In the world of wine, there's a pairing for every occasion, cuisine, and mood. But what about for every roundhouse kick, every dramatic flying leap, and every stoic, heroic glare into the distance?
Yes, that’s right, it’s time for a serious delve into what wines pair with legendary martial arts movie stars.
Napa Cabernet Sauvignon: Strong and Smooth
When it comes to Chuck Norris, only a wine as bold and uncompromising as a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will do. With its full body, high tannins, and deep, complex flavors, this wine stands tall and unyielding, much like Norris's on-screen persona. Sipping a Cabernet Sauvignon while watching Norris dispatch villains with a steely gaze and a swift roundhouse kick is a reminder that sometimes, strength and depth are all in the details. And remember, Cabernet doesn't age; it simply waits, just like Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris doesn't swirl Napa Cabernet Sauvignon to release its aromas…he simply stares at the glass, and the wine ages five years in appreciation.
Hungarian Furmint: Adaptable and Insatiable
Considering Jackie Chan's versatility and global appeal, if he were a grape variety, he might be likened to Furmint, the primary grape used in Hungary's famed Tokaji Aszú wines. This choice mirrors the distinctive and adaptable nature of Chan's film roles, spanning genres and cultures.
Furmint is celebrated for its high acidity and sugar content, allowing it to produce wines that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, much like Chan's ability to master both serious martial arts roles and comedic performances. In "Rush Hour," his character's blend of earnestness and humor mirrors the balance Furmint achieves between acidity and sweetness, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for the audience.
In "Shanghai Noon," Chan combines action with a Wild West theme, showcasing his adaptability and the wide-ranging appeal of his performances. This reflects Furmint's versatility in winemaking, capable of expressing a wide array of wine styles that appeal to diverse palates. Similarly, the historic and noble nature of Tokaji wine, often called "the wine of kings and the king of wines," echoes Chan's esteemed status in the world of cinema, having carved out a legendary career that spans decades and continents. When blended with Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, the “Dragon’s Forever,” are like good Tokaji.
Furmint, with its ability to express terroir and complexity through different wine styles, represents the many facets of Jackie Chan.
Barossa Shiraz: Bold and Spice-Driven
If Jean-Claude Van Damme were to be embodied by a wine or grape, he'd undoubtedly kick like a bottle of Shiraz, specifically from the rugged terrains of the Barossa Valley. Like Van Damme, Shiraz is bold, full-bodied, and unapologetically powerful, with a kick of spice that reminds you of his dynamic roundhouse kicks.
In the glass, this Shiraz would exhibit a deep, muscular purple, almost as if it had been doing splits between two barrels in a wine cellar. The nose would be intense, packed with dark fruit aromas, pepper, and a hint of smoky oak—much like the smoldering intensity Van Damme brings to his roles in "Bloodsport" and "Kickboxer." Each sip would deliver a robust, complex flavor profile, echoing Van Damme's ability to portray characters with both brute strength and unexpected depth.
The tannins would be as smooth as Van Damme's moves in "Timecop," with a finish that lasts longer than the final fight scene in "Universal Soldier."
Lingering on the palate, this wine would leave you contemplating its complexity, much like pondering the existential nuances of "JCVD."
The "Muscles from Brussels," known for his splits as much as his spinning kicks, pairs seamlessly with the bold, spice and structure of a Barossa Shiraz.
Austrian Zweigelt: Surprising Power & Agility
If Jet Li were a wine or grape, he'd be a Zweigelt from Austria. Zweigelt, much like Jet Li, offers a blend of agility and power, wrapped in a package that might initially appear understated but surprises with depth and complexity. This grape variety, though less known on the global stage, is versatile and capable of producing wines that are both approachable and layered, mirroring Li's transition from regional cinema to international blockbusterer.
In the glass, a vivid, yet deep, purple hue, a nod to the vibrant intensity Li brings to his roles in movies like "Fist of Legend" and "The Forbidden Kingdom." The nose would surprise you with a burst of dark cherry and spice, akin to Li's explosive entrance in action scenes, where he swiftly moves from calm to dynamic, capturing the audience's attention.
On the palate, the wine would exhibit a balance of fruit and acidity, with a medium body that's as adept and flexible as Li's martial arts prowess. The subtle notes of pepper and herbal undertones could remind one of the intricate plots and historical contexts of Li's films, where depth and intrigue go hand in hand with the action.
The finish would be smooth yet memorable, leaving a lasting impression much like the philosophical undertones of Li's characters, who often balance the physicality of their roles with deeper, moral quests. It's the kind of wine that, like Li's filmography, invites contemplation of its nuances, revealing more with each taste.
Zweigelt as the Jet Li of wines represents the unexpected depth and complexity that are often discovered in the most surprising places.
Amarone della Valpolicella: Rich and Robust Powerhouse
To Sammo Hung! An Amarone della Valpolicella, a rich and robust Italian wine known for its powerful character and complex flavor profile.
Much like Sammo Hung's multifaceted career as an actor, director, and martial artist, Amarone is produced through a unique and meticulous process, involving the drying of the grapes (traditionally Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara) to concentrate their flavors before fermentation. This results in a wine that is intensely flavored, full-bodied, and with a higher alcohol content, mirroring Hung's larger-than-life presence on screen and his ability to leave a strong impression.
Amarone's deep, full-bodied nature and rich, complex flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices could be likened to Sammo Hung's performances in films like "Enter the Fat Dragon" and "Magnificent Butcher", where his physical prowess is combined with a depth of character and a touch of humor. Just as Amarone is appreciated for its boldness, richness, and longevity, Hung is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to the martial arts genre, his versatility as a performer, and his enduring influence in the film industry.
The wine's process of appassimento, where grapes are dried to concentrate flavors, can be a metaphor for Hung's dedication to craft, carefully honing his skills to deliver powerful, nuanced and richly layered performances.
Amarone della Valpolicella, with its balance of strength, complexity, and a hint of sweetness, perfectly embodies the essence of Sammo Hung's legacy.
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: Prowess and Charisma
In the grand cellar of martial arts cinema, where legends are aged to perfection, Bruce Lee stands as the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) of action stars - rare, exquisite wines that only grow more captivating with time.
Just as DRC is revered among Burgundies for unmatched quality and depth, Lee's prowess and charisma have set unparalleled standards in martial arts.
Bruce Lee, much like a well-crafted red Burgundy, had a complexity that went beyond the surface. His performances in "Enter the Dragon" and "The Way of the Dragon" were not merely displays of physical skill; they were nuanced exhibitions of philosophy, technique, and the art of being water – flowing, adaptable, yet powerful. Similarly, a sip of DRC is not just a taste of wine but an experience, revealing layers of flavor, aroma, and a terroir that speaks to the soul of Burgundy.
Lee's career, though tragically brief like the fleeting availability of a coveted DRC vintage, was intensely impactful. His films, much like the rare bottles, are sought after by aficionados and newcomers alike, each seeking to experience the intensity and passion of his art. And while counterfeiters have attempted to replicate DRC's magic, just as imitators have tried to mimic Lee's unique style, nothing comes close to the original's finesse and fire.
Bruce Lee is to martial arts cinema what Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is to wine: a symbol of excellence, a beacon of mastery, and a timeless legacy.
So, there you have it, the Indelible Wine Stain’s guide to pairing wine with martial arts movie legends. So, next time you settle in for a night of high-flying kicks and epic showdowns, remember that the right bottle of wine can elevate your movie-watching experience to new, delicious heights.