Wines of the British Secret Service
James Bond is not just an ambassador of vodka-martini, but a big fine wine lover also. Let's discover wines celebrated by agent 007. Not shaken and not stirred of course.
Since 1962 the James Bond film saga has been one of the most iconic movie franchises ever. Charismatic Agent 007 became a fashion icon and role model for millions of men.
After watching at least one James Bond movie, everyone knows that vodka martini cocktail 🍸 should be shaken, not stirred. However, 007 drinks not only classic cocktails 😉
According to Oliver Walkey, in the writings of Ian Fleming, James Bond drinks a total of 317 alcoholic drinks, including:
Champagne → 65 Times
Vodka Martini → 42 Times
Saké → 37 Times
Bourbon → 57 Times
Cognac → 24 Times
Gin → 21 Times
Red Wine → 21 Times
Bond’s favorite wines and champagnes are the main characters of today’s article. Enjoy!
Château Angélus
Château Angélus is the winery located on the Right Bank of the Bordeaux wine region in the commune of Saint-Émilion.
In 2012 Château Angélus was ranked Premier grand cru classé (A) in the Classification of Saint-Émilion wine.
Wine Taste by Kamecki A friend of the producer of many James Bond films owns Château Angélus. That is why Angélus appears in three James Bond movies.
1. Casino Royale (2006)
Château Angélus ‘82
Angélus appears in Casino Royale film in the scene where Bond travels to Venice with his future fiance Vesper.
The vintage of 1982 is one of the most iconic vintages in Bordeaux. The wines born during that year are considered the Best of the Best.
“L’Angelus, even if young, on the Casino Royale cinema premiere, softly creamy. You cannot trick James Bond so easily. The first sip shows the dominance of cabernet franc with an exotic pepper attack. Wait! Something is missing. Decanter! – maybe some deal with Mr. Riedel?”
- Piotr Stepaniuk, Wine Taste by Kamecki
2. Spectre (2015)
Château Angélus 2005
The 2005 vintage was exemplary for Bordeaux, brimming with classy wines, and Château Angélus was not the exception.
The first appearance of the 2005 vintage was in the movie Spectre. We can see it on the table on the train heading to the middle of the desert, where Bond meets with the head of SPECTRE.
3. No Time To Die (2021)
Château Angélus 2005
The second appearance of Château Angélus 2005 was in No Time to Die. The scene featuring the Château is when Q prepares the bottle for dinner with Bond and Moneypenny.
In 2005 Saint-Émilion experienced slightly warmer conditions than the rest of Bordeaux and, as a result, produced massive, bold tannic wines that were mainly sublime. Still, a rare few struggled with unwieldy tannins.
Champagnes
From Rus*** with Love (1963)
Taittinger Champagne
Taittinger is the 4th oldest Champagne House, founded in 1734 by Pierre-Charles Taittinger.
The house is most known for its Comtes de Champagne (composed of 100% Chardonnay) and Comtes de Champagne Rosé (70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay).
Sir Sean Connery and Daniela Bianchi enjoyed Taittinger on the train journey. However, you may enjoy this champagne with your date in any circumstance and place because Taittinger is always a perfect match!
James Bond’s all-time favorite champagne
Bollinger
Bollinger appears in 15 James Bond movies! Starting with Live and Let Die (1973), where James Bond (Roger Moore) orders Bollinger Champagne, slightly chilled, in his San Moniquan Hotel room.
The relationship between Agent 007 and Bollinger began when the Broccoli-Wilson family (producers of the Bond films) began looking for a wine to match Bond's taste and refined personality.
They chose Champagne Bollinger, long acknowledged as one of the world's finest Champagnes.
As a result, a mutual friendship developed between the Broccoli-Wilson and the Bollinger families.
That is why Champagne Bollinger has remained Bond's all-time favorite champagne.
“Champagne, high-life, explosions, and car chases are nothing but pure perfect pairing! Bubbles make you fizzy and dizzy, the same as James. Big brands make big pairs. Champagne Bollinger and James Bond are like two peas in a pod. Dolce vita!”
- Piotr Stepaniuk, Wine Taste by Kamecki
“Bolly” experience
For those who desire to experience the hospitality, traditions, and history of the Bollinger family, I truly recommend visiting the estate personally!
Just book a tour on Bollinger's official site and dive deeper into the world of the finest and most exclusive champagne.
Where to buy
Thank you for reading and supporting Wine Culture Insider! 🍇 Cheers! 🥂
This article was written in cooperation with Poland’s best fine wine store Wine Taste by Kamecki. In Vino Veritas!