In celebration of Bastille Day, the Ultimo Wine Centre held a French Wine Fair showcasing over 30 wines from various regions around the country, turning the occasion into a veritable Tour de France.
Simon of Ultimo Wine Centre
With classic songs of Charles Aznavour and other French tunes streaming through the speakers, the ambience was buzzy with the hubbub of wine connoisseurs, enthusiasts and the occasional melody of a French accent.
Three tasting stations were set up on the premises, one presenting a range of whites, another from the upper and lower Rhône regions and a third with red wines.
Station 1 – vins blancs
Station 1 offered 11 white wines on tasting. Some notables include Kientzler Riesling Cuvée Francois Alphonse 2004 from Moselle, Domaine de la Louvetrie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie, Maitre Renard Bourgogne Blanc 2009 and Dard & Ribo Hermitage Blanc 2009 as well as a 2004 Sauternes from Le Dauphin de Guiraud.
Le Tour de France continued with Station 2 offering tastings from the northern and southern Rhône region.
Station 2 – vins du Rhône
Cave de Clairmont Crozes-Hermitage Classique de Clairmont 2008, Domaine de Font-Sane Côtes du Ventoux Vieilles Vignes 2009 and Domaine de Font-Sane Gigondas Tradition 2009 were among the favrourites. It was interesting to learn that the Côtes du Rhône from Cairanne has recently been promoted to a cru with its own Appellation d’Origine Controlée.
Approaching Station 3 at the rear of the shop, the heady aroma of fresh Tasmanian truffles permeated the air. With a good range of reds on taste, Le Chat Noir Pinot Noir 2009 and Chateau L’Eglise Bordeaux Rouge 2006 offered good value.
Station 3 – vins rouges
The more notable drops include Maitre Renard Bourgogne Rouge 2009 and a stunning Dard & Ribo Hermitage Rouge 2009, a stunning wine to drink now let alone when cellared.
Truffles from Tasmania on tasting
Tasmanian Truffles were presented by “Mr Truffle”, Duncan Garvey of Périgord Truffles from Tasmania, an Australian grown tuber that we have previously reviewed.
Slices of truffles were served on bread with melted butter – simple but ever so decadent.
All wines on taste were available to purchase on the day with a 20% discount. Tasmanian truffles cost $2.80 per gram.
The French Wine Fair was held on Saturday 16 July 2011 by the The Ultimo Wine Centre, a regular haunt which forms part of our foodie triangle.
Ultimo Wine Centre
Shop c21/99 Jones St
Ultimo NSW 2007
www.ultimowinecentre.com.au
[…] prize on a special date. May 12 marks my birthday and a 9 course dégustation dinner with matching French wines is a perfect way to celebrate another lap around the sun. We start with our customary glass of […]
nice…that Ultimo wine centre looks like it’s got some fun things going on! love cote de rhone…I’m really getting into the northern ones these days.
They certainly do. We’re stocked up on Cotes du Rhone so we’ve been enjoying it this winter. So easy to drink!
What a perfect event for Bastille Day as well..! Truffles please!
We loved it! I can’t believe I managed to try them all… and stay standing! The truffles were divine 🙂
Gr8 reporting as per usual from Mz G< RT @Gourmantic: In case you missed it, Tour de France with #Wine and Tasmanian #Truffles @TheUWC http://bit.ly/p6Efm7
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Love wine tasting! Only place so far I have able to do tasting is a the local stores near me. This would have been a great opportunity though! I prefer reds like Merlot my wife loves wine that taste fruity (no alcohol taste). Just found your site on Rambling Tart will come back soon.
Hello and welcome 🙂 We’re fortunate to have these opportunities in Sydney to taste and learn about different wines, considering we’re half a world away!
[…] Truffle, Chablis and Châteauneuf du Pape tasting at the Ultimo Wine Centre […]