For the second year running, the Ultimo Wine Centre held its annual champagne tasting at the Golden Century Seafood Restaurant located in the Entertainment Quarter at Fox Studios. The event is always a great opportunity to taste some new vintages, discover new cuvées and stock up for the holiday period.
Unlike previous years, including when it was held at the UWC premises in Ultimo, attendance was noticeably lower which may be related to the introduction of a booking fee. A $20 booking fee was required but it was fully redeemable with any champagne purchased on the night.
27 champagnes were on taste with a focus on grower champagne as well as some grande marques. Golden Century Seafood Restaurant provided canapés and nibbles to aid with the tasting over a three hour period.
The standout cuvées were the Corbon Grand Cru Millesime 2003, the first time released Gosset Blanc de Blancs NV and the Dosnon & Lepage NV range.
Renée from UWC
Other notable cuvées included the Henriot Blanc de Blanc and Henriot NV, Lenoble Cuvée Intense NV, Paul Bara NV, Testulat Carte d’Or NV, Pannier Extra Brut NV (zero dosage), Jacquesson Cuvée 734 NV and Taitinger Prelude.
L to R: Chaine d’Etoiles, H. Lanvin & Fils, Lenoble brut Nature and Lenoble Cuvee Intense NV
L to R from top: Pannier Extra Brut NV, Jacquesson Cuvee 734 NV; Gosset range, Henriot , Testulat, Corbon Grand Cru Millessime and Franck Bonville; Dosnon & Lepage, Henriot boxed set
The Ultimo Wine Centre Annual Champagne Tasting was held on Tuesday 6 December 2011 from 5.00 to 8.00 pm at the Golden Century Seafood Restaurant.
Previous UWC Annual Champagne Tastings: 2010, 2009
Ultimo Wine Centre
http://www.ultimowinecentre.com.au/
Nice summary of the night Corinne – short & sweet. I completely agree that its lovely to see a broad range of niche grower champagnes on parade. In terms of character I was impressed by the Lenoble and the Corbon. The packaging on the Dosnon & Lepage range made them look like alcopops but contrary to expectation the clear fruit flavours and longish palate of the blanc de blancs & the rose both sang out.
The Testulat and the Lanvin were very easy and approachable inexpensive offerings and the Henriot NV was simply fresh and delicious. Cheers to Jon and all the Ultimo team for a great tasting! CJ
Corbon was my favourite, complex and full of character. Always a great opportunity to taste and learn about new champagnes!
Champagne and the festive season always go together! Good to see the lesser known brands on taste. Grower champagnes seem to be getting more exposure of late which is great!
Yes, there’s a lot more interest in grower champagne which is great to see. So much to taste and commit to memory!