The warmer season in Adelaide not only brings Christmas and the new year, but it’s also a notorious time for a plethora of new openings around the city. And on this occasion, Gilbert Street in the CBD’s south has been graced with a new neighbourhood wine bar which offers a spread of brilliantly unusual qualities – Bar Riot, that is.
Taking up residence in the former Madre pizzeria, the sunlit space parades hues of Grenache blushes and slick whites which keep Bar Riot glowing throughout the day and well into night; tones which compliment the wines which are ready and waiting to be sipped in two very funky ways.
In a South Australian first, Bar Riot boasts a pair of unique wine receptacles, one of those being a custom-made wine font that dispenses 14 different wines, all made by Riot Wine Co. It’s suspended from the ceiling, it’s a one of a kind in Australia, and it’s a groovy way to enjoy a fresh drop which has been concocted with minimal intervention, low preservatives and no added sugar.
The second marvel is an ancient stone wine vase, which is certainly taller than your average Joe. Standing at an imposing two metres in height with the ability to hold 1000 litres of naughty grape juice; Bar Riot invites visitors to refill their glasses from the mammoth vase and neighbours to wander in and refill a flagon at leisure.
The first wine that’ll be dripping from the vase, as Bar Riot opens this Friday 16 December is the Grenache blend. But an international bottle list is also up for grabs which reflects the inspiration behind many of the Riot Wine Co vinos.
As well as the libations, Bar Riot doubles as an excellent spot for snacking on seasonal delights with an Iberian and Latin American flare. Executive Chef Trent Lymn (formerly of 2KW Bar & Restaurant) and Head Chef Cecilia Teigeiro are behind the tools and have designed the piquant menu with a concept to share. But solo grazing is always welcome.
The fare enlists highlight items including: pig head croquettes with salsa borracha, Coffin Bay Berrima octopus escabeche with leek and parsley, sardine skewers with Jamon Iberico and chorizo, 120g Kerwee wagyu porterhouse with chimichurri and grilled shallots, and market fish with tomato gazpacho.
The menu also features a diverse and tantalising number of vegan dishes with the likes of: summer greens tartlet with pea mousse and preserved lemon, grilled asparagus with ajo blanco (almond cream) and saffron vinaigrette, and crispy zucchini flowers with lemon cream and tomato spice – to name a few.
Bar Riot undeniably has a lot to offer; it’s the physical essence from a collaboration between Riot Wine Co and Palmer Hospitality, and they’re set on revolutionising the neighbourhood bar experience.
Riot Wine Co-Founder and General Manager, Tom O’Donnell says, “Visitors can experience how fresh and delicious Riot Wine Co wines are, and how they complement global wines of aspiration from around the world.”
“We hope that the neighbourhood along with anyone that loves wine, good food and socialising will visit us at Bar Riot and become part of our community,” Tom finishes.
Bar Riot will be opening their doors on Friday 16 December, and their hours spread from Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays between 11:30am and 10pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30am until midnight’s strike. It’s going to be a riot.
Images supplied/and by author, Dale Anninos-Carter.