The Vintage

Ernesto and Giancarlo Barandero flee Italy after Ernesto accidentally kills a man. They cross the border into France hoping to find work picking grapes. Their status as fugitives colors every choice they make.

Louis Morel is away; Leonne and Lucienne welcome the brothers. They are given temporary shelter in a shack where Louis's elderly uncle Tonton stays. Louis does not offer them a job yet.

Lucienne shows affection towards Ernesto, which makes her fiancé Etienne extremely jealous. This tension sits under the surface as the brothers settle into the makeshift lodging. The household dynamics hint at trouble ahead.

A Spanish-led group led by Eduardo Uribon offers to let the brothers work with them. The prospect of earning a wage among the grape harvest gives them a sense of belonging. Ernesto and Giancarlo accept the arrangement.

Yolande, Louis and Leonne's daughter, comes upon Ernesto carving a sculpture of her mother. He asks her not to mention it, guarding the intimate moment from everyone else. The sculpture ties Ernesto more deeply to the household.

Etienne alerts the authorities to check on the two strangers. The police come to search the house and the workers around the vineyard. Louis worries the brothers will be forced to leave right before harvest.

Louis decides to fire the brothers, but Eduardo's crew refuses to work without them. The workers see value in Ernesto and Giancarlo's presence and leadership. Harvest momentum hinges on their continued participation.

Desperate for this year's crop, Louis relents and keeps the brothers on the payroll. The crew reconciles with the previous arrangement and resumes work. The immediate crisis of survival shapes everyone's decisions.

A chicken thief has been active; dogs are sent out to chase him. The dogs wrongly attack Giancarlo, leading Louis to accuse him of theft. The atmosphere grows tense as suspicion falls on the brothers.

Lucienne defends Giancarlo when the accusation arises. She confesses deepening feelings for him, complicating her engagement. She hints that if they married, her dowry could be a nearby small vineyard.

The truth emerges that Uncle Tonton has been stealing chickens, trading them to a merchant for chocolate. His sneaky acts go unchecked until this moment. The family is forced to confront the thief within.

Ernesto decides to flee alone, feeling Giancarlo could be happy with Lucienne. He acts to protect Giancarlo's prospects, even at his own peril. The choice sets up a tragic separation.

The police arrive in force as the brothers' fugitive status is uncovered. Yolande cries out Ernesto's name, identifying him in the crowd. Ernesto is shot in the final confrontation.

Despite the tragedy, Giancarlo hopes that he and Lucienne can start a new life together. He believes their love will sustain them, possibly alongside the small vineyard and a future they can build.