Since the closure of Manresa, Bar Zola has become Wilson and Alandra’s new go-to wine bar. We thought it would be a great place for dinner. Upon arrival, we were promptly greeted and seated. Despite not being a white tablecloth establishment, the staff here is well-versed in the finer points of traditional French service. They paid attention to details such as knowing who ordered what, ensuring there was enough water, and replacing used flatware.
The food looked fantastic, and the staff accommodated my specific restrictions without any issues. The wine list is comprised of two pages of well-curated wines.
We started with some Charcuterie & Cheese, Salade Vert & Bretzles, accompanied by a Daniel Chortard Sancerre 2021. It was a delightful palate-pleaser, with a pale yellow color, a refreshing white flower nose, bright fresh fruit, some brine, and a wonderful mouthfeel, crisp and refreshing. The wine had good acidity through the finish and was made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Imported by Kermit-Lynch.
For dinner, we ordered Little Neck Clams and Fennel Soup, two orders of Salmon, and a Steak Frites. Everything cooked to perfection. For wine, I chose the 2017 Chateau Simone “Palette” from Provence. This wine is not easy to find, as this quote aptly states: “Although a legitimate bucket-list wine, it’d be unfair to say that those who haven’t yet encountered a bottle of Château Simone rouge have lived an incomplete life because only a small percentage can ever hope to track down a bottle.” Our server came around and said the owner was looking for the bottle. Guillaume (the owner) came by and apologized. Apparently, he believed he might have enjoyed the last bottle himself and seemed a bit embarrassed that it remained on the list, however, he also appreciated that we had ordered a wine that few know about and how surprisingly good it is.
An enthusiastic Guillaume clued us in on some wines he had just acquired which had not been added to the list yet (Closerie du Pelan), whose owners are Chateau Le Puy. We agreed to give it a try. A few moments later, he arrived with the Closerie du Pelan 2003. It was superb and perfect for the assortment of foods we had ordered.
The Closerie du Pelan 2003 Although it came from a very hot vintage it drank with elegance. Gentle tannins and mature fruit. Drink this wine now. The wine was produced by Régis Moro from organically tended, hand-harvested vines, which he planted in the mid-1980s. Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant.
After dinner, we ordered one dessert and two glasses of La Cigarrera Pedro Ximénez Sherry. It had a dark mahogany color with notes of plums, cinnamon, and balsam. The wine was very sweet and silky with a long finish.
As we were wrapping up, Guillaume appeared with six fresh glasses and a bottle of Chateau Le Puy “Rose-Marie,” Vin de France Rosé 2019. He generously poured us each a glass as well as himself as a special treat. It was a very kind gesture.
The Chateau Le Puy “Rose-Marie,” Vin de France Rosé 2019, had a beautiful salmon pink color with a full fresh fruit nose, crisp and dry. It was 100% merlot, and a beautifully made rose. Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant.
This restaurant not only has excellent food and wine, but also great character, professionalism, spirit, and kindness. I subsequently learned that Guillaume Bienaimé (owner/chef) beat Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli on her show “Alex vs. America” in August 2021 to win $10,000, which he donated to chef José Andrés’ nonprofit World Central Kitchen.
I look forward to a return visit.