A giant comet is on its way to obliterate the Earth. And those below know it’s coming. If this were you, what bottle of wine would you go out with?
Fortunately, you don’t have to decide for real. You can drink anything at all while you watch the cast of “Don’t Look Up,” the new Netflix movie that premieres in December, as they grapple with impending doom.
It’s only one of many great shows slated to hit streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max in December. It will be a busy month full of comedies, dramedies, and action-packed blockbusters, with a couple of premieres that are particularly worth watching. Below are seven of some of the most anticipated TV and movie premieres of December and the wines to drink while you watch.
7 premieres to pair with 7 bottles:
Santa Inc., Series premiere
Dec. 2, 2021, HBO Max
Gabourey Sidibe, Sarah Silverman, and Leslie Grossman voice characters in HBO Max’s new animated series, “Santa Inc.” Photo courtesy of HBO Max.
What if Santa Claus was a woman? It’s an idea imagined in HBO Max’s newest adult animated series, “Santa Inc.” Comedian Sarah Silverman voices the potty-mouthed elf Candy Smalls, the highest-ranking elf at Santa’s Shop. It’s nearly Christmas when Amazon approaches Candy for the dream job of being the first woman Santa. The only problem is that an equally raunchy Santa, voiced by Seth Rogen, hasn’t retired from the job. Silverman and Rogen are joined by an all-star lineup of fellow comedians and actors, including Leslie Grossman, Craig Robinson, Gabourey Sidibe, Nicholas Braun, and Joel Kim Booster.
Joostenberg Little J South Africa White 2020 ($13)
How about a light and refreshing white wine for a lighthearted and hilarious animated comedy? This blend of Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and Roussanne by South African producer Joostenberg has tropical aromas and a lively palate displaying hints of pear and juicy melon that’s as friendly and welcoming as the first lady of Christmas.
The Great British Baking Show: Holidays, Season 4
Dec. 3, 2021, Netflix
The Great British Baking Show Holidays returns to Netflix with Season 4 on Dec. 3, 2021. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Grab the baking mitts and aprons! “The Great British Baking Show: Holidays” is returning to Netflix for another season of over-the-top gingerbread houses and Christmas cookies. Expect to see a few familiar faces as the new season will include several fan-favorite bakers from previous competitions. Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith are also back to determine which holiday baker is the best, while hosts Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas will also be on board to watch as culinary creatives put their skills to the test.
Alain Jaume et Fils Domaine du Clos de Sixte Lirac 2017 ($21)
A competitive series as comforting as “The Great British Baking Show” deserves to be enjoyed with a wine that’s just as heartwarming and enjoyable. Alain Jaume Domaine du Clos de Sixte gets the job done with this blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre produced in Lirac, a wine-growing region within France’s famous Rhône Valley. Polished like Hollywood and as elegant as Leith with a mouthful of Choux au Craquelin, this fine wine displays plushy plum and wild blackberry notes. Licorice and vanilla nuances extend into the long, velvety, complex finish.
And Just Like That …, Series premiere
Dec. 9, 2021, HBO Max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy8Zz7Q56dY
Carrie Bradshaw is back for a new journey on the charming streets of New York City. Viewers witnessed Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) navigate the pangs of being a 30-something woman with an impressive shoe collection in the Big Apple on the HBO series “Sex in the City.” Now, they’ll get to see her going through the trials and tribulations of being a 50-something woman in the city in the new HBO Max revival series “And Just Like That …” Carrie’s gal pals Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte (Kristin Davis) are back dealing with the happenings of their lives. Expect drama. Expect tears. Expect killer stilettos and wardrobes that will make everyone question their sense of fashion. Sadly, the fourth member of Carrie’s little squad, played by the fabulous Kim Cattrall, will not be featured on the show this go-round.
La Caravelle Niña Brut Champagne Cuvée NV ($24)
Now here’s a wine that will put even Carrie’s shoe collection to shame. A sophisticated blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, produced by La Caravelle, this Champagne is balanced and complex with flavors of apricot, buttered brioche, and pear, while the refined bubbles are persistent throughout.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Dec. 11, 2021, 8 p.m. EST, CBS
It isn’t the holidays if marathons of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” aren’t airing on TV. The latter is scheduled to air on Freeform multiple times throughout the month, while everyone’s favorite little reindeer will get the primetime treatment on CBS. Most people have likely watched this animated holiday show a thousand times already. It’s been airing during the Christmas season since 1964 — we know what happens to Rudolph on one foggy Christmas Eve. But the nostalgia and cheer this holiday classic derives is too good not to tune in. This is a must-watch for the entire family that will never get old.
Bonterra Organic Vineyards California Young Red 2020 ($16)
Here’s a light and merry splash of raspberry to wash down all the warm and fuzzies “Rudolph” might bring. A blend of Malbec, Grenache, and Viognier, this bright ruby red wine, made by Bonterra Organic Vineyards, is bursting with raspberry, cherry, and pomegranate aromas and flavors. A friendly wave of acidity in the backend gives this youthful wine its mouthwatering complexity. Drink slightly chilled.
The Matrix Resurrections
Dec. 22, 2021, HBO Max
It’s time to re-enter the matrix. Fans of the cult classic film will be reunited with their hero, the one, the only, Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, who finds himself having to choose between the red or blue pill once again after strange memories plague him. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) will be there too, and so will Morpheus, although he’s played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II this time around. The guns are sure to be blazing when Neo gets back to wearing his leather trench coat, following the white rabbit, and bringing down the machine and its new trigger-happy computerized Agent Johnson (RIP Agent Smith).
Decoy Wines California Zinfandel 2019 ($25)
Spicy and expressive, this Zinfandel produced by California vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn of Decoy Wines has just the right type of body and punch to absorb all the explosive excitement that comes with a film as loved as “The Matrix.” Bright blue and red fruit aromas evolve into smooth tannins, clean acidity, and warm notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and baking spices on the palate for a lush red wine with an intense and energetic finish.
Emily in Paris, Season 2
Dec. 22, 2021, Netflix
Lily Collins and Ashley Park appear in the second season of the Netflix original series, “Emily in Paris.” Photo courtesy of Carole Bethuel for Netflix.
Aside from all the cobblestoned streets, French baguettes, and bizarre fashion choices served up in the second season of the Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” fans should expect to get an answer to that one burning question: Will Emily (Lily Collins) and Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) keep the secret of their love affair from Gabriel’s ex, Camille (Camille Razat)? It’s betrayal at its finest, and yet, the millions upon millions of viewers who tuned in to the first season of the popular series will likely end up rooting for the messy, chaotic protagonist, just as they did the first time around.
Domaine de la Dentelle Cerdon de Bugey Demi-Sec Rosé NV ($22)
Composed of grapes from 40-year-old Gamay vines and Poulsard grapes from 100-year-old vines, this sparkling rosé hails from the tiny French appellation Bugey Cerdon. Produced by Domaine de la Dentelle, this feisty bubbly is oozing with strawberry soda nuances. It’s clean and restrained with lush red fruit flavors that exude balanced expressions of sweet and dry.
Don’t Look Up
Dec. 24, 2021, Netflix
Leonardo DiCaprio as a NASA nerd in a comedy about the end of days? Hard swoon. While there’s really no need to mention more than that for the description of this new Netflix film, it’s worth noting that in addition to Hollywood’s favorite playboy DiCaprio, “Don’t Look Up” stars Jennifer Lawrence as his space-loving counterpart. The pair will attempt to tell the world about the massive comet slated to destroy the planet, but in true sci-fi fashion, nobody believes them. Hollywood heavy-hitters like Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Mark Rylance, Cate Blanchett, and Tyler Perry also star in the film.
Barton Family Wines Holiday Paso Robles Willow Creek District Clairette Blanche ($40)
If the world is about to blow, it’s probably time to pull out the rare, hard to find — at least in the U.S. — Clairette Blanche. This one, produced by Barton Family Wines, hails from Paso Robles and exudes delicate aromas of white tea, pear, and almonds while vibrant notes of sour lemon and tangy pineapples splash around the palate. The finish is warm and soothing with hints of cardamom and ground ginger — precisely the type of solace needed to wrap up the final days on Earth.
