Claret + Nicky Buckley

Sale of the Century had one for years... why not one for WoW too. A co-host is better looking and adds interest where the host fails..... So, WoW is on the look out for a different guest co-host to help proceedings along each month, starting next week with the lovely Kelly Murdoch. She is well qualified - she knows the venue well, she's an old hand at WoW, she'll be brimming on the back of her birthday (only a few days prior) and she's recently polished her wine tasting skills too. Please make her feel welcome.

Next WoW, on Wednesday 30 June, is at Claret House (at the London Woolstores, 36 Vernon Terrace in Teneriffe). 7 for 7:30pm. Consider public transport options (CityGlider Bus again. Also from Adelaide Street, bus 199. From Eagle Street, bus 270. Don't forget Teneriffe Ferry for anyone Bulimba way.).


As for the venue, I don't know much about it at this stage. Perhaps more interesting... some background on the word "Claret"? My understanding is that it was popularised by the English way back in the day when referring to the Bordeaux reds, specifically the appellation Bordeaux Clairet. In more recent times, Claret has been bastardised somewhat, being synonymous with the blood-like colour of the now more common richer reds of today that come out of Bordeaux.

So, if I'm to propose a theme for the night, I'd like to suggest a more French flavour to our wine choices, and in particular, to keep an eye out for those from Bordeaux (or the new world versions thereof). Think Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc.

I look forward to it. Kel and I hope you can make it.

Anto

Nashi Pear and Earthy Olive Tapenade

No, these weren't on the platters we enjoyed with the wines, but in fact the wine itself. At least the flavours according to Brad, one of the owners of Era and our wine connoisseur and guide for the night. He added that little extra bit of service, providing us with a brief run down on a few of the wines we tried last Wednesday night - which was most enjoyable, if a little hazy come Thursday morning (at least for some).

I thought Era put on an impressive opening performance and I will certainly rely on it in the future as a wine bar to frequent in Brisbane. I would say the same about its accompanying wine store next door.

Apart from the venue, the night was of course made by the people and wines present. Thank you to all who made it to the first one - there were some old and new faces alike.


As for the line up of wines... for written reference, we started with a move away from the typical white of choice down under (Sauvignon Blanc) to a similar tasting grape which is coming in to vogue here - Pinot Grigio. It was an Australian version - Point Leo Road 2008 from Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. A tid bit - although the wine is white, these particular grapes tend to be a grayish-blue ("grigio" is "grey" in Italian, and "gris" means "grey" in French).

On to the reds, which we did in the form of Sangiovese - one from the new world (Kangarill Road Sangiovese 2008 from McLaren Vale, South Australia), and one from it's home in the old world (Fugnano 'Donna Gina' Sangiovese 2004 from Tuscany in Italy). A good contrast, both solid in their own way. Remember, this is where the "earthy olive tapenade" came in to play on the back of the palette.

To finish, Jimmy chose a lovely Zinfandel from WA - McHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Zinfandel 2007 of Margaret River. Zinfandel is America's answer to Italy's Primitivo red grape and I am continually and unexpectedly impressed by them. This Australian version was another delicious one and a nice way to end.

'Til next time.

WoW: A New Era

For Brisbane WoW's first appearance next week, we're going to head for wines at Era on Melbourne Street in South Brisbane. It was in Gourmet Traveller's 2009 Wine List of the Year Awards, so it's got to be worth a look and taste.

Era was started by the owners of Circa, who, following the closure for redevelopment of their award-winning restaurant, relocated their team from the city to South Brisbane and went for a slightly more casual feel.

Remember, it's on Wednesday, 9 June 2010. We'll try for a 6:30pm start this time and see how we go. The bar is number 102 Melbourne Street, on the corner of Merivale Street. By public transport, I can highly encourage Translink's new CityGlider bus service, which runs between Teneriffe and West End - from Adelaide Street in the city, heading towards Southbank, it goes along Melbourne Street right past Era.

I look forward to seeing all those who can make it for the first of many.

Cheers

Anto