Hanz Gueco

Hanz is an Australian born, Paris based tastemaker, artist, and chef at Verjus, Paris. We have been on-looking in amazement at his recent foray into paper ‘sculptures of deliciousness’ which include meticulously handmade ‘Baby Leeks’ and 'Mille-feuille au Chocolat' which you can see on his Instagram. Looking at Hanz’s Wes Anderson-esque home interior, it is evident that he applies the same flair and attention to detail to everything he takes to hand.

Enjoy this twelve question Case Study.

1. You're handed a wine list, what do you do?

Pass it on. I'll usually choose the food and someone else will choose the wine. If this is not the case, I can usually find a producer or a bottle I’ve tried before and liked.

2. How do you know the wine you're drinking is good?

I try to keep it simple: Do I think it's tasty? Do I want to drink more of it?

3. What is something fascinating you’ve been told over lunch?

French dictum states that a bottle of champagne should be opened so gently that it makes a sound no greater than a nun’s fart.

4. In whose company do you most enjoy drinking wine?

Funny and interesting people.

5. Can you describe your ideal combination of wine, music, and setting?

A sunny sunday with a super cold bottle of Festejar and some Fela Kuti blasting in the background sounds pretty perfect. If the weather is not permitting then just your average three star restaurant will have to suffice.

6. What sort of food would you add to the equation?

Anything grilled.

7. What is the most memorable bottle of wine you’ve drank?

One of my best mates and I took a road trip to San Sebastián. It culminated in an epic dinner where we each got a bottle of Rioja; a 1970 Muga Prado Enea and a 1989 Gran Reserva Remelluri. We ate grilled Basque steaks, padrón pepper and perfectly unripe tomatoes. It taught me so much about eating/drinking with a time and a place in mind.

8. Where did you drink it?

Restaurant Rekondo in San Sebastián.

9. Is there a characteristic you look for in a wine and in a friend?

Dry and preferably white (hopefully people will know this is a joke).

10. What is your approach to drinking?

Don't overthink the wine pairings. Good food and good wine will find a way to go together. The best pairings are the wines you share with friends and family.

11. Do you apply this approach in other aspects of life?

I would say yes, but overthinking things is kind of my modus operandi.

12. What shall we open next?

When is champagne not a good idea?

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