Many restaurateurs rely on one wine merchant to write their list and supply all their wines. Not Alison. To get the wine selection for Barley Bree just so, she uses six different suppliers, despite the logistical nightmare of persuading the likes of Corney & Barrow and Inverarity Morton to deliver to rural Perthshire.
A restaurant’s wine list must have something for everyone, and Alison puts a huge amount of effort into finding interesting, well-priced wines for her house range and at the lower end of the price spectrum. She prefers not to offer bottles that are available at the supermarket, to encourage customers to experiment.
At the upper price range, Barley Bree’s wines are exceptionally good value. Alison is on a mission to persuade customers to try different wines and doesn’t think that special bottles should be out of anyone’s price range.
Her list also includes wines that are not big sellers. She loves them, and thinks they should be there, so they sneak in. Riesling, a highly unfashionable German white, is a good example. She even has a chardonnay – the white burgundy ruined by over-enthusiastic oaking and Bridget Jones. Unlike the overpowering Australian versions that given chardonnay its bad reputation, hers is from Bulgaria, a rising star in the Chardonnay world.
Despite being married to a Frenchman, Alison’s list spans the wine-producing world. It includes a southern French rosé from a vineyard where she used to work, and an arneis (it’s an Italian grape variety) from a winerie the couple visited in New Zealand. She loves nothing more than telling customers about the wines on the list, answering questions and helping with the final selection.
Whilst her background is in wine, Alison wants all the drinks on offer at Barley Bree to be of exemplary quality. Elgin-based Gordon and MacPhail supply the malts and other spirits, while Perth’s independent brewery, Inveralmond, is responsible for the draught beers.
Our wines are available to purchase to take away.
Please ask for Prices.
Occasionally, we may have to substitute a different vintage to that shown on the wine list due to availability of stock from our suppliers.
All wines are sold in 75cl bottles, unless stated otherwise.
Wines by the glass are sold in 175mls measures, unless stated otherwise.
It is probably fortunate for our bank manager that we are quite limited with space here at Barley Bree, otherwise the wine list would run to many more pages. I hope you will find something to suit both occasion and taste. Enjoy browsing.
Champagne and Sparkling Wines
No celebration would be complete without some bubbles and if you find champagne too dry then try prosecco, which is softer and kinder to the pocket.
Aperitifs and Wine by the glass
White wines
We can also offer a 250ml carafe to share for two or to indulge for one. Please ask member of staff for the wine of the moment
Rosé wines
Red wines
We also have a 250ml carafe to share for two or to indulge for one – please ask a member of staff for the wine of the moment
Sherry
Other aperitifs and cocktails
Easy Drinking Whites
A selection of light wines to enjoy with or without a meal.
Aromatic and Floral
The grape varieties in this section are all very different and so worth trying if they are new to you. The Gewürztraminer and Torrontes are both slightly off dry and make either a lovely aperitif or match well with spicy food. These are all wines that make excellent pre-dinner aperitifs.
Crisp and Refreshing
Mouthwateringly good wines, with crisp fresh fruit flavours, excellent with fish and seafood dishes, from classic Muscadet to interesting Grüner Veltliner.
Treat Yourself
For a special occasion there are so many great wines to choose from. Here we have a small selection of some classic white wines.
Rosé wines
Well, if you are not actually planning a trip to the south of France, to lounge about on a sunny terrace, sipping rosé and nibbling olives, perhaps these chilled, fruity delights might persuade you that Scotland isn’t half bad too.
Easy Drinking Reds
These are some of the softer style of red wines, pleasant to drink before a meal as well as an accompaniment to good food.
Fruity Medium-Bodied Reds
Wines with some bite and character but still deliciously fruity and flavoursome.
Spicy Full-Bodied Reds
Rich flavours to match with steaks or game.
Treat yourself
Some winemakers go to great lengths to get the best from their vineyards and sometimes we are lucky enough to enjoy the fabulous results.
Dessert Wines and Ports
All dessert wines and ports in served in 75mls measures
