Barents

Barents, one of Riga’s leading fine dining institutions, boosted its credentials even further in 2021 by hiring Raimonds Tomsons, one of world’s star sommeliers, who was just to become the ASI World Sommelier Champion in 2023. With the help of Raimonds and his team, Barents toured the world with just one mission in mind – to bring some of the most sought-after names of the contemporary wine world back to Barents. And not just to the restaurant, but also to Barent’s retail & wholesale operation (Barents Wine Collectors) and Barents bar (a must to enjoy Barents’s cuisine in a fun setting at fraction of the cost) located right next to the restaurant. Complimenting the restaurant’s classic-with-a-modern-twist gastronomy curated by Dzintars Kristovskis, the wine programme excels in cult growers and domaines from all the most desired regions. From Cedric Bouchard in Champagne to Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey in Chassagne-Montrachet, from Etienne Grivot in Vosne-Romanée to Merlin in Macon – they’re all imported directly from the growers’ cellars. But it’s not just young vintages – it’s fair to say that you’ll be able to savour mature Austrian whites, for example, on a scale rarely seen in Europe’s leading restaurants. So buckle up, and enjoy the ride, dear friends! Remember, this is not just one of Riga or Baltics’ premier wine destinations, it’s one of Europe’s best.

Barent’s suggestion: Cocktail: French 75. Champagne: NV Egly - Ouriet "Les Vignes de Vrigny" Blanc de Meunier.  White wine: Nikolaihof GV Smaragd "Im Weingebirge" 2018. Red wine: Sadie Familly "Columella" 2014. Orange wine: COS Rami 2017. Sweet wine: Weingut Bründlmayer Grüner Veltliner "Loiser Berg" TBA 2000. Fortified: Barebeito Sercial Frasqueira 1992.

Our choice: Imbibe yourself with this splendid 2000 Domaine de Trevallon at €235 a bottle! P.S. And don’t tell anyone.