The Drop: Bar Heather

Welcome to Bar Heather

paper mâché recently visited Bar Heather to chat with sommelier Nina Häkken about her top wine picks. With her deep knowledge and genuine passion for natural wines, she shared with us the amazing stories behind each bottle, effortlessly making it easy to fall in love with her carefully curated selection. We invite you to explore and deepen your appreciation for what is in your glass, through Nina.

Wine List

1. Franciacorta Riserve Nini

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

Franciacorta Riserva Nini, is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two classic varietals known for their roles in crafting refined sparkling wines. The most remarkable aspect of this wine is its purity, with no added sulfur or sugar and it has zero dosage, making it a natural, expressive wine. It’s aged for a minimum of two years, which imparts a beautiful balance of acidity and texture. The result is a wine that stands out for its vibrant freshness, yet it also carries the depth and creaminess that you often find in grower Champagne.
If you were to sip this with your eyes closed, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a Champagne, it’s that refined. The Nini 2019 vintage from Alessandra De Vella is a wonderful example of both the high quality and craftsmanship coming out of Franciacorta.

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TASTING NOTES

Smokey,
Rosemary Oil, 
White Orchard Fruit, Citrus

Pair with

Rich fish like turbot, or dishes with butter or cream sauces.

TASTING NOTES

Floral, Citrus,
Peach, Honey

Pair with

Fish, shellfish and crustaceans

2. Kuling Gillott Riesling

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

This Riesling is a true testament to craftsmanship and heritage, hailing from the renowned Kuling Gillott Winery in Rinehassen, Germany. Run by the incredible Carolyn, who was named Winemaker of the year in 2015, this winery has been in her family for over 200 years. Carolyn is the third matriarch to lead the winery, continuing a legacy of excellence.

The vineyard’s location is as impressive as the wine itself. Nestled on incredibly steep slopes with gradients ranging from 50 to 80 percent, the vines are bathed in sunlight reflected off the Rhine River below, creating the perfect conditions for the grapes to ripen beautifully. This results in a wine bursting with vibrant stone fruit characters, while also retaining the signature acidity, with a subtle flintiness and an almost smoky character that adds depth and intrigue.

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3. Grolleau Nior

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

This Grollo, produced by the incredible, Mark Angeli, is a unique red from the Liore Valley, offers both refreshing style and great value. Mark’s journey into winemaking is as unconventional as the wine he creates, starting his career as a chemist then becoming a stonemason before deciding to open his own winery, crafting completely organic wines.
Best known for his Chenin Blanc, his Grollo is considered to be intriguing as the grape is best known for making Rose’ in the region. By making it a red wine, it tends to have a really beautiful kind of red fruit characteristics along with a beautiful minerality.

Considered a remarkable rarity, Mark only produces 900 bottles of this per year, making it a true unicorn. Not only is it an incredible value for money, but it’s also a wine that you don’t want to miss if you get the chance to try it. So, if you spot a bottle, don’t hesitate, this one is a treasure.

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TASTING NOTES

Spice, Red Currant, Earthy,
Sage,
Lavender

Pair with

Charcuterie Board – think saucisson sec, pâté, rillettes, cornichons

TASTING NOTES

Floral, Red Currant, Strawberry, Earthy, Mineral

Pair with

Charcuterie Board – think saucisson sec, pâté, rillettes, cornichons

4. Morgon Côte du Py Gamay

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

Jean Foillard is a respected winemaker from Bauijolais, France, known for his exceptional work with the Gamay grape. Gamay is famous for producing light-bodied wines with vibrant red and black fruit flavours. As one of the prominent figures in the Beaujolais region, Foillard is part of a group of winemakers who have been instrumental in elevating Beaujolais’ reputation on the global stage.

What sets Foillard apart from many is the depth and structure that he brings to his wines. While the fruit characteristics of bright and fresh are a highlight, the wines also feature a remarkable level of tannin throughout. This adds a level of complexity to the wine, making them not only delicious, but beautifully balanced.

Jean Foillard’s wines are the perfect example of how Gamay can combine a fruity charm with more serious elements, resulting in a wine that’s both approachable and sophisticated.

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5. 'Felsen II' Syrah

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

This wine is a truly exceptional Syrah, or Shiraz as it is called in Australia, hailing from Austria and crafted by renowned cult winemaker Christian Sheeder. Known for his organic and biodynamic approach, Sheeder is a winemaker who pours obsessive attention into every detail, ensuring each step contributes to a truly unique wine.

The vineyards are carefully planned, with the rows spacing carefully designed to provide the right amount of shade for the grapes. This thoughtful method ensures that the fruit develops with the perfect balance of ripeness and character. His pressing technique different to most, Christian presses the grapes with the pressure of a firm handshake, a technique that contrasts with the typical crushing process to extract maximum juice. The result is a smaller yield, but one that produces incredibly light, perfumed juice that captures the essence of the fruit.
The wines Christian Scheeder produces are known for their elegance, beauty, and subtlety. They are low in alcohol, which enhances their finesse and delicacy, allowing the flavors to shine through in a way that reimagines what Shiraz or Syrah can be. This wine is a true reflection of his meticulous care and the unique terroir of Austria, offering a refined, aromatic and beautifully expressed Syrah.

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TASTING NOTES

Raspberry,
Red Currant, Dark Cherry, Smokiness, Herbal Savoriness

Pair with

Lamb chops with rosemary and black olive tapenade

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