Oh I say Mr Grey! Fifty Shades of Grey Wine Has Us Hot Under the Collar...

Any wine lover who has read 50 Shades of Grey will no doubt have recognised the subtle references to wines throughout the book - of course, that's exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up to read!

Who could forget Ana's first night at Escala with Christian where they enjoyed Pouilly Fumé with cheeses, grapes and French baguette?  Or the Bollinger Grande Année Rosé 1999 that Ana and Christian drank from teacups to celebrate graduation?

Former TV executive turned provocative adult romance author, E L James reveals that “Wine plays an important role in Fifty Shades of Grey, adding to the sensuality that pervades a number of scenes”. The second of the trilogy Fifty Shades Darker introduces a Barossa Valley Shiraz at an important dinner and quite specific wine references throughout the charity event;

Alban Estate Roussanne 2006

Served with: Salmon Tartare with Crème Fraiche
and Cucumber on Toasted Brioche

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vielles Vignes 2006
Domaine de la Janasse

Served with: Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast
Creamy Jerusalem Artichoke Puree, Thyme-roasted Bing Cherries, Foie Gras

Vin de Constance 2004 Klein Constantia

Served with: Sugar-crusted Walnut Chiffon Candied Figs, Sabayon, Maple Ice Cream

Alban Estate Grenache 2006

Served with: Selection of Local Cheeses and Breads

To the untrained eye, these might seem like a pompous attempt to show off one's wine knowledge, but as a fellow wino (E L James confesses, "I’ve always had a penchant for good wine") the girl's done good! I particularly like reference to the Klein Constantia - a simply brilliant dessert wine, high on my wish list. It's also rumoured that it was the mention of this wine in the book which sparked an unprecedented interest in this South African sweetie. It's clear to see that the role of wine within her stories is of importance to this insta-celeb, as she's listed the wine lists for each book on her website.

In the latest 50 Shades news, E L James has released two wines under the 50 Shades of Grey name, and has named the blends Red Satin, and White Silk. On the wine's website homepage she introduces the reason why this was the next best step for her and the 50 Shades brand;

"Wine plays an important role in Fifty Shades of Grey, reflecting the sensuality that pervades every encounter between Anastasia and Christian. I've always had a penchant for good wine, so helping to create the blends Red Satin and White Silk felt like a natural extension of the Fifty Shades Trilogy. I hope all of you curl up with a glass to savor the romance and the passion."

The wines carry a simple black label framed by a metallic diamond-shaped pattern and run with the tagline: “You. Are. Mine.”

The 2009 Fifty Shades of Grey Red Satin, is described to be 'a decadent blend has flavors of black cherry, cocoa powder, creamy caramel and vanilla, leather and clove spice'. A blend of Petit Syrah and Syrah grapes from California, it's aged in a combination of new and old french oak barrels.

The 2012 Fifty Shades of Grey White Silk is a blend of Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc and is cool fermented to preserve its delicate and rich character. It's said to boast floral aromatics of lychee, honey and pear, tempered by flavors of crisp grapefruit, mineral and lush pear and a faint hint of butterscotch.

Currently they wines only appear to be available in the US, via the wesbite, but no doubt word will get round and they'll soon be available in the UK. In the meantime, we'll have to revisit the trilogy in paperback form - if we must...