Christmas Ala Barcino

I have been eagerly anticipating the opening of the 5th branch of Barcino at Rockwell set to happen this December 2010. As a Christmas tradition, my family often serve wine during our yearly Christmas soiree and get together. Year after year, yours truly is in charge of scouting the metro for the finest wine to serve on our holiday feast.

I have been a consistent customer of Barcino ever since this tradition in our family began. While there are many wine shops in the metro today; like Ralphs, Cordon Bleu, Titania and Wine Direct Makati; my favorite wine store/restaurant would always be Barcino. 

Barcino At Greenbelt Makati

Barcino is actually spanish.It first started as a gourmet shop and bar in 2004 named Barcino Gourmet. offering one of the best gourmet foods in the metro partnered with fine selected wines, sundry cheese, fuet, and other spanish delicacies. In 2006, Barcino became a stable name in the high class market and was transformed into a classy tapas wine bar. This transformation was linked to the success and recognition from some of the European and American notable wine producers. The distribution also came to play an important role in hotels, restaurants and superb events happening in the Metro.

Most notable among it's trendiest branch was the one located in Ortigas. Soon after, branches at The Fort and Greenbelt 5 were born. Contrary to many people's opinion. Barcino is not that expensive. With it's success in the restaurant and wine industry, Barcino continued to expand and with it's key to success in providing tasteful wine selections at affordable prices, thus carrying it's motto “tasteful wine for every budget”. Hence, Barcino broke the stereotype that wine is a product solely for the rich and famous people with high purchasing power. Now, thanks to Barcino, everyone could enjoy a healthy and tasteful wine anytime anywhere.

Baigorri Rosado

Barcino boasts a wide selection of the finest wines from red and white wines, to sparkling ciders and even rose and sherry wines. Last year, we purchased one of it's bestsellers- the Baigorri Rosado. For just P995, we were able to enjoy this rose wine with fruity aromas of banana, pear and pineapple. Baigorri Rosado has a silk texture that bursts with flavor on your sip. It goes very well with just about anything on your Christmas feast- from hams to salads, enchiladas, and specially spicy food. This was one of the best wines I've ever tasted and when I purchased the bottle last year for our Noche Buena, I knew I made the right choice with this.

Lan Rioja Crianza

This year, we are planning to get the Lan Rioja Crianza- a brilliant red wine with flavors of cherry and violet hues. It's a french wine stored in oak barrels for 12 months for the ageing process. It has an elegant aroma with hints of fruit. What I like about this wine is that it has a sweet taste despite of it's 13% alcohol content. The Lan Rioja Crianza is simply perfect as wine served in a glass. It costs only P1,300 and is this year's Barcino best seller! Not bad for a french wine that's truly fine on the palate.

Barcino's Magic Wine Boxes

For wine collectors out there, Barcino has also launched it's Magic Wine Boxes for this year's holiday season. Very cheap and fine delectable wines up for grabs only at Barcino. 

My dad's choice is the "Lustful Caress" collection: Finca Resalso Emilio Moro, Elsa Malbec, Baigorri Rose, Caliza, Solaguen Reserva and Viñas del Vero Gewurztraminer for P7,800.

My choice would be the "Diamond Collection" with the most elegant selection of fine wines in the Metro: Mather Teresina, Beronia III A.C., Malleolus de Valderramiro, Peñafiel Vendimia Saleccionada, Finca Resalso and Borsao Bole for only P23,135. I know it costs a lot; but for me there's just no substitute when it comes to fine wine- not even the price.

I'm pretty excited with Barcino's opening at Rockwell this month. For the past 2 years, I have been purchasing our holiday wines at their Greenbelt branch. I think it would be a nice change to visit a new branch- specially with very nice interiors like the ones on the inset:

Interior Of Barcino Rockwell

This coming Christmas will definitely be new and exciting. There's so much to celebrate for and lots of fine wine to go around. Shopping for this year will absolutely be wonderful. I can't wait to get my plans rolling for our holiday feast! How about you- what are you planning to serve for Christmas this year?