I’ve always liked Australians, never have had a bad experience with them and from my travels and many experiences I’ve enjoyed the company of Aussies over good drink and conversation. Bill Hardy underlined this as I spent an evening as one of guests at the Hardy’s Winemaker Dinner at the Edward Day Gallery on Queen West.
Hardys wines is a family-run business, six generations deep with a great story-teller in Bill Hardy who amused us with stories about the early stages of the business and fond recollections of grandma, grandfather and some anecdotes involving ‘creative business’. Thomas Hardy began making wine in Australia in 1853 and today over 2 million glasses are raised in over 50 countries. Today Bill Hardy is the brand ambassador and what ensues is a visual plus descriptive of the dinner and wine pairings that ensued.
The wines of the evening debunked the stereotype of Aussie wines being full of blasts of fruit and on this evening we were treated to wines with a more savory character, more food friendly. The first course was a seared sea scallop with braised veggies and saffron cream, served with a saffron cream which I enjoyed with Eileen Hardy (family matriarch) Chronicles Chardonnay.
A dinner is always elevated when lobster is on the menu. Here we have a poached lobster in lemongrass consomme.
The main was a duo of lamb au jus with cherries and mashed potatoes. One piece of lamb was braised and the other seared. I loved the Hardys Chronicles Butchers Gold Shiraz Sangiovese with this dish.
A fine excuse to drink more reds is met with smiles as the arrival of local artiisnal cheeses paired with Eileen Hardy Shiraz.
When you’re a winery that’s been around since 1853 like Hardys, you know your craft and can expand your expertise to include a Tawny Port in your roster. This was paired with…a pear beignet in a cup with a brittle topping.
What a fantastic meal with good dinner guests, fine wine and great storytelling by Bill Hardy. Note to other wineries: tell your story, entertain us with anecdotes and back it up with your product. I now “get” Hardys wines.
Other wines served on this fine Spring evening were:
Hardys Chronicles The Gamble Chardonnay Pinot Gris
Hardys HRB Chardonnay
Hardys Chronicles Butcher’s Gold Shiraz Sangiovese
Hardys Whisker Blake Tawny Port
Tasting notes for these and all of Hardys wines can be found here.
What a way to spend the evening Peter.
Yay for the Aussie wines! What a great opportunity for you Peter. I love their Shiraz and tawny!
Yay for the Aussie wines Peter! I love their Shiraz ans tawny!