French Wine Dinner

french wine dinner brisbane French Wine Dinner photoAs someone obsessed with all things gourmet, it probably comes as no surprise that I have a real soft spot for France.

I love how important food and wine is to the French people. Dinner is an event in their country. It’s a celebration that puts everything else on hold. The French have a great appreciation and respect for gastronomy and many of their traditions and customs are based around it.

I am always keen to share a little of that wonderful culture with other foodies; so it was high time The Gourmet Belle did just that.

French road trip! Yeah!

Well, not quite. But, one can dream (sigh).

A road trip for the taste buds would have to suffice. But, I was pretty excited about hosting a gourmet wine dinner at Brisbane’s iconic french restaurant, Baguette, all the same.

Continue the gastronomic ‘road trip’ around France here →

Jose Ardinat, Organic Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2004

As with one’s children, I don’t play favourites with wine.

Unless the wine (or child) is champagne.

I adore the fizzy stuff. I love how the pop of the cork and the effervescent bubbles can immediately lift any situation and make it feel like a special occasion. I am captivated by the meticulous champagne method of producing sparkling wine. And I am instantly contented when a glass of champagne is placed in my hand. Consequently, it is sometimes difficult for me to objectively assess a French sparkler (perhaps I simply require more practice?).

So, try as I might, I could not contain my euphoria when I sampled José Ardinat’s 2004 Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

Read more about this gorgeous champers here →