Saint-Amour: a hilarious and touching vintage

Saint-Amour Movie Review: What Are the First Impressions?

And if you took the opportunity to catch a movie? Perfect timing, as "Saint-Amour," directed by Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern (the creators of Groland), has just hit the screens. So, what are the initial reactions? We conducted a cinema exit survey to gather opinions from viewers about the film. The results: unanimously positive! Well, almost.

Audience Reactions:

"I enjoyed the Groland humor immensely. Benoît Poelvoorde and Gérard Depardieu are still fantastic. But I was also struck by the deep emotion that comes from this film. I didn't expect that at all. I’m pleasantly surprised," Gerald.

"A completely crazy movie that provides a lot of great moments. I particularly enjoyed Poelvoorde’s explanation of the 10 stages of drunkenness!" Rémi.

"Very good scenes and great actors, though the ending was a bit far-fetched!" Monique.

"No matter what people say about Depardieu, to me he remains a great actor. His magnificent performance in Saint-Amour proves it once again!" Jacques.

"I went to see this film for the actors and because it was about wine. But the jokes didn’t make me laugh; I actually found them quite silly. I guess I no longer understand today’s humor!" Jacqueline.

"Subtle, light, funny, and delicate! And the wine seems great!" Eliette.

Synopsis:

Every year, Bruno (Benoît Poelvoorde), a cattle breeder, travels the wine route… without ever leaving the Agricultural Fair! His father Jean (Gérard Depardieu), who taught him the trade and is trying to reconnect with him by all means, decides to take him on the wine route… for real this time. Bruno and Jean climb into a taxi driven by the young chauffeur Mike (Vincent Lacoste), and off they go! The three characters embark on a French wine tour, starting from the Beaujolais vineyards and continuing down South, then to Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, eventually returning to where they began: the Agricultural Fair at Porte de Versailles in Paris.

Our Review:

"The French Art of Living"

With such a title, one might expect a tribute to the Beaujolais wine region. However, this is not the case: Benoît Delépine and Gustave Kervern serve us a "road movie" that positions itself more as an invitation to travel and an initiation to wine. The screenwriters chose to approach wine from the perspective of discovery and the "French art of living." We also laugh at Bruno’s novice practices, as at the start of the film he drinks his glass in one gulp while the winemaker explains "you need to take your time to savor your wine."

A Tribute to Love

But wine mainly serves as a backdrop to the film’s true theme: love with a capital L. Amid repeated failed seductions and the quest for first emotions, the three protagonists each embark on grand romantic conquests while searching for meaning in their lives. Familial love is also very present, especially through the father-son relationship between Jean and Bruno. The film also celebrates friendship and pays homage to the profession of farming, which Depardieu’s character describes as "the most beautiful job in the world."

Sharp Humor

If you’re a fan of Groland, you won’t be disappointed! The humor is definitely present, with a somewhat heavy-handed approach fully embraced, true to the famous parody show. Each of the characters' adventures ends in absurd, disproportionate, sometimes even slightly grotesque conclusions… which never fails to elicit laughter! A perfect balance between humor and tenderness, enhanced by the final scene when Jean, Mike, and Bruno decide to… Don’t worry, we won’t spoil the film for you!

Be warned: you’ll want to drink wine as soon as you leave the cinema. So, we suggest some cuvées from an appellation… can you guess which one? Saint-Amour, of course!

FAQ - AOC Saint-Amour

Where is the Saint-Amour appellation located?

Saint-Amour is the northernmost cru of Beaujolais, on the edge of the Saône-et-Loire and the Mâconnais. It takes its name from the village of Saint-Amour-Bellevue, at the very top of the vineyard.

Which grape is used for Saint-Amour wines?

Gamay noir à jus blanc, the flagship grape of Beaujolais. On the cru's granite and clay-silica soils, it yields reds that are both fruity and well structured.

Is Saint-Amour a red or a rosé wine?

It is exclusively a red appellation wine made from gamay. Two styles are common: a tender, floral one to drink young, and a firmer, more age-worthy one.

How long can you keep a Saint-Amour?

Lighter cuvées are best within 2 to 3 years. More structured bottlings from granite soils happily keep 4 to 6 years, sometimes longer in great vintages.

What food pairs well with Saint-Amour?

Served at around 14-15°C, it goes with roast poultry, charcuterie, white meats and semi-hard cheeses. Its fruit also makes it a great match for convivial dishes shared among friends.