Sipping Wine in an Old London Cellar

The English-style wine bar:

The rain came along to disrupt this visit, unfortunately making the cellars (see photo above) inaccessible because of roadworks in the street.

I do recommend the place: the cellar oozes authenticity in the way only the English know how. The wine we chose and what came with it made for a thoroughly pleasant moment — the presence of friends had a lot to do with it, since London rain is inseparable from the myth!

I wanted to try a Rioja again, to confirm that this appellation is consistent in its quality. So we tasted a Real Rubio Gran Reserva 2010.

A nose of vanilla and wood, a palate of lovely red fruit with powerful but balanced tannins.

A supple, persistent length lifted by a touch of acidity that quickly fades to make way for the fruit.

We enjoyed the wine, even if some of my friends found the tannins too strong.

I’ll add one small reservation about the venue, though. Its authenticity is beyond question, and the wine list is rich, carefully put together and affordable. Look closely at that list, however, and you’ll be a little disappointed by the lack of local wines — indeed, among more than 100 listings I found only a single English wine! And yes, there are wines Made in Britain! A few nice articles on the subject:

https://avis-vin.lefigaro.fr/magazine-vin/o30370-la-voie-royale-des-vins-anglais

http://www.le-vin-pour-les-nuls.com/six-vins-anglais/

I’ll also share a nice article about the place:

A couple of our favorite evenings have been spent in London’s oldest wine bar. We have been twice with friends and family, and each time has lead to …

Sipping wine in an old London cellar