In a part of Adelaide already crowded with bars, Jennie fixes its gaze on a smart selection of wines from around the world. While championing small growers and producers embracing sustainable practise, there are also a lot of surprises on the list – especially a selection of Maderia, always close at hand.
The Jennie list leans slightly more left of centre to more conventional tastes, with a mix of textures to explore, but a regulars’ favourite is the daily mystery wine, which is always a hit with punters looking for a quick but challenging sip.
Lachlan spearheads front-of-house, presenting a list with about 250 bottles and at least 27 wines sold by the glass (plus a few more beloved Madeira). The list boasts a balanced 50/50 split of domestic wines and internationals, with an eye on promoting diversity. “I drink for the same reason people like to go traveling – to taste and experience new things,” says Lachlan. “So that’s what we provide at Jennie; an offering that can appeal to a parochial local but with an extensive list of wines from abroad to take people on a journey of discovery.”
While it’s not dogmatic, Jennie’s philosophy is about championing small growers and producers who practice sustainable, organic and bio-dynamic farming reflecting their origin, vintage, grape variety and the personality of the grower. “While we feature what’s known as ‘natural’ wines, I dislike that phrase. I like to show that most small, quality-conscious producers make wines with no additions that are clean and varietal. That’s our main mantra.”
The space is small, encouraging intimate conversations – 22 seats inside, 29 outside – and food is provided as a subtle accompaniment, with fresh oysters shucked to order, a coveted 9+ marble score wagyu bresaola, Olasagasti anchovies, and snack plates utilising seasonal items with a selection of pickles, cured meats and cheeses.
An online component of the Jennie business offers a wine subscription service, providing packs of three or six selected wines with tasting notes and recipe ideas.
And the bar name? It revives the forgotten moniker for a 500ml wine bottle, and the owners also like its unpretentious nature; likely to surprise serious wine fans rather than set any preconceived notions.
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