As many of my loyal readers will know I originally started a website called Total Watch Reviews (a few years ago) and wrote several articles about fine timepieces. At this stage I also spoke with many independent watchmakers, which inspired me to design my own watches. In the process, a mutual acquaintance introduced me to a specialist watch strap maker called Matt Wallace. We instantly hit it off and he subsequently crafted me a bespoke strap from South Australian Snapper (featured on my Polaris). However, this is just a sideline for Matt as his core business is wine retailing.
Since I moved to South Australia 5 years ago it is hard not to be passionate about wine. That is why a local family owned company like winedirect.com.au is really thriving. As well as selling a lot of high quality local products they also offer customers a great range of national and international products. You could say they are fanatical about wine because they also write articles about this topic for global publications.
Matt Wallace is a partner in the business as well as the chief buyer and sales manager. He has an enviable role because he gets to travel to exciting places like France to taste exclusive Champagnes. Over the last four years he has personally visited over 200 different leading Champagne houses at Prowein and the historical province of Champagne. On a recent trip, Matt ventured into regions like Cramant, Ay, Bouzy, Mareuil-Sur-Ay, Pierry, Ville-Dommange and Epernay to do extensive tasting sessions. As a result, winedirect.com.au now exports champagne from four leading houses (Roger Brun, Bernard Remy, Le Mesnil and Bouché). As they say “It’s a tough job but someone has to do it”!
Prior to writing this article I would have considered myself a bit of a Champagne novice. However, after several lengthy discussions with Matt my perception of this exquisite sparkling beverage has massively changed. Essentially Champagne from Grand Cru rated Villages is really considered as the ‘Crème de la crème’ within the industry. That is why winedirect.com.au and Matt in particular have focused on selling this variety. However, it is pertinent to mention the company also want to offer customers great value for money. Ultimately they want to make these extraordinary champagnes accessible to most people and that’s why prices range from $55-$120 per bottle.
For more information about Champagne, wine and winedirect.com.au follow this link.