What to Sip on While Watching the 2021 Oscars

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 93^rd 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.