An evening of beautiful wine, delicious food and a warm ambience – is there anything better?
That is exactly what I experienced at the Taylors Wine event as part of Mr & Mrs P’s winter wine series.
Each course beautifully showcased the amazing creativity of chefs Matt Butcher and Calvin Katz, with delicious creations like barramundi and tuna and completing the journey were 6 divine wines from refreshing sparkling to the rich Shiraz.
I sat down with Mr & Mrs P owners Greg & Georgia Poliwodzinski, chefs Matt Butcher and Calvin Katz and the team at Taylors wines to find out how this foodie journey came together.
Greg & Georgia Poliwodzinski
How did the idea for the Winter Wine Maker Events series come about?
The idea initially was to create an event for locals to come and experience our venue and try some fantastic local wines. Eventually it spawned our winemaker nights that featured the winemakers themselves or a representative from the winery. Each wine would be perfectly matched with a dish created by Matt Butcher and our head chef Calvin Katz.
Mr & Mrs P is certainly going from strength to strength – what do you think is the secret to your success?
We are constantly overwhelmed and humbled by the response we get from locals and how much they enjoy what we’ve created here in Brighton!
Our philosophy is simple, let your passion shine through what you create.
Our love for the industry and passion to serve is constantly shown through our food, drinks and service 🙂
Matt Butcher and head chef Calvin Katz
What was the inspiration for the menu?
This menu was based on delicious flavours and fresh produce supporting local suppliers.
Examples of these are Hiramasa Kingfish, NSW costal vegetables and O’Connor’s Wagyu beef in Vcitoria.
What is the most important element when pairing food with wine?
The most important rule when pairing food with wine is to pick the key flavour notes of each wine then choose an ingredient that will best bring that flavour out! With a rose for example you can match it with strawberries, this brings out the soft berry flavours within the wine.
The wine can also act as a cleanser, clearing the palate after each bite.
Which dish and wine pairing were you most excited about?
I was most excited about pairing my Humpty Doo, NT barramundi dish, mainly because I love my fish and using such beautiful local produce.
The NT farmed barramundi is such a gorgeous, light flavoured fish and Jerusalem artichoke to bring an earthy flavour to the dish was paired with a glass of pinot noir. I think it worked really well!
Overall, it’s such a pleasure to be able to create a menu for these kind of events. We love the opportunity to match food with wine, it’s always a fun way to test ourselves.
Taylors wines
Questions for Taylors Wines
Which wines were highlighted at the event?
TWP Chardonnay
Quick synopsis on the styles:
- SPARKLING: Part of our estate range, the Sparkling is crafted in the traditional bottle fermented style (Methode Traditionnelle) using classic varieties which results in a wine of elegance and finesse.
- TWP: stands for Taylors Winemaker’s Project. Here we look for ways to continuously improve our existing wines and to innovate with new and interesting styles and varieties, the result of which, delivers a selection of unique and exclusive wines.
- TAYLOR MADE: our craft-focused range which brings a flare of new world winemaking to old world varietals and blends. The unique craft behind each of the wines is tailored to match beautifully with food and are perfect for entertaining.
- ST ANDREWS: Named after the historic property first established in 1892, these wines are a true reflection of the very best of handcrafted Clare Valley winemaking.
What makes these wines perfect for winter?
Temperature plays a pivotal role in enjoying wine, so winter is no longer strictly open for red wine only. Depending on consumer’s preferences, there’s something for everyone and their palate. Taylors Estate and Promised Land ranges also features a unique temperature sensor on the back of the label to indicate the ideal serving temperature for your wines.
Here, we have a combination of whites that ooze freshness yet maintain depth and are delicately abundant. Conversely, the reds vary in levels of intensity – the Taylor Made Pinot Noir is delicate in body, but generous in flavour compared to the St. Andrew’s Shiraz which is rich, complex with layers of flavour.
If you could only serve one wine at a dinner party what would it be and why?
A dreaded question to ask anyone in wine, we have too many favourites!
Our intention with all these wines is to delight when enjoyed either on their own or as an accompaniment to food.
A wine can be made even greater when matched with the ideal occasion – the best accompaniments are always great food, friends, and family (and a roaring fireplace in Winter!).
There are also some great tips and blog articles on the Taylors website:
Liz Rudenko
Liz is an editor and has previously been featured in several fashion blogs. She has a penchant for finding great new hot spots, as well as a serious addiction to shoes, chocolate and coffee.
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