Two of Australia's most passionate champagne appreciators are off to France after winning this year's Vin de Champagne Awards
Wine maker Dan Buckle from Domaine Chandon was named the winner in the professional category, while Matthew Stutsel grabbed the amateur category award at the presentation event held at The Pavilion this week where the champagne was flowing - more than 2000 glasses were served!
Presented every two years by the Champagne Bureau of Australia, the Vin de Champagne award has become one of the country's most coveted.
Champagne Bureau director Elisabeth Drysdale said the award thats been running for more than 30 years, has produced some of the finest Champagne palates in the world.
" Past winners actively promote Champagne across all aspects of life ensuring that Australia remains in the top ten markets for importing Champagne,” Drysdale said.
Buckle and Stutsel receive a two-week educational tour to the Champagne district in France, where they will be awarded their medal from Le Comité Champagne.
This year's event comes as Australians embrace Champagne more than ever. In 2011 Australia imported 4,863,783 bottles placing it in number eighth position for Champagne importing.
Chef Justin North prepared a six course dinner matched to fifteen Champagnes from the houses of Ayala, Bollinger, Charles Heidsieck, Delamotte, G.H. Mumm, Lanson, Laurent –Perrier, Louis Roederer, Moët et Chandon, Nicolas Feuillatte, Pol Roger, Ruinart, Taittinger, Thienot and Veuve Clicquot.
Champagne passion: Winners Dan Buckle (right) and Matthew Stutsel.