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Barcelona's Wine Buying Guide
Published: 24/11/2021 Versión en castellano aquí
Oh, how we love to shop for wine! Is there any better retail therapy than the vinous kind? Read on for the Wine Courses Barcelona Guide to Buying Wine, and in no time you’ll be happily gazing at your heaving wine rack wondering where to begin. We’ve rounded up our top spots to stock up in Barcelona, all with well-informed and helpful staff, superbly chosen selections of wines and a little something special of their own. So for every wine lover, we’ve got the shop for you.
Magatzem Escolà
Located on Carrer Comercial, on the same square as the Born Centre Cultural, Magatzem Escolà are wine and spirits specialists also selling to restaurants and bars. They have a superb tasting space below ground, including full bar, where they regularly host cocktail masterclasses, premium tastings and events. Their collection of wines includes a well-stocked international section, so if you’re craving a break from Spain (imagine!), you can grab a Pouilly-Fuissé or a Marlborough Pinot Noir from top-grade producers. Their range of Sherries is also impressive and they seem to stock every spirit imaginable, so liquor-lovers can indulge too. Enomatics contain a diverse selection of wines to sample; just ask for a rechargeable card from the cash register. escoladist.com
Monvínicstore
They have an in-store dog. Need I say more? Monvínicstore was originally the shop connected to Barcelona’s ultimate wine bar, Monvínic, which sadly closed its doors at the end of 2020. Now the centre of operations, this incredible store is staffed by the ever-smiling Delia and Christian, and boasts temperature controlled storage and a massive array of bottles, a large proportion of which are international. What makes their range great is a combination of cult, must-drink producers (López de Heredia, Envínate, Ar.Pe.Pe) and small, artisanal operations providing innovation and excitement (Nestarec, Marc Isart, Madame Flöck). They serve fantastic cheeses and other snacks, and wines by the glass, so if you fancy sipping a glass while petting a very cute dog, get on down there. monvinicstore.com
Salut Wine Studio
Salut has a special place in our hearts as it’s own and run by our colleague, the very talented Melissa Leighty. While her focus is on top quality tasting and education experiences (they offer both the Spanish and Italian Wine Scholar programmes!), her taste in wine is top notch and you’ll find a unique selection of wines to buy at the studio or online. Lots of great natural wines, standout Spanish producers (look out for Bodegas Bhilar and Menade) and an expanding Italian range, thanks to a collaboration with Italian specialists Vertical Wine. Did we mention WCB graduates get special discounts? Get on down there! salutwinestudio.com
La Vinícola
One of the first wine shops we visited upon arriving in Barcelona, this welcoming store is run by Victor: a passionate, chatty and knowledgeable oenophile. They have a small tasting space toward the back of the shop where they run regular get-togethers. Their focus is on Catalan and French wines, with many organic, biodynamic or natural. Wines from Celler del Cesc in Tarragona (labelled Tanca els Ulls) show this little-known region at its best and, if you’re a natural fan, Foresta will be right up your street. They also stock the superbly diverse range of Vins de la Memòria (we love Loebre!). For foodies they stock the La Guinelle Banyuls vinegars. And if you’re local, they do free home delivery within Eixample! lavinicola.cat
Vinalium
Vinalium, while a nationwide chain, has a particular presence in Catalunya and many locations within Barcelona. They are a testament to how great franchised stores can be, with well-trained, friendly staff, excellent selections of wines at great prices and a focus on each region’s specialties and tastes. As such, you’ll find plenty of Catalan gems in stores here, alongside classic Riojas and Sherries and a small but well-chosen range of international references. Our favourite locations in the centre are at Ronda Universitat, Carrer Valencia and Carrer Balmes. vinalium.com
Bodega Maestrazgo
Owned and run by the inimitable José Moliner, whose grandfather opened the shop in 1952, this classic neighbourhood bodega gives an authentic taste of Barcelona life. It’s the perfect spot to indulge in the Catalan ritual of ‘fer el vermut’ (the end of the day wind-down drink, snack and chat), with house vermouth taken straight from the barrel into an icy glass. Ahh… Venture into the back and you’ll find a cosy bar with an ever-changing, creative by-the-glass list. Grab some jamon and soak up the atmosphere. Special mention to Misty, José’s partner, an Irish belle who has spruced the place up, while ensuring it still appeals to the old-timers. Wine can be bought as ‘granel’ (in bulk from the barrels at the front), or from their incredible selection of mainly Spanish products, including plenty of Cavas. bodegamaestrazgo.com
And Online…
Bodeboca are a story of two halves: a super permanent selection of well-chosen wines and an ever-changing range of wines from all around the world that they import in small volumes. Mostly Spanish (albeit with an expanding selection of international references), whether you’re looking to grab a classic or broaden your horizons, they’ve got it all. Italian specialists, Vinissimus‘ selection is truly impressive, with top producers at excellent prices (we love Vietti, Suavia and Castellare). They also have a wide range of Spanish and other international wines. And if you’ve got a craving for Chablis, Sancerre or Arbois, French online retailer Vinatis offer great value delivery to Spain and bargains galore.
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