La Dolce Dita
With Tania Buckley
WINE CONOISSEUR
COLLECTOR OF FINE WINE
SHARE
Frank Ciorciari, our founder, wine connoisseur
and lover of good company and conversation,
will be sharing regular conversations with friends
of Grand Cru wines.
We find out what inspires and energises our guests, and how wine can make life even sweeter. We also learn about their favourite wines and recommendations to guide you in your own selections. La Dolce Vita shares real stories, we hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Grand Cru wines invites you to pour a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy La Dolce Vita with our friend and fellow wine lover, Tania Buckley.
“There’s nothing better than sharing a great meal And A conversation”
Describe in 3 words what wine means to you.
Connection. Memories. Passion
According to you, what is life’s greatest pleasure?
Connecting with my boys, Jett and Ayce. Seeing them grow into young men has been worth every minute of the time and love invested in them.
Greatest memory of sharing good wine with friends?
I have so many great memories it’s hard to choose one, but having dinner parties at home will always stand out for me. There’s nothing better than sharing a great meal, conversation and fine wine with those you love. I also love to cook and entertain, and with a great bottle of wine on the table, nothing makes me happier.
Which do you prefer? Restaurant meal or home cooked meal?
By far a home cooked meal, often prepared by myself, amongst family and friends at my big kitchen bench with a wine in hand, is where I am most content.
What do you look for in a wine list?
Diversity of local and international wines is important, accompanied with a range of varietal differences. I like a wine list to challenge me in terms of which wine will I choose for the particular occasion. In most cases, I will offer to make the wine selection and it gives me great satisfaction when I’m commended on my choice.
What are your Top 4 wines?
It depends on the time of year but I ALWAYS lean towards chablis, and Australian chardonnay. I love a French rosé in summer and a good pinot noir is my pick in the winter months.
What are you drinking at the moment?
I’m enjoying chablis even though it’s not an easy wine to get your hands on, and being a pescatarian, I’ve also discovered wonderful rieslings and cool climate pinot grigio, which pair really well with most seafood dishes.
Name a surprise wine discovery
Wine is my passion and I enjoy discovering new and interesting wines weekly, but this week I am loving Ashbrook Riesling and Greywacke Chardonnay, particularly with a great cheese board.
Most memorable travel experience?
I have been extremely fortunate to have frequently travelled the world. Travel is my next greatest passion!
I have so many wonderful memories that it is seriously difficult to pick just one.
Per Se’ in New York for my 40th birthday was definitely one of the most memorable moments I have had to date. I enjoyed superb food, wine and service on another level. Nothing has quite come close to that experience .
Italy has always been one of my favourite countries to visit. Having spent a few months living in Florence with my boys will always be one of my most treasured life memories. Being immersed in the culture and lifestyle – the people, the food, the history and the wine were irresistible – it really is la dolce vita for me! I can’t wait to return.
What does luxury mean to you?
Spending quality time with my family and friends at home and enjoying a bottle or two from my wine cellar has given me so much joy and pleasure, along with collecting many great wines over the years.
A wine recommendation (from the Grand Cru wines range)
I’m really loving 2018 ARNAUD BAILLOT ‘Les Belles Filles’ Pernand-Vergelesses. This wine has medium acid, medium body with a medium finish. I would pair this wine with a nice piece of crispy skinned salmon as the acid would cut through the fat, and I would serve it with steamed rice and some greens.
Salute!
