Red Revolution
Experience The
Rocks Village
Winter 1999
Franck Crouvezier is a wine's best friend. As sommelier at bel mondo, it's his job to get the best from each wine by marrying it with the perfect food. With over 500 wines on the well-balanced and impressive list, there's a match made in heaven for every dish.
And this winter the match is most definitely red. "Rich and rustic winter dishes can be enjoyed with more intense, full bodied and generous wines, predominantly big, bold shirazs, cabernet merlots and pinots," says Franck.
"We're also seeing more customers experimenting with wine by the glass. Our tasting menu has been immensely popular because it allows people to discover what style of wine they like. Wine by the glass is perfect for a late afternoon sojourn," says Franck.
Just as Franck has witnessed the maturing of the Australian wine industry over the past five to six years, he thinks the average wine drinker's palate has come of age as well.
"Wine drinkers now understand that when a wine is good, it's a great source of satisfaction. Put all the elements together - the wine, the food, the company and the atmosphere - and you have a lasting memory."
Franck believes the craft of the chef deserves to be applauded with an intelligent wine list.
"A sommelier often designs a list around wines he likes to drink but he is always conscious of sourcing wines that complement the food, especially if the menu is seasonal. He must be able to design a wine list that has depth and complexity. It has to offer quality, interest and value. That means stocking icon wines, dynamic unknowns as well as wines that appeal to lots of palate,." says Franck.
At bel mondo Franck encourages experimentation and shares his passion for wine.
"The most wonderful customer is the one who has an open mind and the confidence to place himself in the hands of the sommelier," he says.