New Porsche 911 Sport Classic

Story Noel Leung Photos: James Kelly Wednesday 4th May 2022

Following the raging success of the inaugural PCV Food and Wine Dinner at The European, the Club’s second dinner was held at Bellota Wine Bar in South Melbourne - a stylish extension of the neighbouring Prince Wine Store, celebrated for its impressive wine selection. Set in a classic Victorian building, Bellota’s upstairs dining room was the perfect intimate setting on a cold Melbourne night (the opposite of the sultry evening of the first event). As we all arrive and choose a seat, there are many familiar faces as well as some new ones, all of whom were lucky enough to reserve a spot at what is fast becoming the ticket in town on a Melbourne school night.

For this second dinner, we journeyed to northern Italy, starting with some moreish spiced lamb arancini and a glass of Ca del Bosco Franciacorta Brut NV. Not to be mistaken for Prosecco, Franciacorta is made using the methode champenoise (yes the same method as champagne) resulting in a more delicate mouth feel and more complex flavours. Definitely the highlight of the evening for this author, who will be adding Franciacorta to the repertoire as an alternative to champagne.

Having settled into our chosen seats, our master of ceremonies, Mr. Greg Burns gave a short welcome. With a quick introduction to Bellota and the wonderful team looking after us for the evening, including Billy, our very knowledgeable and engaging wine guide, the night was off and running.

Judging by the conversation and laughter heard around the room, it didn’t take long for our attendees to get to know each other, but Billy had no troubles getting our attention to continue our Italian wine journey (at least not at this early stage of the evening). Our second course was a wonderful porchetta carpaccio with salsa verde, caper berries and fennel radish which was paired with two single-vineyard white varietals from Pieropan in the Soave region: La Rocca 2019 and Calvarino 2019. Whilst both wines were quite different in style, after a bite of the succulent porchetta, the complex flavour profiles of both wines came through, the flavours evolving on the palate like the changing notes of a perfume – as Billy would say, just as a great wine should do.

For our main course of bavette steak, romesco, oyster mushrooms and madeira jus, we tasted two red varietals - Cantine Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo 2017 and Gianfranco Alessandria Barolo 2017. The earthiness and tannins of the Nervo balanced the creaminess of the steak, whilst the Barolo was a delight - deep, luxurious and fruity, slightly more refined than the Nervo. Clearly both wines were a hit - with enthusiastic top ups of both, well after the perfectly cooked bavette steak had been polished off.

Finally for dessert, the orange and bay leaf semifreddo, almonds and citrus caramel was served with the sweet Forteto della Luja Brachetto 2016. An incredible deep rose colour, the Brachetto was smooth and silky, cutting through the citrus and lightness of the semifreddo which was the perfect end to a luscious meal. As the night drew to a close, we had all become well and truly acquainted with some fast friendships being forged on the common interests of Porsche, food and wine. There were even murmurs of kicking on at the bar downstairs, but alas this did not eventuate with the venue keen to wrap up the night, even if we were not. Thus we found ourselves waiting for our rides home, game of thrones style, on a cold wintry night, already marking the next food and wine dinner in our calendars.

Upcoming Events

JUL

3 SOCIAL - Winter Run “Christmas In July”

10 TRACK - Sandown Winter Sprint

17 REGISTERS - Modern 911 Run

20 Annual Go Kart Challenge

24 REGISTERS - Cayenne/Macan Run

AUG

3 SOCIAL - Food and Wine Appreciation Dinner

7 REGISTERS - Boxster/Cayman Run

14 TRACK - Winton

SEP

17 SOCIAL - Spring Overnight Run

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25 REGISTERS - Torque Tube Run

OCT

2 REGISTERS - Early 911 Run

5 SOCIAL - Food and Wine Appreciation Dinner

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16 TRACK - Sandown

18 AGM and Club Night at Porsche Centre Melbourne

NOV

6 REGISTERS - Mid 911 Run

12 Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening

20 TRACK - President’s Day at Sandwon

27 SOCIAL - The Last Run

DEC

4 REGISTERS - Boxster/Cayman Run

11 REGISTERS - Mid 911 Run

The new Porsche 911 Sport Classic