Metropolitan Report
  • HOME
  • DINING
  • TRAVEL
  • SPIRITS
  • WINE TRAIL
  • BEAUTY / FASHION
  • CULTURE / NIGHTLIFE
  • GIFTS / TECHNOLOGY
  • FOOD & WINE NEWS
  • CONTACT
  • CHATEAUX

Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir 2008

Picture
Picture
Ocio, a concept born in ancient times and deeply rooted in classic philosophy, is that sacred and well-earned pause after life’s stresses are taken care of and your spirit is free to grow, contemplate and create—it is also the namesake of Chile’s first premium Pinot Noir.

Cono Sur Vineyards and Winery can take the credit here. Founded in 1993 around the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in Chile and employing sustainable agricultural and organic farming practices, they have hit the nail on the head with Ocio.

Cono Sur dove into this project in 1999 with the sole intention of producing Chile’s best Pinot Noir and from my perspective, they have done just that. Experienced Pinot Noir winemaker Martin Prieur led the charge to deliver this beautiful bottle. With hand-harvested, foot trodden grapes, aged in new French oak barrels, this is a serious winner. I have been back to the store three times to share my love of this wine with friends and family.

With cherry and red plum sitting atop a full-bodied frame and supported by black tea, this is smooth, balanced and simply delicious. Boasting 91 points at Wine Spectator Magazine and available for about $50-$60, this is a true gem.

www.conosur.com
By Michael Hepworth

​
What exactly is GRAND BRULOT I thought to myself as I opened the bottle for the first time just around the time this lockdown took effect. Well, Grand Brulot is listed as a VSOP Cognac Café and it can be used in Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis, spritzes and sidecars , just for starters. It is a blend of Ugni Blanc & Colombard that is crafted into 80 proof VSOP. Then 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a few months and finally, it is blended with the VSOP Cognac. There is also a whiff of peppermint, nutmeg and hot cocoa in the drink. The retail price is $42.99.

The idea for the drink was instigated in 2015 by John Bernbach who asked for the help of industry veteran Francisco Tonarely to investigate the potential of a cognac/brandy drink blended with coffee. Three year later in August 2018 Grand Brulot was launched. This cognac comes from the Tardy Cognac Group and the grapes come from its single estate. Grand Brulot also plays homage to a New Orleans specialty of the same name that is still served around town.  The name Grand Brulot was inspired by the famous French pirate Jean Lafite who helped New Orleans repel the British invaders in 1812. He would order coffee, pour cognac in the saucer, set it alight and mix it with the coffee.
Recipes:

THE RISE AND SHINE
2 oz Grand Brulot
Orange Twist

Just pour Grand Brulot over ice and the orange will highlight the flavors
of the spirit.

BRULOT BLACK MANHATTAN
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Bartender Todd Smith created this one. Stir all the ingredients together in
a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice and garnish

with orange wheel.

FRENCH NEGRONI
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz  Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari

Build in a rocks glass over ice and garnish w/orange wheel.

GRAND BRULOT CAFÉ HOLIDAY
1 oz Grand Brulot
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 oz Porter Beer or Stout
3 dashes of bitters

Throw cocktail ingredients between two cups a couple of times to mix
And ignite the foam from the beer. Pour into a highball glass over ice
And garnish with nutmeg.



www.grandbrulot.com
Proudly powered by Weebly