Hosted by the Champagne Information Centre and facilitated by well known wine writers Huon Hooke and Peter Bourne, every second year members of the Sydney wine trade get to enjoy a Champagne masterclass at The Restaurant Show featuring a range of the non-vintage and vintage Champagne styles currently available in the Australian Market.
In 2009 we sipped on Delamotte NV($80), Alfred Gratien NV($90), Louis Roederer NV($75), Mumm Rose($75), Ruinart Blanc de Blancs($110), Pol Roger 1999($95) and finished on Bollinger 1999($150).
My favourite amongst the classic houses was the great value Pol Roger 1999 – although 99 was a warm year in Champagne this wine showed itself to be extremely well balanced with a softness and generosity of palate that made it extremely easy to drink! A revelation to me was the 2nd Champagne in the line up from Alfred Gratien – a rich creamy texture with yeasty mouth-filling characters and a lingering finish from a boutique traditional producer
To quote the man himself “I have always been of the opinion that Champagne should be to wine what haute couture is to fashion.”
Vive la difference!
