King Charles and Queen Camilla sampled some of Australia’s finest wines during the welcome ceremony on their royal visit Down Under.
The Federal government hosted its parliamentary reception for their Majesties at the Great Hall, hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms Jodie Haydon, on Monday evening.
His Majesty and his wife tasted some local wines from Australia’s renowned wine-producing regions – including Shiraz from the Barossa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Margaret River.
The best part? All five bottles on the menu cost less than $40 each.
The royal wine selection included Josef Chromy Sparkling NV ($32.99), Hentley Farm Eden Valley Riesling ($28), Hentley Farm Barossa Shiraz ($36.50) and Castelli Silver Series Chardonnay ($25).
The most affordable wine enjoyed by the royal couple was the Cape Mentelle Marmaduke Cabernet Sauvignon, which is priced at a modest $18.99.
The velvety wine is crafted from an abundance of red and dark berry fruits and soft florals.
The ‘vibrant ruby’ drop is said to be a ‘wonderful introduction’ to Margaret River Cabernet – and pairs perfectly with an eye fillet with green peppercorn sauce or a pasta dish with mushroom.
The standout wine on the menu was the Hentley Farm Barossa Shiraz, priced at $36.50, crafted from fruit grown on the estate’s vineyard in South Australia.
The King and Queen enjoyed a refreshing taste of Tasmania’s Josef Chromy Sparkling NV, priced at $32.99.
The white wine variety has been described as having a ‘delicate flavour’, with a ‘lively palate’ of crisp Granny Smith green apple and lemon with hints of toasted biscuit.
The exceptional wines were paired with Aussie dishes made with native ingredients – including Bundaberg spanner crab, Armidale Shepherd’s pie, Griffith salted Murray cod croquette, Tasmanian salmon, and WA falafel with Davidson plum.
The royal couple were treated to a sweet platter of Messina caramel slice, wattleseed lamington, cheesecake, Anzac biscuits and frangipane tarts.
Wine wasn’t the only beverage on the menu.
The King and Queen were offered a selection of beer, which included Great Northern as well as its non-alcoholic counterpart and Furphy ale.
