I was at Aria over the weekend working on the video shoot with Matt Dunne- their Head Sommelier. Matt has chosen the next Bullion Selection and is a great guy with an awesome palate. (We take a video of the sommelier talking about the wines and their selections and post to our website.)
It is really interesting to see how a “hated” restaurant works from behind the scenes. Passionate people, working long hours with lots of tattoos!
What is it with Chefs, tattoos and facial piercings by the way?
Matt has chosen wines with a definite Gallic slant and if you would like to learn more visit www.bullioncellars.com.aucellars
One of the wines he chose which is not from France, is a great Pinot Noir from Martinborough NZ. He is very much involved with this wine as he co-owns the brand, working with the winemakers to set the direction and style etc. (This is the 2012 Drake Te Muna Pinot Noir Martinborough)
This is a growing trend in the food and wine scene. Sommeliers getting their hands and feet dirty, making their own wine. (Another is Patrick White who made a Sem Sauv Blanc blend from Western Australia for Otto.)
These wines had better be good and they normally are, for it would be a shame if they had to reject their own wines from their lists!
He also makes a pair of wines from the Yarra Valley; a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made in conjunction with the very hip and trendy Mac Forbes.
If you wanted to track these wines down, contact me or visit one of Matt’s restaurants (ARIA / CHISWICK / NORTH BONDI FISH) They are well worth the effort.
I am off to the Langtons tastings later this week and I will send you a few of the highlights – that is if I remember to take any photos and remember any of the wines – 139 of Australia’s top wines in less than three hours – you do the math!
Until then – I hope you will enjoy your next bottle of wine.
Matt – The Bullionaire