We recently talked about the rise of wine hotels, but the spiral of the wine bar world has little to envy. At least in Madrid . Because it is a fact, we have more and more corners where we can offer (and discover) all kinds of sins of Bacchus.
Whether to enjoy a classic or to dare with risky labels; with bubbles, natural wines or any of the D.O. of the country and part of the foreigner, the evolved concept of the traditional wine bar is the right place to do it.
We have verified it in the following 13 bars, some iconic and timeless and others recently landed in the capital.
VINOLOGY
We begin the tour with one of the last wine bars to arrive in Madrid. From a project created a decade ago, the Argentine sommelier Pillar Oltra This 2022 premiered a place where wine is not only drunk; observe, analyze and learn from it in their tastings or training courses.
focusing on committed winegrowers ; a letter with about 100 references -15 per glass- where Argentine wine and simple but satisfying cuisine are not lacking. Oltra also offers a similar but more exclusive experience in La Parra, in Pozuelo de Alarcón.
C. of the Count of Aranda, 11
Vinology.
BERRIA WINE BAR
More than 1,600 references , 7 sommeliers and views of the Alcala Gate . What more could you want? Opened in 2021, the latest terrace to fill Plaza de la Independencia exudes vapors from all over the world, from bubbly and sparkling to iconic old vintages with labels ranging from Madrid to New Zealand.
You cannot miss its verticals, same producer, different vintages, and its interior decoration. Nor its accompaniments: gildas , fried eggs with chistorra, tomato salad with ventresca, asparagus from Navarra or salmorejo from Córdoba.
Independence Square, 6
The wine library.
DROP
He was born hidden in a bakery , but this place that consecrates natural wines has presumed its own place for nothing. Opened last summer, GOTA shared space and owners with the café and workshop Acid Bakehouse , opening only from Thursday to Monday and at night.
But the magic of this project promoted by Federico Graciano and Nahuel Ibarra can already be enjoyed from midday in its new location, where its menu, limited to strictly organic names and without sulphites added, remains different from everything else.
C. de Prim, 5
THE BUBBLE
Although more than a wine bar we should call it a sparkling bar, this space with soul wine cellar It has a cellar where bubbles rule. But don't just think about champagne. The last bet Chef Hernan Gonzalez (ex Viridiana) plays with cavas, proseccos, corpinnat or crémant.
A lot of Italian wine, including the one with which Marco Antonio made Cleopatra fall in love, with about 60 references, the most classic will also find a select selection of still wines that covers the denominations of Spain and the world, with a special chapter for lovers of generous . In addition, all of this can be paired with a menu of traditional flavors with fusion touches.
C. del Barco, 7
Sparkling in the Burbujería.
ANGELITA MADRID
The enogastronomic temple more than consecrated in the capital was taking a long time to appear. With the restless sommelier David Villalon in front , more than half a thousand wines from small producers, 100 of them by the glass, are a real lesson every time you go through this jewel with Zamora roots, where the cocktails complete the perfect trio.
C. of the Queen, 4
THE FISNA WINES
What more can be said about a classic that hasn't already been said... Delia Baeza and Iñaki Gómez run this endearing establishment in Lavapiés. wines from independent wineries of diverse origin , which are also sold in the store. Wine and food, of course.
C. del Amparo, 91
The Fisna Wines.
GARCIA DE LA NAVARRA WINE CELLAR
Paradise for oenophiles, with more than 700 references to enjoy in this restaurant-wine cellar where two brothers divide the work. “All wines have their moment. ¡¡Look for it!!", the phrase under which to discover what wines by the glass he has prepared Luis Garcia of Navarre weekly.
C. de Montalban, 3
ACCOUNTS
History of Madrid, this grocer and wine shop with “lifelong” Spanish cuisine is more alive than ever thanks to the pituitary of Fernando Cuenllas. Tapas, wines, oils and preserves They continue to go out in their original location, on Calle Ferraz, as well as in their bar with a gourmet shop in the heart of the Salesas neighborhood.
Calle de Ferraz, 5 / Orellana, 4
TAVERN BREAKDOWNS
We continue for bingo. in full Ponzano more than 400 labels served by the glass , yes, by the glass, they wait to be accompanied by a short but wonderful kitchen menu.
Ponzano, 16
Breakdown Tavern Bar.
LAVINIA
The Madrid wine bar par excellence also has a lively bar, restaurant and terrace where you can uncork any of its more than 4,500 references.
To find the wine bar You have to go to Ortega y Gasset and go up to the top of his store. No corkage surcharge and with more than 100 wines to taste by the glass that change according to the season. On the outdoor terrace the offer per glass is reduced to fifty.
Jose Ortega y Gasset, 16
Lavina restaurant.
LAREDO TAVERN
The place of the Laredo brothers It is an essential for oenomaniacs: market cuisine and vinazos of all origins, prices and conditions. 25 years of existence guarantee it.
Calle del Dr. Castelo, 30
Laredo Tavern bar.
GRESCA WINE BAR
Another novelty at the end of 2021. Chef Rafa Peña brought Gresca cuisine to Madrid at the renovated Hotel Santo Mauro, offering a seasonal and mediterranean menu at La Biblioteca and a list of tapas and small bites at the neighboring Gresca Wine Bar.
As its name already indicates, together with the famous Iberian loin, bacon and Comté cheese bikini, the palate is wet with the proposals of the restless sommelier Carlos Taboada.
C/ Zurbano, 36
Gresca Wine Bar.
BLESSED, WINES AND VINYLS
And we close the list with the most rogue wine bar. Its slogan "Approach wine through fun and forget about snobbery" is accompanied by cheeses, cured meats, hams and sausages.
This wine shop-bar that has spent almost a decade bringing the natural labels to the people of Madrid from his stand in the Mercado de San Fernando. José Ángel González boasts of about 150 references , Y all can be tasted by the glass.
Ambassadors, 41
Blessed. Wines and vinyl.