Harry Potter and the Goblet of Wine

Why: Sauvignon Blanc comes from the French word ‘sauvage’ which can be translated as ‘savage’ and therefore refer to Sauvignon’s characteristic acidic bite! Something which Slytherin members can also be associated with. The gold padlock on the label reflects Slytherin’s secretive nature whilst the green background refers to Slytherin’s classic reptile-like house colours. The Sauvignon grape is also recognizable by its greenish hue in colour!

Alternatives: Any grape with vibrant acidity ie Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Picpoul. Or you could focus on the fact that Slytherin has a reputation for dark wizards, and therefore could choose wines that are inky dark in colour and have intense dark fruit i.e. Aussie Shiraz, Petite Sirah or opulent Cabernets.

Why: For Harry Potter’s own house, I had to choose a Chardonnay – which is known as King of the white grapes – being produced in most countries around the world as well as producing some of the most expensive wines globally. This golden Chardonnay, with the three lions on the label, reflects the golden lion on the Gryffindor shield and the courage which this house is known for.  The Plantagenet winery is the oldest established winery in Great Southern Australia – and the Three Lion coat of arms of the Plantagenet dynasty, symbolizes quality and prestige as well as a code of conduct and values. A sentiment which Gryffindor also wishes to instill in its culture.

Alternatives: Other Chardonnays. Bold  golden coloured wines which are made using daring biodynamic pratices. Or even an orange wine for Ron?!

Why: Cuevas de Arom is a new project led by Master of Wine Fernando More and Mario Lopez, based in Catalyud. Their aim is to redefine the style of the region and produce an elegant and fresh expression of Garnacha – unlike any other Garnacha in Spain. Their experimental and creative thinking, plus that fact that there is a nerdy Master  of Wine, behind the project immediately makes one think of Ravenclaw’s intelligence and wit. It’s also a favourite of famous Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson!

Alternative: Any winemaker who breaks appellation rules or uses ancient or cutting edge innovative winemaking techniques! 

Why: The winemakers behind this wine have one of the top love stories in the wine world. American Andrea met South African Chris Mullineux on a train to Champagne. Together, through hard work and their long term vision, they have created one of South Africa’s most respected wine brands. In 2020 they created Great Heart Wines  which makes the vineyard workers and the winery team 100% owners of the winery and they benefit directly from profits of sales. This emphasis on loyalty, hard work and inclusivity sounds right up Hufflepuff’s street!

Alternative: Any winery which makes sustainability a focal point or producers which aren’t so widely recognized… yet!

Why: ‘Albus’ means white and ‘Dumbledore’ is an archaic word for bumblebee which immediately made me think of a white grape which smells like honeysuckle – VIOGNIER! Viognier, like Dumbledore, also has a checkered history. Its homeland is the Northern Rhone where it almost became extinct due to everyone valuing Syrah. It took producers from the New World to show the French what an incredible grape it is and now it is one of the most popular grapes in the world. Dumbledore, after a few false starts, is now appreciated everywhere and has achieved his well deserved iconic status.

Alternative: Any expression of Viognier, Sauternes – a golden, honey smelling dessert wine which lives for many decades…

Why: His relentless pursuit of immortality is what initially inspired this wine recommendation of Port. Powerful, intense, Port often carries an alcohol content around 18% abv which allows them to be aged for enormous amounts of time without spoiling – almost immortal. Also, Port comes from one of the oldest appellations in the world ( Douro) which ties into Voldemort’s admiration for heritage. The cloak clad figure – the icon for Sandeman – casts an equally menacing and cunning vision. I chose Tawny port though, for as well as being delicious, it doesn’t tend to age as long as Vintage Port, which refers to the hope that Voldemort will not achieve the life long reign of terror he desires!

Alternative: Port, Madeira  – once opened this liquid can still last at least 50 years!

Why: Clonakilla is one of the leading estates in Australia with an enviable reputation for making the Shiraz/ Viognier. This blending of the white and red grape was traditionally associated with the Northern Rhone, but the Kirk family were pioneers and in Jancis Robinson’s words, “Clonakilla’s subtle Viognier influenced Shiraz almost single handedly turned round the Aussie Shiraz super tanker’.  An iconic, pioneering wine producer who used inspiration from the old world to forge ahead in the New World, seems apt to pair with Harry who has a similar trajectory. The red and white grape blend works well with his own mixed familial blood and the inclusion of the Viognier grape highlights his association with Dumbledore and that he will be carrying on with Dumbledore’s mission of goodness. This wine blend was also created in the 1990’s like the Harry Potter series… but a few years earlier. Clonakilla’s shiraz blend was created in 1992 whereas Harry Potter came into being in 1997.

Alternatives: Any Shiraz/ Viognier blend, Malbec  – it’s strong, robust, had roots in the old world but is forging a new path for itself in the New World.