I've never considered myself to be much of a wine connoisseur, but when it comes to alcoholic beverages I will always turn to a good Pinot Noir and snub my nose at beer. (For the record, beer just tastes disgusting and is a rather lowbrow type of drink…) So when given the choice I tend to ask if anyone has any Cain 5, which is one of the best wines I've ever had. It's a Robert Mondavi and if anyone feels like sending me donations for the time I spend writing these reviews, I accept cash, check or a case of Cain 5. Where I do consider myself a connoisseur is in the fine works attributed to the Monty Python Troupe, while they were together and years later in their separate endeavors. Every member of Monty Python has gone on to various amounts of fame and fortune, some in different arenas. Terry Gilliam is now one of Hollywood's greatest and most creative director's (even if Hollywood doesn't recognize it yet…).

Eric Idle now has a smash hit Broadway Musical (Spamalot), based on the Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which has become so popular that the musical-based-on-a-movie is now destined to be a movie-based-on-the-musical-based-on-the-movie. Terry Jones has been behind tons of screenplays (Labyrinth) and has hosted a series of historical documentaries. Michael Palin has had his own run of success with several 'Travel' documentaries and John Cleese wiles away the hours with numerous film appearances, corporate training videos and the occasional documentary. Graham Chapman… well, uh… he died, but is present at every Monty Python reunion in the form of a life-size photo cutout.

I have forever been impressed by the projects these guys get their hands on so when I heard that John Cleese was going to host a Food Network special on wines, Wine for the Confused… there was no way I was going to miss it. … Well, I missed it. Somehow, by the time I heard about it, it had already aired. So, I was double thrilled when I learned that Koch video was releasing a DVD of the special. I had to get a copy of it, and thanks to the fine folks over at Koch, I know hold one in my hot little hands.

I decided the best way to enjoy such a special would be to sit back with nice red wine, sipping along as I learned. Cleese hits all the basics about choosing the wines that are right for you based on your particular tastes. And what is so refreshing about Cleese is that his teaching style is full of style and wit as opposed to the stuffy way that most wine experts tend to talk to the uninitiated. He also keeps his instruction simple, whether talking about the six main types of wine producing grapes or how to find the wine you like at the right price.

As for the aforementioned stuffiness that tends to inhabit the wine tasting world, Cleese does address it by hosting a 'party', where guests are given the opportunity to identify several wines by their taste. Several of these guests are of the 'snob' set, and despite the fact that they are obviously a bit start struck by Cleese, you can tell if they were talking to you or me it would be with their nose in the air. Making this 'party' even more fun is an appearance by Brendan Fraser, who appears to have done a little bit too much tasting…

John Cleese: Wine for the Confused is a great DVD if you are looking for a lot of information about wine delivered in an easy to understand and non-pretentious style. Even if you're not looking for a good lesson, watch it for Cleese's inimitable sarcastic sense of humor.

Starring: John Cleese
Studio: Koch
Release Date: Available
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give John Cleese: Wine for the Confused an A.