Last night I headed to Sofitel on Collins, No35 Restaurant to enjoy one of two nights (4th & 11th Oct) to indulge in a 4-Course Dinner Experience paired with Veuve Clicquot Wines as part of the 2016 “Sofitel Wine Days” series. This series is is timed to coincide with the French traditional wine harvesting period between September 21st to October 31st. And what better way to spend it that indulging on French wine and art de vivre.
This 5th edition will provide the opportunity to illustrate Sofitel’s commitment to wine by means of a variety of events that will enable everyone to make daring new discoveries or deepen their knowledge of the world of wine.
This definitely rang true with me. I love wine, and I enjoy drinking it with amazing food, however I know that I have so much more to learn!
Last night was a journey through Veuve’s history with a tantalising 4 course menu matched to wines ranging from the 2004 Vintage Brut to the newly released Rich. Additionally we were taken through the history of Veuve with the assistance of Dean O’Reilly, fine wine specialist from the Moet Hennessy Australia.
Some of many cool things I learnt last night:
- Beginnings from 1772
- Only Champagne from the Champagne region from France is allowed to use this name. If it’s produced in Australia, we call it Sparkling Wine.
- Very special history –> pro-feminism background
- Veuve means widow in French
- Riddling was an innovation from Veuve Clicquot
- Yellow Painted Label –> radical for the 1800s
- Madame Clicquot inspires lots of women in business
- Female business award every year within the company
- 2008 Champagne is delicious and such a treat
Although I’ve listed just a few things above, I do have a whole notepad full of notes I took last night. (Those were just some of the favourites from the night!)
As for the food, Melbourne Food Finds and I enjoyed them very much. We found the wine pairings perfectly complement each plate. Plus it was a real treat to get to try 2008 Vintage Champagnes. Dean mentioned that this was a fabulous year for champagne, so I definitely felt a bit special getting to have a taste.
Additionally, this is the very first time in Australia that Veuve Clicquot has done the following wine pairings and set of tastings! So that is pretty amazing in itself.
Dishes:
- Cranberry Foie Gras
- Paired w/ Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label ‘NV (a champagne classic)
- Citrus Cured Ocean Trout
- Paired w/ Veuve Clicquot Vintage 2008
- Roast Victorian Quail
- Paired w/ Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rose 2008
- Almond Milk Panna Cotta
- Paired w/ Veuve Clicquot RICH
It was an amazing night spent in good company. No35 Restaurant is situated on Floor 35 of Sofitel on Collins. The view itself was breathtaking. I learnt so much. And never knew how much I really liked champagne until last night.
I highly recommend getting a booking for the 11th of October. I would love to go again if I didn’t have plans! It’s an amazing, relaxing night and great way to spend your evening. If you want to learn more about wine, or simply eat and enjoy the view this is certainly the place to do it!
#no35restaurant #sofitelmelbourne #winedays
4-Course Dinner with Veuve Clicquot
When: October 4 and 11, 2016
Where: No35 Restaurant, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
Price: $195 per person
Book: (03) 9653 7744
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ANDREA IN ARCADIA 
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