Just a stone’s throw from campus on Monroe Street is an interesting place called Barriques Wine Cave. Located amongst the neighborhood’s unique shops, restaurants and galleries for the past three and a half years, Barriques showcases virtually anything and everything that is wine. It goes without saying that it is a must-see for oenophiles and wine novices alike.
Wine is a beverage that has captured the hearts, passions and minds of mankind for centuries. Yet given such a lofty, almost mythical legacy, wine does not have to be intimidating or expensive, two obstacles Barriques is successful in overcoming.
Deriving its name from the proper term for a wooden wine barrel, Barriques is one part wine bar, and one part wine store. The wine bar occupies the front of the store, featuring a small bar and a handful of cocktail tables set intimately along the Monroe Street window, with enough seating for about 25 people. The rear end of the store showcases the wine displays and is dominated by a heavy wooden table in the middle for wine tasting. Such a layout creates an environment geared for wine exploration and discovery throughout, all in an atmosphere that is sophisticated, stylish and relaxed.
The bar features six different red and white wines from all over the world by the glass. Constantly changing, the list is reasonably priced at $3.50 a glass. Wine flights, or a sample of four half-poured glasses, are available for $7. Naturally, any bottle in the store can also be purchased and enjoyed in the inviting scenery.
Although intrigued by the wine list, our group of adventurers was excited for the wine tasting. Every Friday and Saturday night from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Barriques plays the role of wine guide, exploring different types of wines.
The exploration can take a variety of forms. For example, the weekend wine tasting might focus on a specific type of wine, like Burgundy, or Chardonnay, as was offered last weekend. The tasting might also explore the relationship between different types of food, such as chocolate, or in the instance of this weekend, cheese. Regardless of the offering, a participant will have the opportunity to enjoy more than a handful of different wines, at the bargain price of about $10 to $14. Talk about experimentation on a student’s budget!
Value is one of Barriques strongest features. But perhaps even more impressive than its wine tasting is the legendary “Wall of 100.” Extending almost half the length of the store, the “Wall of 100” is a series of 100 circular slots, carved into a sleek, lightly stained wooden wall, each featuring a different wine, all priced at under $10.
Although affordably priced, the quality range is high. The “Wall” features hand-picked selections by owner/manager Finn Berge and his staff. With over 13 years experience in wine-buying, Berge steers clear of “mainstream” wines, choosing to find vintners more interested in producing a better product as opposed to mass-production.
The focus on smaller producers creates an ever-changing selection. Wines are available from all over the world — Italy, France, Spain, Chile, Australia, California and Wisconsin (yes, our humble state produces wine!), to name a few. The types of wine may vary by the season, the time of year, or availability. Berge explains, “We don’t have a specific best-seller — our selection changes week by week.”
The variety in our Chardonnay tasting was vast. We enjoyed seven different wines, with the most peculiar being a 1999 Stone’s Throw Reserve Door County, a Wisconsin producer who utilizes California grapes. Given the personal experience, along with a variety of palate preferences, no single wine emerged as the consensus favorite.
Regardless, we enjoyed tasting the different alternatives, trying to hone in on their individual subtleties, and express the flavor experience. The interaction and description of each glass was embraced by group, and was one of the best parts of the tasting. My friend Tara hit it on the head, exclaiming, “Wine tasting lets you use a lot of fun adjectives!” Indeed, when was the last time you described the aroma, finish, richness and balance with a cocktail?
As enjoyable as wine exploration might be, Barriques recognizes that individual preferences may extend beyond wine, and offers a small selection of scotches, spirits and beers. The beer selection is especially impressive, featuring limited production, hand-crafted micro-brews such as Dogfish Head, a brewery that produces Raison D’Etre, an ale made with raisins, and Midas Touch, a beer made with grapes and saffron. Other unique beers include Unibroue, a Belgian-style beer imported from Canada, and Skull Splitter, Scottish ale packing a punch with 8.5% alcohol content.
College students have nothing to fear on a trip over to Barriques. The prices are right, and wine tasting (or a glass of an unusual beer) is an interesting twist to the weekend. If you can’t make it for a tasting, try out their happy hour every Monday through Thursday, for $3 glasses of wine and Bass beer on tap. You’ll have a great time, and probably learn something interesting in the process — exactly what college life is all about.
Bartime will be at the Blue Velvet Lounge, following my brother’s performance in the Humorology show (knock ’em dead, Ryan!), this Friday, April 19, at about 10:30 p.m. The Blue Velvet Lounge is located off State Street at 430 W. Gilman St., and can be reached at 250-9900. Cheers!