebratory evening.
We can’t help you choose what to wear, but we can recommend a Sip + Stream Oscars beverage menu that pairs this year’s “Best Picture” nominees with the best bottles of wine to enjoy. These curated wines reflect each film’s personality and tone and are perfect for sipping on while you root for your favorite stars and films to score a gold-plated statuette.
The Father
Ransom “Jigsaw” Pinot Noir
Anthony Hopkins plays an 80-something man struggling with dementia and trying to figure out what is past, present or future — the most confusing of puzzles. Add Jigsaw, a puzzle-themed Oregon Pinot, and join the complexity of acting and drama.
Judas and The Black Messiah
Robert Biale Black Chicken Zinfandel
Hunker down with this flick based on the Black Panther Party in late-1960s Chicago with a dark and peppery beauty of a Napa Zin.
Mank
Contadi Castaldi Franciacorta Brut
Raise a glass to Gary Oldman — who plays Citizen Kane screenwriter Hank Mankiewicz — and this talented crew and toast to what would have become an Academy Award-winning movie in 1942.
Minari
Aichenberg Premium Gruner Veltliner
Minari is the semi-autobiographical story of the film’s writer-director Lee Isaac Chung, whose Korean-American family moved to an Arkansas farm in the 1980s . Watch them delve into the farm life while you cut up some celery for crudites and serve with this zippy white.
Nomadland
Mark Ryan Board Track Racer “The Vincent” Red
Hit the road across the American West with van-dweller Fern (played by Frances McDormand) and this fruity, full-of-life red wine.
Promising Young Woman
Chateau La Freynelle
Just like Cassie Thomas, Promising Young Woman‘s mysterious lead character played by Carey Mulligan, this wine shows off its two sides: the sultry Merlot and the strong Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s quite a blend!
Sound of Metal
Nietschke Shiraz
Sound of Metal is about a drummer, played by Riz Ahmed, who loses his hearing. Listen to some loud tunes with this full wine made from grapes grown in Barossa on soil reddened by rusted iron.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
Seven Hills Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The Trial of the Chicago 7 tells the story of a group of anti-Vietnam War protestors charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intent to start riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Cheer on that 7 with this Seven!
Bottles Nation is owned by Michael Bottigliero, a metro Detroit-based, certified sommelier who believes that being surrounded by good family and friends, while sipping a beer, a glass of wine or cocktail is a good way to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Bottles Nation celebrates all things in a bottle or can and offers immersive, expert wine, beer, spirits tastings and educational events nationwide for both corporate and in-home gatherings of all sizes, led by one or more of its team of sommeliers, cicerones and mixologists. Visit bottlesnation.com for more information or follow @BottlesNation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
1 Comment
Meredith Butlin
April 22, 2021 at 2:58 PMLiving in Seattle for 5 years, Mark Ryan was my favorite local Washington winemaker — love seeing his wine included here!