With the bars of Subiaco proving to be an ongoing hit, Brooke Hunter suggests which summer drops will see you through the warm weather in style.
Ahh, summer in Subi.
With hot days giving way to beautiful, balmy nights, Subiaco’s finest alfresco bars and breweries offer the perfect opportunity to while away the evening enjoying a refreshing drink in good company.
Think juicy, mouth-watering pinot gris, chardonnays or rieslings with bursts of citrus, apples and stone fruit.
You could almost imagine you’re sitting with a view of the Mediterranean, a rosé or pet nat in hand as the sun sets. It certainly isn’t hard with all the French-inspired bars around Subiaco town.
If you’re after something a little different, summer spritzes will go down a treat, and help you to recover from the afternoon sun.
What about a cold brew, I hear you say? Well, hazy beers are all the rage for the upcoming warmer days, and they’re absolutely thirst quenching.
Here are some places to sip your way through.
Covering select regions within Western Australia, Australia and France, Bar Amelie will take you on a journey through the best wines of the season.
Inspired by the French film Amelie, their mission is simple – to make others happy.
Bar Amelie Manager Jordan Hall says his top summer wine is the Coffele – Ca’ Visco Soave Classico DOC.
A white wine from Veneto, Northern Italy, and made from Garganega and Trebbiano grapes, this is a special vintage wine that goes down a treat.
“A good soave is an amazing grape variety which is way too easy to drink,” he said.
With common flavours of peach and citrus, the soave has a subtle note of saltiness.
“It is a light-bodied style much like a sauvignon blanc or pinot gris, but often with a smooth oily-like richness that adds a little extra punch.”
By the glass, small $17, large $28
By the bottle, $83
Meanwhile, Jordan’s top beer for the summer is any Hazy.
“We rotate one of our taps to feature a local craft brewer. Currently we have the Beer Farm Hazy on tap.”
Pint, $12
With a commitment to crafting and importing wines that genuinely express the unique sense of place from which they originate, you will be forgiven for thinking you were in the Côtes de Provence when sipping on a wine at Cherubino City Cellar.
Sommelier Clement Dufeu and Venue Manager Jonathan Diaz have meticulously picked out the best wines for the summer season.
First off is the Linea Retta – Gavi. With strong notes of green apples, peach and apricot, the Gavi is a winemaking collaboration between two renowned winemakers: Italy’s Giorgio Rivetti and Larry Cherubino.
“It’s a dry, steely Italian character, a perfect light and easy drinking wine to recover from the sun,” Jonathan said.
“Dense fruit and long, delicate notes of white flowers with flavourful finish. It’s a nice summery wine.”
By the bottle, $43
Next up is the Cherubino – Grenache Rosé.
“An Australian dose of Côtes de Provence, this rosé has spent time in barrels, reminding us of that French style,” Jonathan said.
“With notes of red fruit, pomegranate, roses and a very nice balance, this is a more than pleasant wine to accompany you during
your summer.”
By the bottle, $55
If you’re after something a little darker in colour, but with a refreshing taste, Jonathan and Clement have suggested the Monthelie Douhairet Porcheret – Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière.
“A burgundy pinot noir located in the south of the Côte de Beaune, the Marange appellation is an underdog, a delicate price for a pinot with character. This pinot has notes of raspberry and red currant, grey pepper and woody notes.”
By the bottle, $97
Finally, for those beer drinkers, Cherubino City Cellar has one they import themselves from Italy: the Birra Oi – Ambrata
“A product made entirely by the producer! Oi carries out the entire beer production process itself, from raw materials to bottling. Ambrata is a beer with very elegant bubbles, an almost salmon colour, notes of caramel, toast and vanilla. The drinkability of this beer is surprisingly appreciable even with these aromatic notes.”
Schooner, $15
Tucked away perfectly between Subiaco and Shenton Park, Unicorn Bar provides a quiet spot for a summer tipple.
Venue Manager Michael Le Page says his top beer for the warmer weather is Rocky Ridge’s Jindong Juicy.
Hailing from Busselton, the brewery is certainly clued up on refreshing numbers.
“The Juicy gives a summery feel with tropical fruits and citrus notes. It is one of our best sellers.”
Pint, $12.50.
What Unicorn Bar really prides itself on is a thirst-quenching cocktail. After a hot summer’s day in Subiaco, Michael says you can’t go past their Orange Barb.
“The rhubarb and orange flavours are great for summer vibes. The salted rim helps bring out the rhubarb. It is refreshing and very suitable for the warmer seasons.”
The team at Juanita’s know a thing or two about creating a buzzing neighbourhood bar. And with casual alfresco dining, the bar provides the perfect chilled out setting to while away the evening, wine in hand.
Small-scale wines and winemakers dominate the drinks list, with the unique addition of house-made wines.
Juanita’s owner and Chef Luke Foyle says his top wine for the summer is a new version of the Juanita’s House White.
“A white blend of pinot gris, Riesling, viognier, and Gewurztraminer,” he said.
“We call it Pinot Gris & Friends. It is fresh, bright, dry and crispy. Perfect to be drunk in the sun on a warm arvo.”
By the glass, $14
By the bottle, $60
Encapsulating a French bistro vibe, La Bastide’s Michelle Natta and Rob Breden’s drink of choice for the summer is, of course, the rosé.
“We’re a French bistro, so it has to be rosé, or ‘summer water’ as we like to call it. With a lower alcohol content than other wines, it is the perfect apéritif for a sunny afternoon on the La Bastide terrace,” Rob said.
Their choice of rosés by the glass (or the bottle) includes the Bastide du Claux Côtes du Luberon Poudriere, Chateau d’Esclans Côtes du Provence Whispering Angel and Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol.
“Pair it with a plate of petites bouchées (snacks) like our house-cured olives, spiced cured salmon or selection of charcuterie or French cheese. Many Provençal rosés also have the versatility and body to accompany more substantial dishes such as our steak tartare, tuna salad niçoise and even our magret de canard (duck breast).”
Bastide du Claux Côtes du Luberon Poudriere, $14 a glass
Chateau d’Esclans Côtes du Provence Whispering Angel, $22 a glass
Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol, $29 a glass
Alternatively, if you like cocktails and a little zing, then you must try La Bastide’s super refreshing Saint Germain Spritz.
“A fragrant spin on a classic cocktail mixing vibrant French elderflower liqueur with French crémant (sparkling wine),” Michelle said.
Or if you want to go for a truly classic French cocktail, there’s always a Kir Royale. A blend of Créme de Cassis – a sweet, dark red liqueur made from blackcurrants – and French crémant, this drink is a berry-flavoured enhancement on your favourite glass of bubbles.
“It’s as pretty to look at as it is delicious to drink,” said Rob.
Having worked in hospitality for more than 10 years, you’ll find Bark Venue Manager Cassie Barrett behind the bar chatting jovially with the regular customers or giving the free sample beers a ‘quality check’.
“As Venue Manager I look after all the events here at Bark – and I enjoy getting up and about for a bit of ‘market research’ so I know how to make your day extra special.”
Cassie’s top beer for the summer is Finlay’s Jakes Point IPA. Brewed in Kalbarri, this is a favourite crafty find.
“They don’t distribute kegs outside of their brewery, but we were able to sweet talk them into swinging one our way,” she said.
Schooner, $13.
If she’s not having a beer, the Amato Vino, Tramonto chilled red from the Margaret River and Witchcliffe region is Cassie’s go to.
“Juicy yet savoury, not too sweet, not too dry – this chilled red is friendly and super smashable,” she said.
“The best spot in summer is a glass of this guy on our parklet in the sunshine.”
By the glass, $13.
Golden West is known as Subiaco’s neighbourly brewpub, crafting easy-drinking beers paired meticulously with southeast Asian-inspired meals. Sounds like a summer afternoon sorted.
Venue Manager Liz Mayes said the cloudy and velvety Lazy Hazy pale ale was the drink of choice for the summer.
Designed for long afternoon sessions in the sun, it’s a full-flavoured beer without the high alcohol content.
“Lazy features tropical hops boasting pineapple and stonefruit aromas. The beer for those wanting craft complexity, while still being smashable,” she said.
Pint at Golden West, $13
Takeaway four pack, $21
One for the traditional Aussie beer lovers, the Super Australian Lager is a full flavoured beer with a smooth taste – perfect for warm days.
“It is a traditional Australian lager that’s still independently owned, crisp, clear and classic,” Liz said.
Pint at Golden West, $11
Takeaway four pack, $19
Upcoming releases at the brewery also include a summer sour. With hints of mulberry, blueberry passionfruit and mango, the sour will hit all the right notes on a bright summer’s day.
Inspired by the south west of France, this little French bistro in Shenton Park has been stocking its wine list with Chablis (French chardonnay) ready for the summer.
Owner Benoit Lasplace said it is the ultimate summer drinking wine and suggests the 2021 Pierrick Laroche Domaine des Hâtes.
“Being one of the most iconic appellations for French chardonnays, we think its minerality and complexity offers such a great drinking option for the Australian summer,” Ben said.
“It is also very versatile when it comes to food pairings. We are comfortable to serve it alongside WA seafood, as well as a steak starter or asparagus.”
By the bottle, $112
With an expansive wine list and a simple aim to serve great wines to fantastic people, Lums Wine Bar’s Venue Manager Ariane DuBois knows a thing or two about naturally sparkling French pet nats.
Short for ‘pétillant naturel’, these lightly sparkling wines have been around for centuries and are making a comeback for their interesting flavours and zest. Ariane’s top wine for the summer season is the Das Juice Pink Pet Nat.
“This delightful pétillant naturel wine is a true embodiment of summer,” she said.
“It is made using the ancestral method, which results in a lightly sparkling and naturally cloudy wine. Das Juice Pet Nat is expertly crafted and gives bright and lively character with notes of bright red apple, a touch of floral sweetness and pure sunshine.
“It’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.”
By the glass, $14
By the bottle, $73
New laneway venue Bar Banter has opened its doors just in time for balmy weather season.
Owner Clint Nolan is the brains behind Bar Banter and suggests a Paul Nelson Tempranillo Rosé to sit down with this summer.
“It’s ideal for spending long summer afternoons with friends and pairs perfectly with a plate of charcuterie,” he said.
By the glass, $13
By the bottle, $65
