Sauvignon Blanc is still the most popular white wine variety consumed, accounting for the vast majority of all white wine sales in Australia. It is a high yielding crop, thrives in most regions, is quite disease resilient, and the public are mad for it. But like anything in life, too much of a good thing leaves you wanting something else. Sales have flattened out in the last few years as we look for alternatives.

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. These two are making serious inroads with white wine drinkers, and deservedly so, as they are generally well suited to most cuisine. Pasqua Pinot Grigio (Italy) is a great example from where the style originated. The Vidal Pinot Gris from Hawkes Bay NZ is also worth seeking out. The Adelaide Hills produce great examples too. Bleasdale and Zonte’s Footsteps should be on your shopping list.

Rosé . The industry is going mad for Rosé right now. The producers are all trying to emulate the French, especially the Provence region, which makes beautiful easy drinking styles of Rosé. It always screams pan-fried salmon to me. It also is a great match with chili crab. Rosé actually outsells white wine in France nowadays. It is such a versatile wine, and pairs well with red meats.

My go-to is the 83 Provence Rosé (France). It has attitude, elegance and where many are quite nondescript, this wine has presence. From Australia, try the RockBare ‘Wild Vine’ from McLaren Vale SA. From New Zealand, the Villa Maria Organic Rosé ticks all the right boxes. All are around the $20 mark at Corker Cellars.

Riesling. This is without doubt my ‘desert island’ wine variety. Most winemakers in Australia will echo that statement. It truly is an underrated and undervalued variety. The Clare Valley and Eden Valley regions of Australia dominate the show results, but this variety is suited in other regions too. The Great Southern region of Western Australia, Tasmania, Canberra, and parts of Victoria are producing great Rieslings. Pikes ‘Traditionalle’ (Clare Valley, SA) and St Hallett (Eden Valley, SA) never fail to impress, while West Cape Howe from Mt Barker, WA (Halliday’s Top 100) is an absolute bargain.

Chardonnay. This has been enjoying a major resurgence in Australia. Gone are the days of heavily oaked and ripe styles. Winemakers are finding the right regions for the variety and producing wines of extreme elegance and purity, letting the fruit shine. Look out for examples from Western Australia, Adelaide Hills, Tasmania and the Yarra Valley (Vic).

There are so many choices out there, and it can get a little confusing. Register at Corker Cellars stores for their free regular wine-tasting sessions, and come along and try before you buy. Call Corkers Cellar Hope Island at (07) 5514 8511, or Corkers Cellar Sanctuary Cove at 07 5514 8511.

By Alfie Pardoe

The post After Sauvignon Blanc, What’s Next? appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

How small is too small? Can you still get romantic on a small boat with no cabin? Do you have to wait for after dark or anchor out for privacy? Boat Gold Coast is going “under cover” with this spot quiz to find out what really happens when couples are on the water. Two great prizes go to whoever pens the most amusing and creative answer!

Take the quiz! CLICK HERE.

The post Post V-Day Fun Quiz appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Ingredients:

1 large whole squid

2 inch chunk of ginger, finely sliced into thin julienne strips

2 long green shallots, finely sliced

1 red onion sliced finely

3 cloves of garlic finely sliced

1 large handful of coriander, leaves only (half for cooking and half for garnish)

2 limes thinly sliced

2 chilies finely sliced (use larger chilies for less heat)

Dressing:

100 ml fish sauce

100 ml soy sauce

4 tablespoons of lime juice

50ml of water

Heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cut out squid eyes and remove any insides such as internal organs and beak (the quill). Clean thoroughly. Place the whole squid on a rack in a large oven tray. Cover squid with ginger, shallots, garlic, red onion and half the coriander leaves. Mix all the dressing ingredients together and pour evenly over the squid. Leave all the dressing sitting on the bottom of the tray, as that will infuse into the squid while cooking. Cover the tray with aluminium foil and pop in the oven for around 18 minutes until cooked. Transfer squid and dressing to the final serving plate, and top with remaining coriander, fresh chili and lime slices. Serve and enjoy with steamed jasmine rice.

By Woody Zen

Photo by Juliet Cameron

—

Instagram @imwoodyzen

Email imwoodyisland@hotmail.com

I’m a chef from Thailand who now calls the Gold Coast home. Creating food has always been central to my life. Growing up, my family and I would cook and sell food at markets or on the streets of Bangkok. Later in my 20’s, I set off to the island of Koh Samet, where I opened a restaurant to cater for international guests. Now an accredited professional chef working on the Gold Coast, I know the most important thing I have brought to my cooking here in Australia is the Thai ideal of balancing flavours. Using the five fundamental flavour senses, we always taste the dish in progress and assess if it has the right amount of saltiness, sourness, spiciness, sweetness or bitterness. This can be applied to all types of food and adjusted according to your taste.

I am sharing three exciting seafood recipes for you to experience authentic homemade Thai dishes.

The post Steamed Whole Squid with Herbs and Ginger Dressing – Phla Meuk Noeng Ma Now appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Capri on Via Roma Shopping Centre on Isle of Capri is not only a dining destination for boaties, it is also a one-stop-shop for boaties’ needs: alcohol, groceries, bait, and ice. It is also home to the most convenient waterfront Fish’n’Chips shop on the Gold Coast—The Fish Emporium.

Fish and Chips

The Fish Emporium boast of chef-cooked Fish’n’Chips using trawler-fresh quality seafood fried in premium restaurant quality cooking oil. The Fish’n’Chips take-away menu provides traditional favourites like battered fish, burgers, potato scallops and dimsims. They also serve gourmet items not offered at any Fish’n’Chips shop, like New England-style fish chowder, salmon croquettes, coconut prawns, and a seafood salad. A take-away Fish’n’Chips meal starts at just $9.90 and is available from 11am to 8pm.

Fresh Seafood Store

The man behind the counter at The Fish Emporium fresh fish store is not only the fishmonger; he is also a qualified chef with years of fish preparation experience. Cooking meals at home will be made easy, as you can ask Chef Dave for advice on what to buy and be guided by his step-by-step cooking recommendations. The fish store has an extensive selection of fresh seafood that includes over 10 different fish varieties, local prawns, fresh sashimi, and oysters ready to be shucked on request. For the freshest seafood experience, you can order live mud crabs and lobster from the saltwater display tank.

Casual Waterfront Dining

The outdoor waterfront dining area with city views, offers a laid back dining experience. The indoor trendy bar, manned by an in-house mixologist, provides a casual ambiance for having cocktails while nibbling on fresh seafood. Offering a wide selection of the best of the seas, The Fish Emporium has an exciting menu attracting regular clients with a menu of everyday traditional classics. The long list of mouth-watering share plates offers fried, grilled and BBQ goodies. Beyond seafood, there are pasta and salad dishes, and steak options, among others.

DIRECT BY BOAT

Head upstream along the Nerang River, turn right into the canal just before the Isle of Capri Bridge. A 3-hour free temporary berthing is allowed on the 8-berth pontoon. You can dine in, have a drink or shop while you wait for your take-away orders. If you are in a rush to get out to the Broadwater, then simply order ahead over the phone for easy pick-up. There is ample outdoor parking and undercover car park for those travelling by car.

Editorial by Andy Kancachian

The post The Fish Emporium appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

When cooked correctly, fish skin gets a delicious crackle adding great texture to soft flaky fillets. Its flavour is gentle yet intense.

Here, the fish ‘crackle’ is a tasty textural contrast to a spicy Thai-style salad.

SERVES 2

CRISPY SKIN

FRESH FISH SKIN

GHEE (CLARIFIED BUTTER)

SALAD

200 GR HOT SMOKED FISH, FLAKED

3 GOLDEN SHALLOTS, PEELED AND SLICED

3 CHILLIES, RED, YELLOW AND GREEN, SLICED

4 KAFFIR LIME LEAVES, FINELY SLICED

FINELY GRATED RIND FROM ½ LIME

2 TBSP CHOPPED CORIANDER STEMS

1 PINK GRAPEFRUIT, PEELED AND SEGMENTED

2 TSP FISH SAUCE

PINCH WHITE PEPPER

Gently combine the first 6 salad ingredients. Set aside.

Segment grapefruit and set aside. While segmenting, catch juices from grapefruit in a small bowl and swirl in fish sauce and pepper. Set aside.

Cut skin into strips or triangle shapes. Heat ghee in a non-stick pan and add skin pieces. Cook for 2 mins each side and remove. Drain skin crackling on paper towels.

Gently mix grapefruit into salad. Drizzle with grapefruit juice dressing.

Arrange fish skin crackling on top of salad, and serve immediately.

*Note: Ghee can be substituted with coconut oil.

By Sally Jenyns

The post Thai Smoked Fish Salad and Fish Skin Crackling appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

QPWC JETSKI RACING 8 May

Queensland Personal Watercraft Club is one of the longest running Jet Ski clubs in Australia. The club tries to find new ways of bringing in new riders to the sport. The 2016 QLD titles will be held at Bells Beach, Redcliffe. Racing for all classes. Beginners welcome. (qpwc.org.au)

AUSTRALIAN SUPERYACHT & MARINE EXPORT CONFERENCE (ASMEX) 16-18 May

An Australian International Marine Export Group and Superyacht Australia Industry conference, the ASMEX provides an opportunity for the industry to gain up-to-date information and potential opportunities to drive business. This year’s theme is “Building a Business for the Future”.  Intercontinental Hotel at Sanctuary Cove. (aimex.asn.au)

SANCTUARY COVE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW (SCIBS) 19-22 May

This year marks the 28th anniversary of this world-famous festival, where fortunes are launched and dreams set sail. Get set to experience Oceans of Awesome celebrating everything marine, showcased against the spectacular backdrop of the Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove. (sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au)

GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL MARINE EXPO 19-22 May

The Expo will feature boats, marine equipment and boat-building and service facilities. Staged within the facilities of Australia’s largest manufacturing plants and shipyards at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera, the Expo will include an interactive demonstration and experience arena. (gcmarineexpo.com.au)

RIVIERA FESTIVAL OF BOATING 19-22 May

An educational and social event where Riviera and Belize owners and boating enthusiasts from around the globe will unite. The festival will cover all aspects of boating and conduct over 70 educational seminars and practical workshops. Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera. (riviera.com.au/events)

MONSTER MACHINERY DAY 29 May

Great for kids and kids-at-heart, this free family fun-filled day showcases the extensive array of vehicles, trucks and machines that the City of Gold Coast use to provide basic services. Broadwater Parklands Southern Precinct, Marine Parade Southport. (goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community)

THE HOBIE KAYAK BREAM SERIES 5 – June

The Rhino-Jack sponsored event has an open scoring system with amazing prize payouts. This year the competition has introduced new divisions in all tournaments for the coming season. Youth (16-under 21yrs), Women’s, Masters (60-64yrs), Grand Masters (65 and over) First timer entrants are welcome. From 6am at The Esplanade, Paradise Point (hobiefishing.com.au)

GOLD COAST AIRPORT MARATHON 2-3 July

Regarded as one of Australia’s premier sporting events, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is set to attract more than 28,000 participants of all ages and abilities from Queensland, interstate and overseas. The event program will feature the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15 kilometres, Southern Cross University 10 kilometre Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7 kilometre Challenge and Junior Dash 4 kilometre and 2 kilometre races. Popular worldwide for being flat, fast and scenic, running alongside the beautiful Broadwater and sparkling surf beaches. (goldcoastmarathon.com.au)

AUSTRALIAN FISHING TRADE ASSOCIATION TRADE SHOW 24-26 July

A trade show solely dedicated to the fishing, marine and outdoors industries, will be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. (aftatradeshow.com.au)

LAND ROVER SYDNEY GOLD COAST YACHT RACE 30 July

This year will mark the 31st edition of the 384-nautical mile race, starting at the Sydney Harbour and finishing off Main Beach in Southport. Southport Yacht Club is the Gold Coast host. The boats should arrive at Southport by 2^nd August. (goldcoast.cyca.com.au)

SHAG ISLET CRUISING YACHT CLUB (SICYC) RENDEZVOUS 25-28 August

The rendezvous is the annual gathering of members at Shag Islet situated in the Gloucester Passage in the Whitsunday Region in North Queensland, Australia. SICYC is a social club for yachties boasting 3,500 members in 14 countries and is a not-for-profit group supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. This year’s theme is Parrot Head. (sicyc.org)

AUDI HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK 15-22 August

Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta offers events and classes, ranging from the Grand Prix class for top-class racers, to corporate, bareboat and non-spinnaker divisions. The race is conducted on the waters of the Whitsunday Passage and surrounds. (hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au)

SURFERS PARADISE LIVE 6-8 May

Surfers Paradise LIVE will showcase a diverse, eclectic mix of music genres with multiple stages throughout the precinct. Listen to the sounds of the best raw, live music. What’s better than good music? Music in paradise that’s live and free! (surfersparadise.com)

Compiled by Andy Kancachian

The post EVENTS GUIDE: MAY-AUG 2016 appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

SYDNEY TRAILER BOAT SHOW 27-28 Feb
Organised by Boating Industry Association of NSW, the Sydney Trailer Boat Show will display an array of boats for most boating tastes, with lots of gear for boating also available. It will be a great day out for boating novices and enthusiasts. Held at Sydney Showgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park, admission is free and the show will operate from 9am to 5pm on both days. (myoutdoorlife.com.au)

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016 12-14 Feb
This event marks the new lunar year (starting 8 February) in the Chinese calendar. Sanctuary Cove welcomes visitors to celebrate the Year of the Monkey. Enjoy traditional Chinese crafts, kite making, mask painting and Chinese calligraphy, and also Chinese music and lion dancing, fire cracker and kung fu display. Try a special New Year banquet on offer at Dragon Cove Chinese Restaurant, Sanctuary Cove Marine Village. (sanctuarycove.com)

BLEACH FESTIVAL 4-20 March
The Bleach Festival will drench the Gold Coast with a three-week, high-energy, action-packed parade of live music, beach concerts, theatre, performing arts, film and fun. Bleach Festival HQ is the Southern Gold Coast but this year satellite events through the Northern Gold Coast will spread the best of Bleach across the length and breadth of the city. Get set to get wet! Get ready to party! (bleachfestival.com.au)

QUIKSILVER PRO 10-21 March
The WSL Championship tour kicks off at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast. Join the world’s best male and female surfers as they battle it out in the 2016 Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro. Held in the oasis of the beachside town of Coolangatta, this is a popular event to a number of participants from all parts of Australia. (worldsurfleague.com)

AUSTRALIAN STREET ENTERTAINMENT CHAMPIONSHIPS 25-28 March
This Easter long weekend, Surfers Paradise will once again transform into carnival of laughter and entertainment with four stages, each zone will buzz with colour and activity. See clowns, mimes, magicians, jugglers, dancers and performers take to stages across Surfers Paradise, all vying for the crowd’s attention. (surfersparadise.com)

ITU WORLD TRIATHLON GOLD COAST 9 April
World class triathletes will descend on the Gold Coast to battle it out for the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Series. With the 2016 Olympics on the horizon these top triathletes will try to secure their spot on the team. The event schedule includes the world’s best athletes in action in the ITU World Triathlon Gold Coast on Saturday 9 April and Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial on Sunday 10 April. The line-up includes a packed entertainment schedule for the whole family. (goldcoast.triathlon.org)

SURFERS PARADISE LIVE 6 -8 May
It’s the biggest music festival to hit Surfers Paradise that is held over three days. Surfers Paradise LIVE will showcase a diverse, eclectic mix of live music genres with multiple stages throughout the precinct, so no matter where you are in Surfers Paradise, you’ll hear the sounds of the best raw, live music. (surfersparadise.com)

BLUES ON BROADBEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL 19-22 May
The 15th annual Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival will headline Ron Burdon and the Animals. It is Australia’s largest free music festival which is held for four huge days and nights, and features Australian talent as well as providing a stage for international acts. Blues music is food for the soul and this festival combines the best of blues with the cream of the Gold Coast cuisine. (bluesonbroadbeach.com)

AUSTRALIAN SUPERYACHT & MARINE EXPORT CONFERENCE (ASMEX) 16-18 May
An Australian International Marine Export Group and Superyacht Australia Industry conference, the ASMEX, provides an opportunity for the industry to gain up-to-date information and potential opportunities to drive business. Intercontinental Hotel at Sanctuary Cove. (Aimex.asn.au)

SANCTUARY COVE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW (SCIBS) 19-22 May
This year marks the 28th anniversary of this world-famous festival, where fortunes are launched and dreams set sail. Get set to experience Oceans of Awesome celebrating everything marine, showcased against the spectacular backdrop of the Marine Village at Sanctuary Cove. (sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au)

GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL MARINE EXPO 19-22 MAY
The Expo will feature boats, marine equipment and boat-building and service facilities. Staged within the facilities of Australia’s largest manufacturing plants and shipyards at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera, the Expo will include an interactive demonstration and experience arena. (gcmarineexpo.com.au)

RIVIERA FESTIVAL OF BOATING 19-22 May
An educational and social event where Riviera and Belize owners and boating enthusiasts from around the globe will unite. The festival will cover all aspects of boating and conduct over 70 educational seminars and practical workshops. Gold Coast Marine Precinct, Coomera. (riviera.com.au/events)

Compiled by Andy Kancachian

The post EVENTS GUIDE Feb-Apr 2016 appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Teppanyaki and Tunes by the Water event organiser of Hayley Taylor of Free Style Function says, “I am doing this to encourage more event-destinations for boaties, and to encourage people to use their boats to dine or to attend social events, independent of social clubs or associations.”

We arrive at the marina, found a vacant berthing, and tied off our boat while another boat was offloading its passengers who had also booked for the seven-course teppanyaki lunch. Many of the guests enjoyed the trip to Horizon Shores by boat, and equally enjoyed the entertainment provided by the live soulful music as well as the teppanyaki chef’s cooking antics. The outdoor setting overlooking the marina, complete with a marquee and portable teppanyaki barbecue plate, made the event very unique and memorable.

It is not often that an event on the Gold Coast offers activities that are convenient for boaties. After all, when a boatie is invited to an event that may be at a waterfront venue, the first question normally asked is: Is there free public berthing?

Aside from the usual escape into the serenity of nature—sun, sea, sand, wind and wildlife—boaties on the Gold Coast also seek some destination that offer something different. There are a few places around the city where they can shop and dine—at waterfront shopping centres and well established marinas—but occasionally, they probably just want something different.

In 2015, the Glow Festival held at the Evandale Lake offered the Gold Coast’s first “float-in” cinema, where boaties were able to watch Pirates of the Carribean from the comforts of their own boasts. The event also offered free ferry transport from Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise to the Evandale pontoon and back.  The ferry proved very popular giving an opportunity for people to appreciate the waterways in a different way by transporting people to a destinations of interest.

The outdoor venue for our teppanyaki lunch on that day became a dining destination for boaties for a few hours, and provided a different kind of boating experience. Sure, we all have our picnic spots and our favourite beach spots on the Gold Coast islands. But there are times, you just want to enjoy arriving boat, tie it off on a pontoon, walk on dry land, have an outdoor dining experience while being entertained with live music, and not be bothered with packing food and picnic equipment or getting your feet wet or sandy.

Hayley organises similar events accessible by boats with the convenience of free berthing on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. For more information Free Style Function.

By Roselle Tenefrancia

The post Freestyle Events for Boaties appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Hair Health

It is important to think of the health of your hair when you are out at sea or out on the water—whether you are on the boat or immersing yourself in the cool waters of the ocean. “Prolonged exposure to the elements—being saltwater, sun, and even the wind—can be very detrimental to a person’s hair due to the hair’s protein structure (keratin). These elements dehydrate the hair, reducing the elasticity and strength of the hair, ultimately causing the hair to weaken and be more prone to breakage,” explains Mandy Morgan, owner of Amara Organic Hair Salon in Burleigh. Likewise, Jessica King, of Stefan Hairdressing emphasises, “Harsh environmental elements can result in dull, lifeless hair and a dry, irritated scalp. So being conscious of your hair health when out on the water is vital.”

Common hair problems when boating

“Unmanageable hair is a frequent problem faced by both men and women when out at sea due to unkind winds and salt in the air,” says Jessica. “Other common issues include dry hair and lack of moisture.” Mandy adds, “Sunburn to the scalp can also be a problem, causing the scalp to be dry, itchy and flakey. If you get a sunburnt scalp, use a sensitive range of shampoo and conditioner to help soothe and calm the scalp.” Whether sporting a long hair or a short one, women should address tangles while exposed to the ocean wind and waters. Jessica advises, “It is highly recommended for women with all hair lengths to brush a treatment through the mid-lengths of the hair after swimming to stop any knotting or tangling occurring.” For long hair, Jessica recommends tying it up when swimming and when in the sun. This will drastically reduce tangles and excessive exposure to UV rays. “Another way to care for your hair—and a fashionable one at that—is to wear a wide-brimmed hat for the ultimate protection from the sun and wind.” A tip for men out on the water is to wear a hat when in the sun. “It is critical for not only protecting your skin but also your hair,” says Jessica. She also recommends that men use an oil-based hair treatment after swimming and sun exposure to effectively moisturise and hydrate the hair and scalp. She emphasises that it is also fundamental for men to brush the scalp thoroughly to avoid dryness and itchiness.  

Maintaining healthy hair while boating

Both Jessica and Mandy suggest using hair protection when boating. Jessica says, “Use a heat-protector spray to protect hair from the damaging effects of UV rays and shield the hair from everyday environmental stresses. For treated and coloured hair, apply a leave-in treatment to your hair before and after swimming, to help lock in colour and restore much needed moisture.” Mandy also suggests applying leave-in moisturiser after washing the hair. “This will help balance the hair’s PH levels, and seal and protect the cuticle from any further damage.”

Mandy further recommends a regular haircare regimen. “Rinse your hair throughout the day, especially after swimming or after being out in the elements. Always shampoo your hair twice. The first shampoo will cleanse the hair of any salt, sand, chlorine or hair-care product build-up. The second one should be left for a minimum of two to three minutes to strengthen and hydrate the hair. Apply a conditioner from roots to ends leaving in for a minimum of two to five minutes, to protect the scalp, help close the pores and the hair’s cuticle, and rebalance the hair’s PH level. Use heating tools no more than twice a week.”

For hair washing, Jessica’s advice is to “use an oil-based shampoo and conditioner preferably those that contain certified organic coconut oil, to assist in replenishing moisture and nourishment back to your hair.” Regular treatment is also suggested. “Apply protein and/or moisture treatment to strengthen and hydrate your hair. Leave on from five to 20 minutes depending on the strength of the treatment. Do this once or twice a week,” according to Mandy.

Mandy further advises that, “Anybody who spends a lot of time boating who is exposed to the elements on a regular basis should consult with a professional hairdresser to determine the current condition of the hair. A tailored home-care maintenance program can be advised that is specific to individual needs.”

By Roselle Tenefrancia

The post Hair On Board appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Why is it expensive?

Champagne is from the Champagne region in France. The very unique soil and climate (terroir) coupled with centuries of refinement make a beautifully crafted product. The very cold climate poses numerous threats to harvest, and many vineyards lose up to 30 percent of fruit prior to harvest from frost and pests. The grapes that do survive are so delicate and complex that hand-harvesting is employed so as not to disturb the fruit. Massive effort and 2,000 years of refinement result in a weighty price tag.

Primarily, Champagne is made of three grape varieties. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. When you see Blanc de Blanc on the bottle, it only has Chardonnay, and if it says Pinot Blanc, it only has Pinot Noir.

But it is not just fermented grapes in the bottle. There is history, love, hard work and a remarkable level of craftsmanship. Please consider all these things when drinking the winemakers’ blood, sweat and tears.

What to eat with Champagne

As with your cooking, remember to keep things balanced. Champagne does not like excesses. Too sweet, too acidic, too bitter, too spicy, or whatever, will not work.

Any fish and crab will go smashingly with any sparkling. No curry or chili. I also find that dill that chefs garnish with will turn your champagne experience into a fit of rolling around then licking the dry wall (watch out for insidious dill!).

However, if you find that your favourite thing in the world is Moet and saltwater taffee, then do it. Forget the naysayers and ne’er do wells!

What is the proper serving temperature?

The general rule is 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. However, in the best place on earth—the sunny Goldie—serve it slightly cooler than the rule, as the ambient temperature will quickly heat the tasty loveliness before you drink it (especially if you are a jabberer and rabbit on, treating the glass like a microphone).

How long can I keep a bottle of sparkles open?

After opening a bottle of sparkles, it will not last more than 24 hours. However, resealing quickly with a Champagne saver will keep the fizz longer—even up to three days. SPOON in the champagne to keep the fizz is an old wives’ tale. Stanford University chemist Richard Zare undertook an extracurricular investigation of the teaspoon’s preservative powers in 1994. The result: Zare and his fellow testers did not detect any boost in the sparkle of the spooned bottles. All aside, best drink the whole thing!

How long can a sealed bottle be kept?

Champagne comes in two categories: non-vintage (NV) and vintage. Non-vintage bubbles can be kept for three to four years, while vintage can be kept for five to ten years on average. A vintage stored well can last indefinitely. Many people show me their pride and joy, a bottle of 1979 non-vintage that they are saving. I hold back the tears, say nothing and just imagine it was a vintage.

 How will I know if the Champagne is corked or off?

The Champagne region is in constant revision to prevent cork taint, described as resembling a moldy newspaper, wet dog, damp cloth, or damp basement (or just ewwww!). A Champagne that lacks beads (bubbles) and is dull on the palate is another sign of an inferior bottle. Sunlight and incandescent light are the enemies, along with loud noises and vibration. So do not yell at your sparkles!

How much should I spend?

The world of Champagne is vast, and your favourite is waiting for you. Starting at the top, Krug Champagne will set you back $400+ for a vintage, all the way down to some small producers creating champagne for $20. I suggest starting with a Bollinger for $79.99 as the proverbial toe in the water. The best thing to remember is that the more you spend, the finer the beads will be—the smaller the beads, the smoother and higher-quality the Champagne.

Why does too much sparkles give me a headache?

The quickest way known to man to give yourself a headache with Champagne is to drink it in a hot spa. Champagne is 12% alcohol volume and will do the same damage as red or white wine. It is, however, not as easy to overdo it with a vintage Champagne because you have to have considerable coin to open that second bottle of $280 lovely.

That’s not Champagne!

Champagne is from France, but it is made elsewhere too. In Italy, it is called Prosecco and has a great dry, bright flavour. In Australia, it is Sparkling White of the likes of Jansz, Croser and Chandon. There is another French amazing from the Burgundy and Alsace regions called Crémant. They do not carry a Ferrari price tag. For around $30, you can buy a beautiful French sparkle.

Which Champagne should I smash on the side of my new boat?

Bollinger! It does not have to be a new boat. I smash one on each launch. Make sure to buy two bottles!

By Chris Morgan

The post Champagne for Boaties appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.