Spring Racing Carnival Alcohol Fever

Editorial

It is that time of the year again when Melbournians, and a scattering of Melbournian-wannabes across the nation, are struck with Spring Carnival Fever. Bart Cummings is probably grooming his eyebrows as we speak. Of course, the cynic in us will view this fever, as writer Marieke Hardy does, like “dressing like a complete twat with scant regard to the weather forecast, blowing wads of cash on an archaic industry that actively supports the whipping of under-developed animals, and eventually teetering home covered in a fine spray of puke and semen. If pain persists, shoot yourself”.

My not-so-cynical view of this time of year is the chance to sample some of the finest beer, wine and champagne you can find. Drink responsibly, of course. We all want to glide like the polished Gatsby types and not crawl like boorish bogans at these events. So here are some of my selections:

For our inner man, the amber liquid is a must. That said, if you are sick of the big, fruity, heavily-hopped beers, then how about going Italian and experimenting with La Superba - their more unusual flavoured a lager with Ligurian basil. Step aside, Peroni, as there are beers now with notes of chestnuts and durum wheat, as well as ales mixed with whisky yeast, liquorice or Lapsang Souchong. For the ladies, as there has been statistics showing an increasing number of women drinking beer, brewer Molson Coors recently produced a ‘clear filtered’ beer called Animée. Incidentally, Molson Coors is renowned for its other lagers such as Kasteel Cru which are brewed using champagne yeast.

If given a choice, I would prefer a Sauvignon Blanc over a Chardonnay although there are rumblings that the humble Chardonnay is making a comeback. So if you must have your Chardonnay, local producers like Yering Station and Leeuwin Estate are worth checking out. But back to Sauvignon Blanc - try the Jane Brook Sauvignon Blanc from Margaret River. I love the scent of gooseberry on the nose and without sounding too pretentious, it has that perfect hint of sweetness. My personal favourite for when you are watching the races, would be Paulett’s Late Harvest Riesling from Clare, SA. It is a perfect drop on a spring day and has the right balance of acidity and sweetness. For red wines, I am slightly biased as I will only drink Pinot Noir and a top shelf Pinot Noir would be the Curly Flat Pinot Noir from Macedon Ranges, VIC, boasting its black cherry and black forest chocolate flavours.

And finally, champagne – the perfect aperitif to accompany the caviars, rich pates, gravalax and oysters that you will be ingesting. My pick would be Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label. It’s dry and sharp and doesn’t taste like the regular mouthwash you would get at an office party.

So while I won’t be enjoying the party pashes, playing the annual sweepstakes or spot-the-celebrity in VIP marquees, I will be enjoying a drop or two of my favourite wines in the comfort of my own home. What will you be drinking while you celebrate the Melbourne Cup?

Alvin Quah for Citysearch, October 2011