This week’s “Cogill Wine and Film, A Perfect Pairing” on reVolver Podcast, Gary and I raise a glass to the beautiful new animated feature from Disney, “Moana.”  The timing for the release of the film couldn’t be better, as Gary and I long for the island of Hawaii, grasping every bit of the beauty of the island country in this thoughtful, respectful and celebratory film.

And to pair, I found the ideal wine that celebrates power, strength, beauty and fortitude, Pono Wines from Napa Valley, created by Hawaiian native, Dave Sedeno and winemaker Grant Long Jr.

This week also includes our discussion of “Manchester By The Sea,” with Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams. So hard, so tragic, and so, so good. We’ll have our notes on the film and my earthy, gritty, intense pairing to match this gripping film, Xinomavro from Greece, up shortly.

For now, listen to the show by following the link here and clicking “Episode 24.” Or, subscribe through iTunes, Spotify, IHeartRadio or Google Play Music.

The Film:  “Moana”

“Moana” is a movie about respect, for each other and for women. In this case a young woman forbidden to venture away from her crumbling island, but when she does, great things happen.

“Moana,” is more than a movie about girl power. It’s complex themes run deeper than most animated films simply because this 16 year old has lived a life of others telling her what she should be and not asking her.

“Moana,” is drawn to the water, and nature, and when the existence of her island culture is threatened, she listens to her inner voice and takes on the burden of finding a solution.

“Moana” is also about facing your fears, and constant miss-information about the outside world. It’s not that the grass is greener on the other side of the ocean, it’s just different, and often requires patience and compassion as Moana teams up with a Demi-God voiced wonderfully by The Rock, actor Dwayne Johnson.

Respect for the environment is also a major theme in Disney’s popular film. Plant life, wildlife, sea creatures, and the beautiful ocean all have value in Moana’s world view. It’s never overlooked or frowned upon. She is a fascinating “old soul.”

“Moana” is a rare animated film filled with faces of hope and dignity and respect. Millions of little girls watching this film will see themselves, some of them for the first time, and wonder what it’s like to dream big dreams and take on the world. What a wonderful film.

The Wine: Pono Wine

Pono Wines is a small production, artisan producer based in California’s Napa Valley. The winery was named after the Hawaiian word “Pono,” meaning to have a connection to the land, living in harmony, doing the right thing, leaving something better than how you found it, righteousness, and fairness. It is an appreciation for where we are and where we are going as we embrace life’s journey. This feeling captures the true essence of “Moana” with her determination and desire to seek adventure while balancing her love for her family, home, and land.

The perfect Pono Wines pairing, Pono 2013 Mana, as Mana in Hawaiian means powerful. A Napa Valley Cab blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 
9% Merlot, and  2% Petit Verdot for a powerful, dense wine filled with black plum and ripe current, with dried herbs and sweet spice. Available via their website.