The Tasting (15)

(Subtitled)

The cobbled streets of Troyes set the stage for love, laughter, and plenty of good vintages in this charming French rom-com.

Wine dealer Jacques (Bernard Campan) suffers a heart attack while hauling a crate, forcing him to give up drinking and hire an assistant, Steve (Mounir Amamra), whose wine knowledge is lacking. Meanwhile, Jacques is intrigued by Hortense (Isabelle Carré), a kindhearted woman who buys expensive wine for the homeless. A wine tasting brings them closer, but secrets and past wounds complicate their budding romance. Can Jacques open his heart to love while navigating his new, sober life?

Best known for past romantic dramedies Irene and Cheating Love, director Ivan Calbérac keeps his latest film engaging, thanks largely to the charisma of its two leads. Campan and Carré may seem like an unlikely pair (though French cinema thrives on such pairings), but their chemistry feels genuine, and they bring depth to their characters’ past traumas.

With plenty of comedic relief, a touch of danger and tragedy, and a generous pour of double entendres and fine wine, it’s an all-round entertaining and satisfying experience