A Warm Welcome

You’ve got to love an independent wine shop. And, of course, for Grape Wein, an independent wine shop in Austria is a very fine thing indeed. Especially if it’s Magazin in Salzburg. Stocking everything that’s good and gastronomic from Central Europe (and a little beyond), it has an exceptional wine offering, with familiar names and, of particular interest, a really impressive array of (really bonkers) natural wines. Returning from Italy – where, I have to admit, my affiliations were tested by some fab Sardinian Vermentinos and a particularly dirty, rustic Emilia Romagnan wine – I just happened to find myself driving through Austria. Magazin provided the very best port of call. Roman Aigner, a really passionate and knowledgeable member of the shop’s staff, with London-based, behind-bar experience – and therefore amenable to the odd wine-loving Brit tourist! – guided us through the shop’s broad and interesting selection. And so Grape Wein is now incredibly well stocked for the months ahead. I cannot wait to share some of these cracking new discoveries.