Mon 15 May 2006
What to say about Lower House/Upper House? It’s tres chic Melbourne dining for the CBDophile. All the typical touches exist, the wine FOLDER (not list) yet cheeky touches like the daily menu served on cardboard cut out of wine boxes. How’s the food? Well good but typically on par. But the wine tasting! Well sir, so long as you’ve come on a Monday night after work, you’re in the right place.
"Ben Know’s Wine" is Ben Edwards sharing his knowledge and plonk for those with a keen ear and nose. Being quite the sommelier (president of the Austrlalian Association thereof infact), each week you’re assured of tasting something very special. I wen’t tonight (15/05/06) and they featured the Blanck collection of wines from Alsace (pronounced Al-sass) France.
Also in tow was Fred form Blank wines and they featured some fine aromatics: Pinot Gris, Gurwutztraminer, Rhieslings and a Pinot Blanc. All came with tasting notes and expert winemaker commentary as they gracefully make their way around the tables. It has to be said that the last two aromatics were Grand Cru and Lieux Dits (designations of France’s most prestigious winemaking areas).
If nothing else, the night really taught you about the essence of good aromatic wines. So next time you’re drinking a dinkum Aussie Pinot Gris, or even a French one, you now have a respectable benchmark on which to judge it. Because chances are, you won’t often come across wine as great as what Ben is privvy to. Thank god he’s willing to share in the experience.
Suffice it to say, this is for the wine lover interested in the journey and not the destination. Every week apparently, there’s something different and new on offer. Lower House would hold about 70 people for tasting so best to get there at 5.30 when the festivities begin. After your tasting, you can select dinner from the regular menu, or a charcuterie platter, or make your jolly way home. Ben Knows Wine is on indefinitely, but it’s definitely not to be missed.
For more info, have a look at this Fed Square web page.