Grape Bar and Bottleshop

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Housed in one of the beautiful old sandstone warehouses that line Salamanca, Grape Bar and Bottleshop has long been one of those great drop-in places. ‘Grape’ is a perfect stop for a casual drink, or to pick up a bottle from the extensive international range to take home. With some recent remodelling and a new team in the kitchen, Grape Bar and Bottleshop has become a city favourite. First, because there’s no other wine selection along the Salamanca strip that comes close to matching Grape’s. Second, because their wine dispenser allows you to self-serve a taste, a half glass or a full glass of the ever-changing range of top quality wines. Third, and most importantly, the food of the small but well balanced menu is topnotch, and perfectly suited to a quick lunch, after-work snack, or a leisurely evening dinner.

From the wine list you might choose a bottle of 2006 Chateau du Cedre Cahors, a malbec drop from south-west France. This would match perfectly with your luncheon platter of prosciutto and cured meats, delicious pickled zucchini and an unusual but equally delicious pickled egg. From the retail wine rack, and for only $10 corkage, you might care to select a beautifully mature 1998 Langhe from the famous Barolo village of La Morra in Piedmont, Italy. Accompany that with tender beef cheek and mash on a deeply flavoured sauce, or a pumpkin gnocchi with thyme cream, pesto and toasted almonds, and you have exactly the right blend for a night shared in the buzz of Salamanca.

Graeme Phillips