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New Wines of Greece hold a successful wine-tasting event in Australia[/caption]
The presence of large populations of both Asian and Greek immigrants in Melbourne, Australia makes it the perfect spot for wine and dine - East meets West experience. A gathering of Greek winemakers and Asian chefs are not the usual fusion of cultures one would expect to come across at an event. However, Supernormal in Flinders Lane who hosted the evening is a Japanese establishment with culinary expertise stretching beyond the boundaries of Asian cuisine.
New Wines of Greece is an initiative created by the Greek wine industry which has the support of not only the European Union but also the Greek government. This year is the second occasion at which they held their wine tasting, master classes and dinner events in Australia.
The Greek wines which were up for tasting throughout the evening were just superb. To accompany the starters, guests enjoyed Lyrarakis Plyto, with a grassy, citrus character, it blended well the starters, as did Fteri Moschofilero, which gave a lovely "crisp, mineral flavor" in a "rosy bouquet." These two Greek wines were the perfect choice to accompany the "pickled vegetables, oyster, kingfish and marinated cuttlefish."
Next, guests were spoilt with a delicious New England lobster roll and mouth-watering prawn and chicken dumplings, which are both "iconic dishes" served by the restaurant. The Ktima Pavlidis Thema White Blend, 50 percent Assyrtiko and 50 percent Sauvignon Blanc, finished it off nicely with its fruity palate.
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The Szechuan lamb dish from inland China was cooked to perfection[/caption]
For the main course, guests were given a taste of inland China as they were served a slow-cooked Szechuan lamb, cooked to perfection, and served with spring onion pancakes and coriander paste.
A great selection of Greek's red wines on offer for the evening included Boutari Grande Reserve Naoussa, a rich, spicy wine full of woods and red fruits. Another red wine which complemented the lamb was the Theopetra Estate Limniona, which had more of an earthy, spicy palate, but with softer tannins.
For dessert, a combination of sesame cookies and soft meringue were presented along with sheep's milk yogurt, apple, and shiso. Guests were in for a special treat as Peter Barry, the manager of Jim Barry Wines, served guests a taste of his 2015 Assyrtiko. He started the vines on his Clare Valley wine estate only a few years back with cuttings from a Santorini vine. He also brought along a 2002 bottle of The Armagh Shiraz and shared it among the guests who indulged in every sip.
As the New Wine of Greece campaign continues, let's hope that, although many prefer to stock up the wine cellars with Shiraz, Pinot Noir, or Riesling, that they will soon be enjoying more of our Greek wines, as there is always a place at the table for a bottle of Xinomavro.
New Wines of Greece hold a successful wine-tasting event in Australia[/caption]
The presence of large populations of both Asian and Greek immigrants in Melbourne, Australia makes it the perfect spot for wine and dine - East meets West experience. A gathering of Greek winemakers and Asian chefs are not the usual fusion of cultures one would expect to come across at an event. However, Supernormal in Flinders Lane who hosted the evening is a Japanese establishment with culinary expertise stretching beyond the boundaries of Asian cuisine.
New Wines of Greece is an initiative created by the Greek wine industry which has the support of not only the European Union but also the Greek government. This year is the second occasion at which they held their wine tasting, master classes and dinner events in Australia.
The Greek wines which were up for tasting throughout the evening were just superb. To accompany the starters, guests enjoyed Lyrarakis Plyto, with a grassy, citrus character, it blended well the starters, as did Fteri Moschofilero, which gave a lovely "crisp, mineral flavor" in a "rosy bouquet." These two Greek wines were the perfect choice to accompany the "pickled vegetables, oyster, kingfish and marinated cuttlefish."
Next, guests were spoilt with a delicious New England lobster roll and mouth-watering prawn and chicken dumplings, which are both "iconic dishes" served by the restaurant. The Ktima Pavlidis Thema White Blend, 50 percent Assyrtiko and 50 percent Sauvignon Blanc, finished it off nicely with its fruity palate.
[caption id="attachment_1860" align="alignright" width="300"] The Szechuan lamb dish from inland China was cooked to perfection[/caption]
For the main course, guests were given a taste of inland China as they were served a slow-cooked Szechuan lamb, cooked to perfection, and served with spring onion pancakes and coriander paste.
A great selection of Greek's red wines on offer for the evening included Boutari Grande Reserve Naoussa, a rich, spicy wine full of woods and red fruits. Another red wine which complemented the lamb was the Theopetra Estate Limniona, which had more of an earthy, spicy palate, but with softer tannins.
For dessert, a combination of sesame cookies and soft meringue were presented along with sheep's milk yogurt, apple, and shiso. Guests were in for a special treat as Peter Barry, the manager of Jim Barry Wines, served guests a taste of his 2015 Assyrtiko. He started the vines on his Clare Valley wine estate only a few years back with cuttings from a Santorini vine. He also brought along a 2002 bottle of The Armagh Shiraz and shared it among the guests who indulged in every sip.
As the New Wine of Greece campaign continues, let's hope that, although many prefer to stock up the wine cellars with Shiraz, Pinot Noir, or Riesling, that they will soon be enjoying more of our Greek wines, as there is always a place at the table for a bottle of Xinomavro.