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Enoteca

New Wine Bar with a difference - By Hien, Jun 06, 07

The time is ripe in Shanghai for wines, more and more people are becoming aware of the qualities that wine has to offer. The world's over appreciation for good quality wine is immense; boutique wine in general (boutique anything) has always been the catchword for anyone wanting to steer away from the masses. Shanghai has come of age in its appreciation for fine wines, with new wine shops such as Globus, Vin, Just Grapes, Red Wine Lounge (ex Senses) and now Enoteca all opening within the past twelve months. A few years ago, or even a year ago, the market was all about Vodka, Vodka, Vodka or Whisky, Whisky, Whisky but the age of wine has finally arrived in this middle kingdom and is growing by the barrel full.

The owners of Enoteca have seen the gap and have come up with a concept that allows those with an appreciation for wines a place to sample new world boutique wines in a casual non pretentious manner.

Enoteca in reality is three places in one; the owners call it a 'Wine bar, Lounge and Boutique'. I have always thought of words like boutique to have a double connotation. Whilst it's the catch word in this modern era, it comes with a negativity much like what our forefathers thought of the bourgeoisie. Enoteca has, in many aspects, demystified wines and in particular the precursor, which you find everywhere these days; the word 'Boutique'. Here is a place where you can enjoy Boutique wines without the Boutique prices. How have they managed to do this and still make a buck? It's simple, they import the wines themselves without the multitude of middle-men and so the prices are passed onto the customer without all the mark-ups.

Currently Enoteca carries mostly wines from Argentina, Chile, South Africa and France. They have intentions to expand their portfolio to include a wider range of wines from around the world, from great wine nations such as Italy, Australia (sorry I am biased) and America as well.

Apart from the wines, novices or those simply intrigued about wines can both equally enjoy the quality of the wines, the atmosphere and the attention from the knowledgeable staff. The staffs are more then happy to explain the stories of each wine and provide tasting before you buy. They can even train you in wine appreciation with their 'Le Nez Du Vin' kit (not sure what it really is, but looks damn impressive).

Apart from wines, Enoteca also import and sell hams and cheeses in their deli section. Lunch and Dinner (tapas) is also available from their modest menu.

It's one of those places where you want to tell your friends but not too many for fear that it might get too busy.

Look out for regularly planned wines tasting events.

Enoteca - 53 Anfu Lu, next to 'The Center' - All details here
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