Wine for the Confused

Some of the boys from the Monty Python crew have done pretty well with second careers after their silly British hit-or-miss classic TV series. While Michael Palin has been traveling around the world in search of adventure (Full Circle, Himalaya), and Terry Gilliam has been making movies (Brazil, The Brothers Grimm), John Cleese (when he's not doing voiceover bit parts, making commercials, or playing the “Voice of God” in Broadway's Spamalot) seems content to stay at home and enjoy a good glass of wine. As the charming and well-informed host of Wine for the Confused, an entertaining and informative guide to the world of vino, Cleese begins with the suggestion that viewers should forget the connoisseurs and snobbery and simply trust their own taste buds (during an informal wine tasting party with friends, Cleese proves his point when guests can't tell the difference between a $5 bottle of wine and one costing nearly 100 times more). Cleese offers insights into different wine varietals, explores numerous California vineyards, interviews experts (who discuss growing grapes, weather conditions, the fermentation process, etc.), and talks about ordering wine in restaurants (featuring a cute skit involving a snobby sommelier—with Cleese playing both the diner and the snob), buying wine, and proper storage. Originally produced for the Food Network, the production quality is topnotch, and while the information presented here is not necessarily earthshaking, Cleese is an immensely likeable host and wine newbies would do well to start here. DVD extras include extended conversations with wine experts, a rather lame talk with actor Brendan Fraser (a guest at Cleese's wine tasting party), and additional wine tips. Recommended. Aud: P. (N. Plympton)