JOHN NOBLE

Head of Champagne Bureau Australia Describe your most memorable party Parties! Remember them? I’ve been really fortunate to attend so many stylish events over the years, but probably the most glamorous event I was lucky to attend was a spectacular Champagne Day dinner on the beach at Qualia on beautiful Hamilton Island. The event styling was curated by Megan Morton, and there were style details everywhere you looked. The table settings were magnificent and decorated with huge corals and shells and Heidi Moore-Gill’s giant balloons with flowing metallic streamers. Each setting was personalised with gilt-edged coasters and a selection of chic paper ‘accessories’ created by Australian artist James Gordon – masks, tiaras, black-tie shirt fronts, carnations and elbow-length gloves – with glasses of Champagne.

What was so lovely about it? It was the perfect combination of incredible location, great people and the best Champagne!

What are you known for when you entertain?

Champagne is obligatory when you come over to my place, and because it’s such a versatile wine, the food-matching combinations are as easy as they are endless. I do have some go-tos when people come over – like a charcuterie board with Comté cheese partnered with a non-vintage Champagne and crispbreads or gravlax salmon on Scottish oatcakes, which will suit almost any type of rosé Champagne – but my absolute favourite is an avocado and green-apple salsa served on witlof leaves, with a zesty blanc de blancs style of Champagne. It’s easy and such a fresh, light option, with the crunch of the witlof making it a taste sensation with the crisp style of the Champagne, usually made from 100% chardonnay grapes. Which Champagne are you drinking this summer?

Anyone who knows me, knows my obsession with rosé Champagne. It is one of the most diverse categories you can find. You can find a rosé Champagne that suits any style of entertaining, from an elegant summer soirée with delicate canapes or a barbecue dinner with any type of meat and all the trimmings. I’m yet to find a rosé Champagne I didn’t like! ciel

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Executive chef James Viles at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in NSW. Champagne Bureau Australia’s John Noble hosting Champagne Day. The Megan Morton-styled Qualia function that John attended on Hamilton Island. Champagne is always John’s drink of choice.

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