Wednesday 25 July 2012

Summer Time...

I've missed you LPB blog and blog-readers.

I'm trying very hard to set a new goal - one post a week, from now on. I've loved writing this blog, and I know some of you really enjoy reading it. I'm sorry to have let you (and myself) down, by not keeping up...

We've introduced a new wine and cocktail list. These new lists have been created with summer in mind. You'll find crisp, refreshing whites, light, juicy reds, and classic summer cocktails.

White:

  • Cuvee Jean Paul Sec (Ugni Blanc and Colombard - very interesting because these grapes are typically used to make Cognac exclusively. This wine reminds me of a Sauvignon Blanc, and is a great hit so far)
  • Cocci Grifoni "Le Torri" (a crisp, mineral-laced Italian blend from Falerio)
  • Domaine Magellan Viognier (Viognier is an aromatic, full bodied grape - one of my favourites right now)
  • Tawse Wismer Vineyard Riesling (off-dry and complex, a winner from Niagara)
  • Domaine Dampt et Fils Chablis (unoaked Chardonnay from Chablis, Burgundy, France. Fresh citrus fruit and apple, stony, flinty notes - also one of my favourites)
Red:
  • Garofoli Sangiovese (what's not to love? An easy, juicy, food-friendly wine)
  • Joseph Mellot Chinon (Cabernet Franc from the Loire, France. More full and tannic than you might expect - especially if you are an Ontario Cab Franc drinker - but supple and delicious. Turning into a real favourite with our regulars)
  • Confuron-Cotetidot Passtoutgrain (from Burgundy, "all the grains" refers to the Pinot & Gamay Noir grown in Burgundy. An excellent entry-level example of Confuron-Cotetidot's impressive portfolio)
  • Santa Lucia Nero di Troia (from Castel del Monte, Italy, a full bodied, dry, rich fruity wine)
  • Terre di Balbia Balbium Rosso (80% magliocco and 20% sangiovese from Calabria, Italy, very elegant... really really beautiful)
  • Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz (from Barossa, Australia, almost subdued - closer to France's Syrah than Australia's jammy Shiraz. Spicy black fruit. Very yummy.
We are anticipating the arrival of Birichino's Vin Gris, a very delicious rose and something I've acquired through private order - you won't find this wine in many, if any, other establishments.

Cocktails:
We've added a classic Bourbon Mint Julep to our popular Old Fashioned and Manhattan, and a few new concoctions too:
  • Left Bank Daquiri - a twist on Hemingway's drink: Bacardi, Lillet Blanc, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, orange bitters
  • Maximilian: tequila, Campari, lime juice, simple syrup, rhubarb bitters
  • Sailor's Delight: Sailor Jerry's, fresh lemon, lime & orange
  • Rhubarb Martini: gin, simple syrup, rhubarb bitters
It's a really delicious time at Le Petit Bar right now :) Hope to see you in soon