Rob Greig
London's best natural wine
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By Euan Ferguson
Posted: Wed Oct 6 2010 -
Whether or not you believe in the (sometimes odd) biodynamic farming methods employed, 'natural wines' are becoming more visible on lists. Here's our guide to the best places to buy and drink them in London
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Artisan & Vine
126 St John’s Hill, SW11 1SL (7228 4997/www.artisanandvine.com).
An independent Battersea wine bar and shop, A&V hosts wine tastings to encourage oenophiles to learn more about biodynamic viticulture. Interestingly, the shop also champions the growing English wine sector, with around five per cent of bottles coming from south-eastern vineyards. The homely food isn’t exceptional, but a visit here is worthwhile for the wine list alone.
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Bar Battu
48 Gresham St, EC2V 7AY (7036 6100/www.barbattu.com).
Terroirs is clearly an inspiration for this buzzing little wine bar in the heart of the City. The wine list is mostly all biodynamic and organic; food is of the 'small plates' variety peppered with a few larger renditions of solid French bistro classics. A good selection of the list is available by the glass. Read more
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Brawn
49 Columbia Rd, E2 7RG.
The gentrification of Bethnal Green continues apace with the proposed opening of this new venue from the Terroirs team. Although the wine list will be largely biodynamic and food drawing on the same British, French and Mediterranean influences as its parent, owners stress it will have more of a ‘neighbourhood’ feel. It’s due to open this November in Columbia Road.
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Terroirs
5 William IV St, WC2N 4DW (7036 0660/www.terroirswinebar.com).
The wine bar which introduced most Londoners to biodynamic wines opened two years ago to critical acclaim that has yet to abate. That the owners are passionately dedicated to natural wines is evident in the 200-strong wine list, which stops at artisan ciders and small-scale Champagnes on its journey around vineyards of France, Spain and Italy. Equal attention is paid to food, which largely follows a small-plate formula and is more than a match to the wines. Read more
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Zelas
216 Archway Rd, N6 5AX (8347 9006/www.zelas.co.uk).
As well as natural and organic wines, there’s an interesting selection of bottled real ales and unusual spirits on the shelves in this friendly Highgate shop. There’s always a helpful staff member on hand to guide shoppers through the extensive range, which includes bins from both New and Old Worlds.
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1 comment
Zelas has a really fine selection of natural wines, I would imagine the best in London. The guy who runs it is ridiculously modest, I think he believes the wines speak for themselves; but when he does talk about natural wines his passion is a pleasure as well as his wines. If you have an interest worth the effort and easy parking makes this specialist shop rather special.