Much like Ocean’s Eleven, “The Italian Job” from 2003 is a classic American movie with action, suspense, a gold heist and a car chase!  Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron together with an All – Star cast including Donald Sutherland, Edward Norton, Seth Green and a myriad of others brings new meaning to the words, “gold heist”!  It’s a simple plot that is filmed so well, you lose yourself in the action. . So here’s the story line… “Led by John Bridger (‘Donald Sutherland’ ) and Charlie Croker (‘Mark Wahlberg’ ) a team is assembled for one last heist to steal $35 million in gold bars from a heavily guarded safe in Venice, Italy. After successfully pulling off the heist, a team member, Steve (Edward Norton), driven by greed and jealousy, arranges to take the gold for himself and eliminate the remaining members of the group. Thinking the team dead, he returns to L.A. with the gold. Charlie and the survivors of this betrayal follow Steve L.A. to exact revenge against the traitor. Charlie enlists the help of John Bridger’s daughter, Stella (Charlize Theron) – a professional safe cracker, to get revenge. With Stella and the hacking skills of Lyle (Seth Green), the explosives skills of “Left Ear” (Mos Def), and the driving skills of “Handsome” Rob (Jason Statham) this new team plans and executes a daring heist that weaves through the freeways and subways of L.A. Written by CKnapp.”

So, we’ve come across some awesome trivia from the movie, ‘The Italian Job’ and thought that we could share it since we’re such fans of this movie. . .first, did you know that, “Two electric-powered Mini Coopers, and one Mini Cooper S had to be specially built for the film, since gasoline-powered vehicles are not allowed to operate in L.A.’s subway system.”  Or that, “A MINI with two steering wheels was used for some of the shooting in order that a stunt driver could drive the car whilst one of the actors performed in front of the camera. This unusual car is now a part of the MINI factory tour in Cowley, Oxford.”  And finally, “When Charlize Theron is cracking the safe she is writing out the combination in grease pencil. The first two digits are 7-17. Donald Sutherland (her father in the movie) was born on July, 17th (7-17).”

The amazing trivia about this movie goes on and on – ok, we must admit it’s one of our favorites and a must watch any time we stumble upon it!!  So, in honor of ‘The Italian Job’, we brought out an Italian job!  Yep, tonight we sampled and enjoyed a 2010 bottle of Bolla Chianti and at less than $10 a bottle, you’ll be amazed at the taste for the money.  Yes, most Italian wines are better when left alone for a few years, but this one is ready to enjoy!  With a ruby to deep garnet red color, and with intense aromas of violets and red cherry, Bolla Chianti is medium bodied wine with lively fruit flavors.  We liked that it was full of flavor but it was also easily accessible.  The nose won’t make you happy. . .it’s rather bland, but noticeable nonetheless.  The taste of this wine was fruity, complete, in the style of true Italian and delicious!

At the end of the day, this is a wine worthy of inclusion at your house.  With a great taste, youthful body and superb aftertaste, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the wine and how many people would like to be a part of the wine!!!  Whether its ‘Ocean’s Eleven or the Italian Job’, we know that movies like this help us to escape reality. . . and. . .sample better wines.

Enjoy your favorite wine responsibly and remember to recycle whenever possible.