The Perfect Wines to Enjoy with Stanley Kubrick's The Shining

The perfect occasion to get scared while watching a great horror film… with wine, of course. Here are two wine suggestions to accompany one of Stanley Kubrick’s most famous masterpieces: The Shining. Guaranteed chills!

A Deep and Powerful Red Wine: To Maintain the Suspense

When thinking about The Shining, the adjectives “powerful” and “deep” naturally come to mind. “Powerful,” because Kubrick skillfully creates a heavy and unsettling atmosphere. And “deep,” for the madness gradually consuming Jack Nicholson’s character and the immense Overlook Hotel, the confined setting of the plot. Add the bloody aspect (think of the scene where torrents of blood gush from the elevators), and it’s clear: a "bloody," "tense," and "complex" red wine will be your ideal companion. Opt for a Southern French wine from AOC Languedoc or AOC Bordeaux.

An Expressive White Wine with a Bright Hue: To Energize Yourself

Although The Shining is a horror film, it’s not entirely dark. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. In the opening scene, for instance, the Torrance family drives through a sunlit mountain road. If you’ve seen the film, you might have noticed that the house seems to have its own power supply. Moreover, the film’s title, which means “bright” in English, itself refers to light.

If you’re easily spooked by horror films (in other words, a real scaredy-cat), a fruity, dry white wine from the Rhône Valley or Loire Valley with intense aromas will help you get into the mood without too much trauma. Ensure the wine is expressive (even explosive) on the nose and intense on the palate, so its taste matches your emotions. And don’t forget to open your eyes wide (like Danny Torrance’s when he has visions) to admire its beautiful bright hue! So, who wants to come jump and sip with us… “forever”?