By Amy Looker
Sydney sommelier, Franck Moreau of Merivale’s Est restaurant, has been recognised by the Court of Master Sommeliers in London after being awarded the Court’s Advanced Certificate.
Moreau joined 15 other sommeliers from around the globe to take part in the Court’s intensive certificate course, which is conducted over four days and incorporates blind tastings, written examinations and demonstrations of technical ability. He was one of only five course participants to be awarded the Advanced Certificate.
The presentation of the Advanced Certificate coincides with the launch of two new wines by the Merivale group which will be available exclusively at Merivale restaurants and their newly opened boutique bottle shop.
“We wanted to introduce a more affordable wine for Merivale restaurants. Instead of using an existing brand, we contacted wineries, asking them to send samples which could be adopted under the Merivale brand. After gathering all of Merivale’s sommeliers and narrowing down the long list through a blind taste test, we came to discover Merivale’s exclusive new wine range, Jasper and Felix,” said Moreau.
Jasper, a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, is made by Highfield Estate Winery, while Felix, a gutsy Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, is produced by winemaker, Rolf Binder.
The new range will be available in Merivale restaurants, including Est, early next month.