Société Mondiale du Vin, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs presented, Saturday last, The Art of Wine, hosted by Steve Hudson, vice conseiller culinaire, and Brian Sang, vice echanson. “There’s been a lull… we’ve not had a Mondiale du Vin event in four years and as such wanted to kick-start with a certain amount of oomph,” shared co-host Sang. It was no idle boast! Silver and red hues dominated as elegant candelabras illuminated the well-appointed tables set under trees steeped in history.

The focus of the Société Mondiale du Vin is the appreciation of wine and craft beverages, and even though a formal setting with an impressive menu curated by culinarian Jacqui Tyson and team begged to differ, Debra Taylor-Smith, luxury portfolio manager at Select Brands, left no doubt that the wines courtesy of Select Brands and 1876 Wine Club were the evening’s stars. There’s no doubt too, that the Société Mondiale du Vin team on The Rock, has certainly upped the ante!

Thursday Food presents the evening’s pours:

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, NV, Epernay, France

Shows finesse, along with depth to its honey, candied citrus and mineral flavours. Lovely balance and harmony render it seamless and graceful. A melting pot of aromas and flavours — a wonderfully rounded, generous Champagne whose joie de vivre makes every moment more special.

Chateau du Chatelard Morgon 2018, Beaujolais Villages, France

One of the more full-bodied village crus, Cuvee les Roches from Morgon is a finely balanced and well-structured wine with black and red cherry aromas and a distinctive stoniness. There’s depth to the palate distinct from the other village crus with a decent tannic presence and dark, bright, balanced fruit intensity.

Bouchard Pere et Fils Pouilly Fuisse 2021, Maconnais, Burgundy, France

Delicate bouquet of apples, peaches and floral notes that carry through on the palate.

A very perfumed, silky and elegant wine.

Robert Mondavi Winery Spotlight Collection Petit Verdot 2015, Oakville, Napa Valley, California

This one-time release Spotlight wine showcases the lovely Petite Verdot from the To Kalon vineyard. Dark fruit notes of currant and plum meet earthy notes of licorice and cinnamon. On further swirling, intense floral aromas and a pleasant smokiness increase the attractive complexity of this wine. On the palate the tannins are silky and the wine displays the lift and bright acidity that are signatures of quality Petite Verdot. Nine years old and shining brightly with at least another 10 years to go.

Rock Angel Rosé by Chateau D’Esclans, Provence, France

Rock Angel is rich and racy on the palate. The use of partial oak aging adds a creamy feel and texture to this wine, and the flinty minerality embues it with another layer of complexity. Powerful and elegant. Firm acidity with a long and silky finish.

Clos du Gaimont Vouvray 2020 (100 per cent Chenin Blanc), Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France

A modern Chenin Blanc that entices with delicate aromas that are both floral and fruity. White flowers and fresh quince entwined with a hint of sweetness results in a rich and opulent finish.