"You've Got Mail" is 25 years old now and I don't know how I feel about that. That's a lie, I do know. I don't like it.
A Russian River Pinot Gris is the wine to accompany "You've Got Mail," like that of J Vineyards.
The Movie
Directed by Nora Ephron, "You've Got Mail" centers around business rivals Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks). Joe owns a chain of mega-bookstores, and Kathleen is the proprietor of a small, quaint, independent bookstore. Unbeknownst to them, they become friends through an anonymous email exchange, falling for each other's online personas. It's a warm, feel-good movie, with memorable performances from Hanks and Ryan. It's about love, rivalry, change, and the magic of serendipity.
When it first came out, "You've Got Mail" was a cutting-edge update of "In the Good Old Summertime" (1949)... which was an adaptation of "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940)... which was an adaptation of the play "Parfumerie" (1937). It might not be original, but "You've Got Mail" juxtaposed the charm of these old stories that preceded it with the possibilities of the new digital age.
Or it did. Ironically, "You've Got Mail's" then-modern elements are now super dated. There's nothing trendy about online dating anymore and independent bookstores don't struggle quite the way they used to. Those still standing may not thrive, but at least they survive, whereas B. Dalton and Borders are no more and it's anyone's guess how much longer Barnes & Noble will last. Today, Joe would be the one out of a job, not Kathleen.
Despite its somewhat predictable plot, "You've Got Mail" succeeds in delivering a feel-good romantic comedy that is both entertaining and satisfying. The film's ending, while expected, is nonetheless heartwarming and leaves viewers with a sense of hope and optimism.
The Wine
The J Vineyards Pinot Gris is a white wine produced in California's Russian River Valley, a cool-climate region renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and, increasingly, Pinot Gris.
On the palate, J Vineyards' Pinot Gris delivers a delightful combination of fruit and acidity. Citrus takes center stage, with plenty of tropical fruit flavors like pineapple joining in. Additionally, a subtle undertone of green apple and pear provides an extra layer of depth. The wine is medium-bodied with a round and smooth texture. The finish is clean and refreshing, with the vibrant fruit flavors and crisp acidity creating a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.
Why They Pair Well
I was pretty tempted to pick a wine from 1998, given how "timely" "You've Got Mail" feels now. However, I didn't feel like finding or paying for a wine that old and I can't imagine anyone else would either.
The J Vineyards Pinot Gris is characterized by its bright, fresh flavors and acidity, mirroring the light-hearted and cheerful tone of "You've Got Mail." The wine is approachable and easy to drink and "You've Got Mail" is easy to enjoy with its familiar and comforting storyline and likable characters.
By Eddie Beeby
What wine would you pair with "You've Got Mail?"
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