Come rain or shine, it’s always nice to have a place you can call your local where you can sip on your favorite adult beverage. Bars offering the latest on-trend craft beer are never too hard to find in Beijing, but those who prefer to mull over their day with a glass of vino may find it hard to find a place that is exclusively dedicated to providing respite for both the wine connoisseur and novice in this great city.
A nice selection of wine, consisting of French, Spanish, German, and Chinese
于是 (yú shì, “Thus”) by Cartelei is just that and for the more discerning of wine drinkers, this place is not only a lush and upscale haunt to try vino from vineyards far from these shores, but a place to enjoy the less appreciated and little known regional bottles of white or red wine made with selected grapes from the northern and southern provinces of China.
I’ve never been a fan of Chinese wine, but that said, I haven’t really tried enough to make an informed decision about the quality of what’s on offer. I’ve always been more inclined to choose something red and full-bodied on a wine menu and, when the occasion calls for it, something bubbly.
I went a little out of my comfort zone when visiting 于是 by Cartelei and decided to try something new. Nestled neatly in Central Park with a modern and stylish look and feel, this wine bar has carved out a unique place for itself by combining a teahouse concept by day with its ambient wine bar setting during the evening. Wines start at RMB 60 a glass and can be paired with a selection of classic and more unusually matched bar snacks.
Ice-cold, just as I like it
To start, I was served a glass of Bisol, Bel Star ice-cold Prosecco (RMB 78 per glass). Why is it important to mention the temperature of this bubbly beverage? This is the standard by which I first assess whether a bar is setting off on the right foot. There’s nothing worse than any bar serving you a room-temperature drink, unless of course it’s a glass of red. It’s not too difficult to find a decent Prosecco these days, and this one was perfectly balanced, slightly dry, and fruity.
Next came Tiansai, a white Chardonnay from Xinjiang Province in China (RMB 480 by the bottle). I’m more of a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio kind of momma, and although I’m certainly no connoisseur, I like to think that I know a thing or two about a decent glass of wine. A Chardonnay is typically full-bodied and dry and is one of the most widely planted white wine grapes in the world. Flavors can range from buttery and rich to tart and zesty.
A good Chardonnay is perfect for drinking during the long summer months in Beijing and can also be paired with meaty fish and salty cheeses. A chardonnay should always be refreshing and robust, and I was pleasantly surprised that this bottle delivered.
As a nightcap I went to my staple, the Old Fashioned (RMB 110). I’m extremely fussy about how I take this cocktail and always enjoy it more if the mixologist goes heavy on the orange with a little sweetness to cut through the deep and hopefully heady notes of a good whiskey. The cocktail wasn’t made to these specifications but had the makings of a decent version of an Old Fashioned, if priced a little on the steep side.
Old Fashioned
The bar snack menu is in the middle of a transition and is being revamped for a launch next week. It’s always important that members of staff are knowledgeable about the entirety of their menu, from drinks to food, particularly if their price tag suggests that what they are offering is a premium product.
Canapés or tapas paired with alcoholic beverages are by far one of my favorite combinations and I always look to make sure that these are as described on the menu and of a high quality. Based on what I sampled, I agree with the need for the improvements that are currently being made, and I look forward to returning and enjoying a robust and flavorsome platter of yummy savory treats, but this time with a glass of red!
Mixed Platter, priced at RMB 88
The owner, Leilei, truly has a passion for wine and has been successful in her endeavors to create an environment that reflects this passion, educates, and provides a beautiful setting in which to truly enjoy and appreciate good wine. This wine bar is a lovely place to enjoy a glass of vino after work, or to treat your loved one on date night. The bar also makes a good option for pre-dinner evening drinks. Private rooms are also available.
Happy hour is from 5.30pm – 8.30pm every day for all cocktails and house wines. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask staff to help you out, or even live on the wild side and ask to be surprised! Go check it out and see if this little hub has the potential to be called your local.
于是by Cartelei
Suite 101, Building 20, Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang. 朝阳区朝外大街6号, 新城国际20号楼 1pm – 1am
