SOMM: Into the Bottle

(Flash Review)

This was much better than SOMM (2012), which following sommelier students studying and attempting to pass their final exam. This documentary focuses more on the wineries, traditions, the lands and various processes. While there are many alluring tours of famous winery's vast and old cellar collections (never has moldy bottles looked so appetizing) and tons of eloquent wine descriptions and conversations, there was also a bad ass scene of a man opening a rare bottle of wine with a large sword and gracefully and properly pouring it into an awaiting wine glass after he told you why this vintage is so good and how excited he was to taste it. It did try to teach you why certain wine cost so much and why they are worth it....for those with an educated pallet. But it also didn't turn its nose up at the under $10 bottles either and it did show how those wines are produced differently. Pretty big difference. I felt more educated after and it was very enjoyable and picturesque. Solid and effective documentary.

I'm not a fine wine guy, but this was quite informative. Well produced, filmed, and edited. Lots of nice interviews and scenic locations. My one and only complaint was it came across as rather pompous. If I was a wine lover, I would likely sit there and nod "yes" at everything they said. Unfortunately, they never once mentioned the truly fine wines like Boones Farm or Annie Green Springs.

Fantastic film! I just attended a screening of "Into the Bottle" in Manhattan with a group of other Sommeliers and wine industry professionals and was blown away. Jason and Geoff have hit the mark once more with this incredible film taking us on a journey around the world to discover more about wine. Interviews with Sommeliers, industry professionals, and winemakers bring us the history, politics and everyday BS that go into bringing wine from the vineyard to our tables. Funny, touching and educational all at the same time. I recommend this movie to anyone who loves wine, or would like to de-mystify the magic of fermenting grape juice. EXCELLENT!!!

Loved it! Beautiful scenery; interesting documentary about wine. Just wish I knew where that restaurant was at the beginning of the movie. A neat place!