Philippe Linteau's cellar
The Portofino is one of very few restaurants in the city to have been awarded two glasses by Wine Spectator magazine. Its sommelier, Philippe Linteau, offers us some suggestions of country alcoholic drinks.
Cryomalus Antolino Brongo, Ice Cidre 2007
A brand new product on the market, this little delight is an ice cider with a nice golden color. It offers a slight hazelnut scent with hints of apricot, jam and honey and its long finish has a slightly bitter touch. This ice cider goes quite well with foie gras, certain cheeses, most notably La Sauvagine d’Alexis de Portneuf and Le Tomme du Kamouraska, or fruit-based desserts. Available at the SAQ, #11002626, a 375 ml bottle retails for $29.80.
From Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault at l’Île-aux-Coudres
Crème de Petites Poires, blueberry drink
This 20% alcoholic beverage has a deep red color. The Crème de Petites Poires will win your taste buds over with a nutmeg and dark fruit scent. Use it as a digestif, in your chocolate cups, in a kir and why not put a dash in a cake or fruit salad? Available at the Old harbour Market or at Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault for about $20.00 for a 200 ml bottle and $40 for the 500 ml bottle.
Apple and pear mistelle
Also from Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault, this rich alcoholic mix is concocted from apples and pears. This veritable delight is perfect with desserts, with a fruit salad or after a meal with blue cheeses, especially Roquefort or gorgonzola.
Available at the Old harbour Market or at Cidrerie et Vergers Pedneault, this mistelle retails for about $13.oo for the 375 ml bottle and $16.00 for the 500 ml bottle.
