With curated wine experiences in high demand, HM spoke to hotel sommeliers to get an insight into key trends in the world of wine.
Here, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, Sommelier, Camilla Luzzi, shares an insight into her role and discusses the wine experience at the hotel’s new Club Lounge.
How did you get into this area?
It happened so naturally; wine has always been my passion. My initial goal was to work in sustainability – my first degree was in Tourism Management with a specialisation in sustainability. I was working in hospitality before, mostly with European wines whilst living in Sydney.
When I came to visit Margaret River to research about sustainable wineries, and how they were making it possible, I was lucky to get a dream job on a winery that was viewed as a pioneer and leader in sustainability in the region. This opened my eyes and showed me that it was possible to combine my two passions whereas before I had thought they could only operate independently of each other. This gave me the drive to pursue my dreams and apply for further education in environmental science and to become a wine specialist.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
To have the opportunity to work with what I love. Understanding the environmental factors of that season and how that impacts the wine and ultimately the final product. Based on this matching the produce from that region to showcase both the vintage and the food. I love seeing a guests face light up when they try a pairing I have recommended, it enhances their entire experience.
What wines are proving popular with guests at the moment?
We are at the end of summer season; a chilled red was a best seller. WA summer can be quite hot, a red that is served chilled is a great choice and can make an incredible matching, it goes very well with food.
Are there any climate impacts on vines in the region this year?
The vintage this year is doing incredibly well and so far there has been no impacts from nature or climate. Last year was a colder than average winter with less rainfall however this has not negatively impacted the vines. We have had mostly sunny days and no extreme heat, coupled with a cool southerly breeze to help to retain fruit acid.
Any interesting wine consumption trends that you have observed of late?
Natural sparkling a.k.a. Pet Nat which stands for Petillant Naturel which is when all the fermentation is finished in the bottle with minimal to no intervention. Also popular are chilled reds and orange wines.
What’s involved in the wine experience at the Ritz Carlton Club Lounge?
It is a personalised wine journey that starts with a glass of a premium WA sparkling accompanied by our local cheese board served with Hearth made local condiments whilst engaging in conversation to get to learn more about the guest’s experience and wine interests and passions. Based on this information I tailor and recommend WA wines for them to taste based on what they interested in.
This interview was first published in the April issue of HM. To read more, click here.