Ivan Calberac
Ivan Calberac
Isabelle Carre, Bernard Campan, Mounir Amamra
The Tasting (French: La Dégustation) is a 2022 French romantic comedy directed by Ivan Calbérac. The film centres on Jacques, a grumpy, middle-aged wine shop owner whose life has grown dull and solitary. Widowed and struggling to keep his business afloat, Jacques has resigned himself to a routine of work and quiet evenings with a bottle of wine. His life takes an unexpected turn when Hortense, a lively and altruistic woman in her forties, walks into his shop.
Hortense, a midwife and devout Catholic, is looking for a wine-tasting class to add some excitement to her structured, dutiful life. Despite their vastly different personalities—Jacques being cynical and guarded, while Hortense is open and optimistic—the two begin to form an unlikely connection. As the weekly tastings progress, so does their relationship, marked by awkward missteps, heartfelt confessions, and gentle humour.
The film explores themes of loneliness, second chances, and emotional healing. Jacques, scarred by loss and health anxieties, learns to trust and open his heart again, while Hortense confronts her own fears about aging, motherhood, and intimacy. Their slow-burn romance unfolds amid the cosy, wine-scented ambiance of Jacques’ shop, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and charming.
Supported by a colourful cast of secondary characters—from a troubled young man seeking guidance to quirky locals—the story maintains a delicate balance of comedy and emotional depth. Ultimately, The Tasting is a warm, character-driven film about love blossoming later in life, proving that it’s never too late to begin again. With nuanced performances from Bernard Campan and Isabelle Carré, the film delivers a heartfelt message wrapped in gentle humour and the soothing rituals of wine appreciation.
