VinoLoverIt is very common to see labels on any food product that reveal the expiry date, nutritional values, date of packaging and ingredients. Wine is different as it can have a wide variety of legal ingredients and additives without being labelled. In addition, they can also contain heavy metals and pesticide residues.
Nowadays, natural wine is an important alternative. This wine is prepared by fermenting the grapes, without any chemical residues of synthesis or risky procedures, with the only optional ingredient being sulphur in low proportions
Around the 19th century, French oenological innovations, as well as pasteurisation, would give an important turn in wine production, however, the differences between artificial and natural wines were still very evident in Spain and Europe.
This situation would change thanks to the expansion of contemporary industrial oenology in the early 1960s
Nowadays, the winegrower can use artificial yeasts, antimicrobials, micro-oxygenation, acidity regulators or gelatins, and reverse osmosis. All this in accordance with current legislation and without having to use labelling, with the exceptions of allergenic substances such as egg or sulphites
Barcelona, the city of natural wine
The city of Barcelona is full of bars, shops and restaurants that have opted for the commercialisation of natural wine, and as time goes by, more and more of them are becoming established in these places. Areas such as Gracia and El Born are reference points for those who love natural wine.
Many chefs are finding inspiration in these wines when creating dishes to accompany them. Here are some of the most popular establishments in the Spanish city where you can enjoy the best natural wine with family and friends, or even in a business meeting. Any occasion is good!
Bar Brutal
This bar, renowned for its variety of wines of this type, is located in Barcelona and was opened by Xemei Frankie Gallo, natural wine pioneer Joan Ramon Escoda and wine distributor Joan Valencia
It started out as a quirky wine shop with a licence to serve salted and cured meats and sausages. Over the years it has evolved to become one of the most visited bars in Barcelona, ideal for a succulent meal and a spectacular drink
The big breakthrough came with the arrival of chef Matthieu Perez, who immediately began to create exquisite dishes with seasonal products.
In addition to their extensive wine list, most of the reviewers have an academic background in wine, with the knowledge to advise the initiated.
L’Anima del VI
Right behind Bar Brutal is located this unique bar owned by Benoit Valee, considered by many to be the person who introduced natural wine to Barcelona along with his partner Nuria Maymo.
This place is known for offering hard-to-find French wines at affordable prices, and now they have started to serve more substantial food.
Their pâtés and duck rillettes are accompanied exceptionally well by their orange and cloudy white wines.
Bar del Pla
This bar created by Jordi and Peris began by mixing some of the most popular Catalan stews, serving wines from all categories of origin in the Catalan province. As time went by, they added natural wine to their menu, without leaving aside the traditional wines
Their second location was Cometa Pla, which has designed the menu around funky wines and their new business located in the Eixample district Pepa Pla
Seiseten Winery
To complete the list of Borne’s natural wine cellars, close to L’ anima del VI is this cosy bodega, with a simple proposal ideal for enjoying a couple of drinks during the week
This beautiful place, decorated with photos of different iconic and legendary musicians from the collection of one of the owners, is perfect for wine lovers.
Gresca Bar
Here you can enjoy these wild wines, not suitable for all palates, accompanied by exquisite dishes.
The delicious dishes created by Rafa Peña create a perfect formula that has captivated the professional catering sector.
Lando
This beautiful space located in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood has renewed its concept with the help of Stefano Fraternalli, who for about ten years managed the Xemei room and now arrives to take over the management of this place, with the project of reconverting this place into a wine bar with a restaurant structure
His wines are mainly from Catalonia, with some Italian and French to complete the menu
In terms of gastronomy , they are committed to fresh, simply prepared dishes with a respect for the seasons, paying careful attention to vegetables to make their menu a veggie-friendly option
Bar Salvatge
Another place many people are talking about is Bar Salvatge, which opened in November 2017 and has a shop just a stone’s throw away and was christened El Festival en Gracia where you can get wines from Australia, New Zealand and Chile.
The owners have a very close and friendly relationship with the winemakers they work with, who send them carafes of natural wine for sale by the glass from specially installed taps. In this way, they try to slightly reduce the carbon footprint of bottling wine
The best places in Madrid to drink natural wine
In Madrid there are many nice places that will allow you to enjoy the best natural wine, and also to delight yourself with the best food offered by these renowned establishments in the Spanish capital. These are some of the most popular places for connoisseurs of wine and good gastronomy.
La Fisna
A place that has a beautiful atmosphere with a good collection of natural and traditional wines and the most exquisite dishes to accompany them. The place is small compared to other establishments, so it is advisable to make a reservation before visiting it because it may be full when you arrive.
La Caníbal
This place is practically new, but they have earned their place. It is a bar and a shop at the same time. Here you can stop by for a good wine and one of their cheese boards. The wines in this place are on tap, in total there are 8 different types of natural wines from small producers.
La Siempre Llena
This is undoubtedly one of the jewels of San Fernando when it comes to natural wines, specifically bulk wines. On their blackboards you will find all the available references.
Bendito
This renowned establishment, which offers a wide selection of natural wines, will be the ideal place for you. It also has an unbeatable atmosphere with music and tables with products such as cheeses, tins, cold meats and pickles. Like La Fisna and Siempre Llena they are very limited places, so you might not be able to find room, but there is a solution for this: they have opened a second place
Vinicola Mentridana
This place will transport you to that place you’ve always dreamed of visiting, which is perfect to let yourself go and have a few glasses of the best wine. Good atmosphere, delicious food and good wines. Undoubtedlyone of the best places to enjoy a very good variety of natural wines
Donde Sanchez
Another place you can’t miss, being a classic of the Aton Martin Market. A place that stands out for its good vibes, for its high quality products and because you will have left after having tasted a good wine with the best food. Now you know the best bars to drink natural wines in Spain, but remember, if you want to try the best natural wines in Spain, without leaving home, then you should visit the official website of Gourmet Hunter, where you will get just what your palate and good taste needs.
VinoLover
Claudio Comella
