Lynch designs for Dom Pérignon

Hollywood auteur David Lynch has hooked up with Champagne house Dom Pérignon on a limited edition design for the 2003 vintage and the 2000 rosé. Called “The Power of Creation”, the design was developed by Lynch, known for surrealist films such as Eraserhead, Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, and special effects expert Gary D’Amico.

The duo spent two days in a California studio working with torches, smoke machines and light rays to come up with the final design. Lynch is the second living artist, after Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld, to have worked directly alongside the Champagne house.

The eccentric director has also created bespoke designs for 10 Dom Pérignon 2000 Jeroboams and 10 Rosé 1998 Jeroboams. Known for his unconventional work such as the popular TV murder mystery drama Twin Peaks, Lynch admitted he likes going commercial every now and then to experiment with new technology.

Lynch launched the sinister and seductive design in LA this week with Dom Pérignon chef de Cave Richard Geoffroy. Its theatrical gift box is tied with silk ribbons at either end, which raise the curtain on the interior, filled with Lynchian chiaroscuro silhouettes. The limited edition Power of Creation bottles will be available from mid-October, priced at £120 for Dom Pérignon 2000 and £240 for the 2000 rosé.

Holly Valance made the face of Gallo Moscato

The world is going Moscato mad. Australian actress/singer Holly Valance has been made the face Gallo’s latest launch: Gallo Moscato. The 8.5% abv sweet and light bodied wine went on sale in the UK last week priced at £6.79. With the launch, Gallo is looking to build on the success of Moscato in the US, sales of which leapt by 73% last year thanks to name checks by the likes of Kanye West and Drake in their rap tracks, making it the country’s third biggest selling white variety. 

Asked by the brand what she eats to stay in shape, Valance, who is engageed to British-born billionaire property tycoon Nick Candy, said: "Gallo Moscato with a warm chicken salad or grilled turbot on a light truffle mash. It's the perfect drink for me; light, low calorie and refreshing." Channelling old Hollywood glamour, the campaign features Valance, 29, in a dressing room beside a “yellow” carpet wearing a yellow evening dress with a diamond strap.

Brad Pitt to star in The Billionaire’s Vinegar

Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt is to star in a film adaptation of The Billionaire’s Vinegar, a book by Benjamin Wallace on the fake Thomas Jefferson bottles affair.  As reported on db.com, the film, slated to hit cinemas this year, has been co-produced by actor Will Smith, who bought the rights to the book as part of a Hollywood consortium.

Produced by Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures, The Billionaire’s Vinegar is directed by David Keopp, who has worked on blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, Mission Impossible, Spider-Man and War of the Worlds. He also wrote the script for Men In Black III, starring Will Smith in the lead role. David Bloomfield, who produced The Fighter, Seven Pounds and Thank You For Smoking, is the executive producer.

The court case surrounding the counterfeit Jefferson bottles continues. Last week, Wine and the City reported that billionaire William Koch has asked a US appeals court to revive the lawsuit against auction house Christie’s for assisting the sale of fake bottles of 1787 Lafite belonging to American President Thomas Jefferson. In 1987, Koch bought four bottles of 1787 Château Lafite engraved “Th.J” that were sold to him by wine dealer Hardy Rodenstock for US$500,000.

The court has yet to issue a ruling, but will give a written opinion at a later date. This is not the first time wine has appeared on the silver screen – Pinot Noir was eulogised and Merlot derided in the 2004 cult comedy Sideways, starring Paul Giamatti, adapted from Rex Pickett’s novel of the same name.

In 2006, Gladiator director Ridley Scott swapped swords for pruning sheers in his Provence-based romantic comedy A Good Year, starring Russell Crowe. The same year saw the release of Bottle Shock, a comedy-drama based on the iconic 1976 Judgment of Paris blind tasting, starring Alan Rickman in the role of wine writer and former merchant Steven Spurrier.

Drew Barrymore wine

Hollywood starlet Drew Barrymore has joined the likes of Francis Ford Coppola, Madonna, Dan Aykroyd and Antonio Banderas by launching her own wine, in a move that hints wine may be gaining ground on perfume as the next big celebrity trend.

As reported on thedrinksbusiness.com, Barrymore 2011 Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie IGT, a 12% abv crisp, dry and fruity white, is made from grapes grown in the Veneto, Friuli and Alto Adige in northern Italy. Barrymore, known for her roles in films such as Charlie’s Angels, Never Been Kissed, 50 First Dates and E.T., said she wanted to create a “fresh, dynamic and fun” wine that reflected her style and personality.

“Wine is all about the journey, the discovery of new places and new varieties,” she said, adding, “I’m excited about sharing this Pinot Grigio with my friends and family and other wine lovers.” According to Barrymore’s California-based distributor, Wilson Daniels, the wine has a pale straw colour and offers hints of “fresh apricot and lively citrus flavours”.

The label – designed by street artist Shepard Fairey, creator of the famous 2008 red and blue Barack Obama “Hope” poster – features the Barrymore family crest. The wine, which is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, will launch in California at US$19.99 a bottle, before expanding its distribution across the US later in the year.