Watch Wine Calling

Wine Calling is a 2018 French documentary that explores the world of natural winemaking. The film follows a group of winemakers who have eschewed industrial methods in favor of a more natural approach. Directed by Bruno Sauvard, the film showcases the ion and dedication of these winemakers, as well as their struggles in navigating the complex and sometimes hostile world of French wine culture.

At the center of the film is Laurence Krief, a natural winemaker and founder of the annual Vins Natures Salon, which brings together a community of like-minded winemakers. Krief's ion for her craft is contagious, and her commitment to sustainability and ecological viticulture is inspiring. We see her working with her team to harvest grapes and bottle wine, and we hear her speak ionately about the importance of preserving the environment and ing local communities.

The film also introduces us to other natural winemakers, including Jean-Francois Nicq of Domaine des Griottes, Michael Georget of Domaine Montesquiou, Stephane Morin of Domaine L'Octavin, and Loic Roure of Mas del Périé. Each of these winemakers has their own unique approach to winemaking, but they all share a commitment to quality and a desire to break free from the constraints of traditional wine culture.

Through interviews with these winemakers, as well as wine experts and critics, the film explores the broader cultural and economic forces that have shaped the French wine industry. We learn about the influence of American wine critic Robert Parker, whose high scores and standardized tasting notes have transformed the industry, making it increasingly difficult for small, independent winemakers to compete.

Despite the challenges they face, the natural winemakers featured in the film refuse to compromise their principles. They reject pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and they use minimal intervention techniques in their winemaking. They value quality over quantity, and they prioritize flavor and complexity over consistency and predictability.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning footage of the French countryside and intimate glimpses into the winemaking process. We see the winemakers tasting wines together, sharing their expertise, and building a sense of community around their shared ion. We also see the intense labor and hard work that goes into making natural wine, from handpicking grapes to bottling and labeling the finished product.

In addition to profiling individual winemakers, the film also explores the broader cultural and economic forces that have shaped the French wine industry. It examines the tension between tradition and innovation, between the old guard and the new wave, and between industrial methods and ecological viticulture.

Overall, Wine Calling is a fascinating and inspiring look at a group of winemakers who are dedicated to making wine in a way that is natural, sustainable, and authentic. It is a reminder that there are still people out there who are willing to take risks, challenge the status quo, and fight for what they believe in. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in wine, sustainability, or the intersection of culture and economics.

Wine Calling is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.