Fourth Wave Wines @ Smolt

On a chilly Tuesday night AJ and I headed down to one of our favourite Hobart restaurants 'Smolt'. We've been here many, many times and their menu is seasonal and always great quality. But tonight was slightly different from the usual a-la-carte offerings being a 3 course wine dinner hosted by Smolt and Fourth Wave wines (who are an Australian importer of French and Spanish wines).

Upon entry we were handed glasses of 'Madame Coco' which was a sparkling from France. This was served with an appetizer of white fish and a crispy quail egg served on a semolina crisp. A very nice accompaniment!

We were then seated and had some bread to share (Smolt have some very talented bakers), and then came the Seafood paella. A succelent selection of Moreton bay bug, calamari and scampi and chicken in with spices. This was paired with a Le Chat Noir Sauv Blanc from France and a Vela Albarino from Spain.

Following that, our red wines were served - a Le Chat Pinot Noir and a Maitre Renaud Pinot both from France. A beautifully braised rabbit was brought out, served with cannellini beans, celeriac, truffle, panceta, sweet shallots and peas. To accompany this, a serve of chat herbed potatoes and a salad. Not being too well versed in all-things-rabbit, I was impressed by being presented with a juicy, rich and flavoursome partner to some great Pinots.

Next, were served our final wine of the night which was from the Rhone valley. This was presented with a rich cheddar, fruit bread and biscuits. Then came the final food instalment of the evening - two crispy and cloudlike churros with a rich chocolate dipping sauce.

This was a great way to sample a range of inexpensive Spanish and French wines and they were partnered well by the talented paletes of the Smolt crew. We had been very impressed with the Smolt winner dinners on our last visit when they showcased the WA winemaker 'Moss Wood', and this time only reinforced our view.