Store Strandstræde is one of Copenhagen’s loveliest streets; a charming place to escape the crowds of tourists on nearby Nyhavn, full of small stores and cute cafés. So it’s not surprising that we love to hang out in Nebbiolo, the Italian wine bar that spills out onto the pavement on sunny afternoons. It’s a great place to grab something from their very well-selected list of wines by the glass and a small plate of charcuterie to stave off hunger pangs before dinner. As part of our occasional series of chats with some of the city’s best sommeliers, we sat down with Davide Pecoraio on the eve of the bar’s collab with local pizza wizards Rossopomodoro to pick his brain for good seasonal tipples and the places he likes to go when not behind the bar.
What made you interested in becoming a sommelier? Is there anything that sparked your interest in wine?
My interest in wine started because I really enjoy the whole world around it: the wines, the producers, the different regions, and especially the people you meet through it. I also really like sharing wine with people and seeing them discover something new. This is also a big part of what we try to do at Nebbiolo.
Where do you stand on the natural/conventional wine discussion?
I don’t really like to put wine into two different boxes. I think there are great natural wines and great conventional ones, but also bad examples of both. For me, the most important thing is what is in the glass. I like wines with personality, balance, and a good story behind them, whatever the category.
Do you have any recommendations for wines that are perfect for an autumn late-afternoon/early-evening glass or two?
In autumn, I always like wines with a bit more structure but that are still easy to drink. A good Barbera is perfect, especially in the late afternoon, or something from Etna if you want something a little different. For white wine, I would go for something with a bit of body and texture rather than a very light and fresh wine.
To be more specific, I love La Spia – Valtellina Superiore: This is a wine I really like because it shows a different side of Nebbiolo. The grapes come from the mountain vineyards of Valtellina, and I really like the combination of elegance, freshness, and structure you get from Nebbiolo grown in this Alpine environment.
Also, I would recommend Palladino – Barolo. I really like Palladino because they are very traditional and focused on Serralunga d’Alba and on showing the character of the territory. Their Barolo has a nice combination of structure, fine tannins, and acidity, which for me makes it a perfect autumn wine.
Finally, what about Facchetti – Franciacorta? I would include this because autumn doesn’t always have to mean red wine. I like Franciacorta for an early evening glass, especially when you want something fresh and elegant but with a bit more depth.
What are your favourite wine bars in Copenhagen?
There are many good places in Copenhagen. I really like Vino Spiro, Ved Stranden 10, Terroiristen and Bar Poldo. They are all quite different, which is what I like about Copenhagen’s wine scene.
We hear you are doing a pop-up event with Rossopomodoro. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes, we are very happy about the collaboration with Rossopomodoro. The idea is to bring together two things that work very well together: Italian food and Italian wine. We will be doing a pop-up together, with a selection of wines from Nebbiolo Winebar paired with their special menu. It will be a nice way to bring the two places together. We are really looking forward to it.
Quick Summary – Davide’s Tips
- Vino Spiro – I really like the atmosphere here. It is relaxed and comfortable, and they have a nice selection of wines without making everything too complicated.
- Ved Stranden 10 – I love the location by the canal, but also the feeling of the place. You can sit down with a glass and just take your time.
- Terroiristen – I like it because it is a small and very cosy place, with a big focus on terroir-driven and naturally made wines. You never know exactly what you are going to find, which is part of the fun.
- Bar Poldo – I like it because it feels very informal and Italian. It is a good place to go for a glass of wine, something small to eat, and just spend some time with friends.
