Jean-Francois Ponthieux, founder of So Frenchy So Chic, is shifting gears with a new festival coming to Melbourne called Le Grape Escape.
On Friday 20th September and Saturday 21st September, Le Grape Escape invites you to indulge in the finest French wines from 110 winemakers and 13 wine regions.
Ponthieux and his collaborator Pierre Stock from PS Wine Selections, have curated the event together; Stock best known for working as France-Soir’s sommelier and wine buyer for 10 years.
“There are some classic wines that showcase the terroirs and specific characteristics of the grapes, as well as some modern winemaking with little intervention, pushing the limits of biodynamic practices,” says Pierre Stock.
You’ll be able to sample and buy bottles at the event, while a fabulous range of French food is also available for purchase. And of course, there’ll be So Frenchy So Chic DJs spinning the tunes.
Jean-Francois Ponthieux talks to The Write Drop for our At the Bar series.
MY CITY
Tbilisi, Georgia. I love trekking, so each year we choose a destination that is not London, NYC, or Paris, where there is no longer a sense of getting lost as our international cities are starting to look the same. Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia in the Caucasus, near the Black Sea. The city was founded in the 5th century and features beautiful architecture, monuments, and residential homes. In addition, there are 70 years of communist architecture which creates an interesting contrast. The city is vibrant, filled with youth and creativity. It boasts great bars, restaurants, and amazing nightclubs that have built a great reputation in Europe. The country would love to be part of the EU, but Vladimir is not allowing this to happen, and a pro-Russian government is currently running the country, much to the dismay of the pro-European youth.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Roast chicken at my parents’ home in the north of France. The chicken is raised locally with high-quality ingredients and cooked with love by my mother, whom I see once a year.
FAVOURITE BAR
Siglo bar in the Melbourne CBD. I love the vibe of roof top bars and this one reminds me of Europe
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Pinot Noir.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Take two aspirin before bedtime and drink plenty of water when you have a big night. You will wake up the next day feeling fine with no headache.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Good Gilbert in Adelaide. Neighbourhood bar with great food and wines and an excellent vibe
I think the bar and restaurant scene in Adelaide knows how to create memorable experiences by nurturing artisans.
FAVOURITE WINE
Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Côte du Rhône is located in a beautiful part of France near Avignon. I drank a lot of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with my family in France when I was living there, so it brings back many great memories.
FAVOURITE WINERY
My visit to Champagne Lanson last year left a lasting impression. It’s one of the oldest champagne houses in France, they manage a successful balance between traditional winemaking and modern innovation. Lanson has maintained its wine-making traditions across 260 years while also focusing on sustainability. They’re proactive about soil preservation and have taken significant steps towards developing organic and biodynamic champagnes. Despite scaling its business to an international brand, Lanson has maintained an artisan approach.
NEXT DESTINATION
I want to trek in Slovenia, but I don’t know when. I love long distances in nature. Last year, we crossed Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific side on foot. Walking is a great exercise of mindfulness and also a rich way of discovering a country.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW EVENT LE GRAPE ESCAPE
It is a tour de France of wines. We have partnered with Australia’s leading French wine importers to showcase more than 110 wines from France’s most famous regions, including Alsace, Chablis, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Jura, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, Provence, Rhône, Savoie, and South West. There will also be food from Melbourne’s reputable artisans and restaurants such as Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar: Lobster Roll with truffle crisps, Tuna Tostada with BlueFin tuna and truffle honey, and Smoked Ocean Trout Tortilla with labneh and pickled fennel. Pearl Chablis & Oyster Bar Moonlight Flat oysters, Caviar Sandwich on brioche, Smoked Anchovy with mascarpone and nduja, and Beef Tartare with potato galette. Hotel Gitan: Charcuterie Hampers, paté chaud, duck leg cassoulet, and hazelnut chocolate mousse eclairs. L’artisan Cheese Organic and Long Paddock Cheese: Curated selection of organic cheeses.
Pierre Stock from PS Wine Selections (France Soir, Vue de Monde) has curated the event and the So Frenchy So Chic team have organised it.
HOW DO WE NAVIGATE THE EVENT WITH SO MANY WINES ON SHOW
The room will be organised by region, so start with your favourite regions, such as Burgundy, Loire Valley, or Bordeaux, and explore them.
DISPEL A MYTH ABOUT FRENCH WINE
“That The Best French Wines Come from Bordeaux or Burgundy Only”. While Bordeaux and Burgundy are among the most prestigious wine regions in France, they are far from the only sources of fine French wine. Regions such as the Rhône Valley, Champagne, and Alsace produce excellent wines with unique characteristics. Exploring wines from lesser-known regions can uncover hidden gems and offer a broader understanding of France’s winemaking processes.
“French Wine Is Always Expensive”
While France produces some of the world’s most coveted and high-priced wines, there is a vast selection of affordable French wines that don’t compromise on quality. Regions like Languedoc-Roussillon and the Loire Valley offer excellent wines at competitive prices, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy good wines.
FAVE FRENCH WINE RIGHT NOW
I like Chablis, a crisp mineral-driven Chardonnay from the Burgundy region.
A BORDEAUX MASTERCLASS IS HAPPENING AT LE GRAPE ESCAPE HOSTED BY DANIEL AIROLDI. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE REGION
I’ve learned about the distinction between the left and right banks of Bordeaux. The right bank is known for its rich history of Merlot-dominant blends such as Pomerol and St. Emilion, while the left bank is more known for Cabernet Sauvignon from the Medoc.
