Mondovino Has Spirit(s)

Joel McConvey (CHARTattack)

11/16/2008 9:55am

Despite its lengthy running time, Mondovino is one of the most agreeable films to come out of this year's fest. Filmmaker and sommelier Jonathan Nossiter takes his hand-held camera from Burgundy to the Napa Valley in California, profiling a variety of colourful characters from the wine world. The lovely scenery, light mood and plenitude of random dog shots belie the substance underneath: a sly critique of globalization and corporate imperialism, starring the famed Mondavi family as lead villains. As rich and nuanced as a fine Bordeaux, Mondovino surely goes down best with an accompanying aperitif.