Almacén de vinos Casa Gerardo Madrid

You know that one place that stands out in your memory from a trip? That one that you dream of revisiting, sure you won’t be disappointed?

Almacén de Vino Casa Gerardo might be that place in Madrid. The tomatoes are so delicious they make you question everything you knew before; the wine flows and don’t get me started on the cheese…

No booking; I’m usually waiting at the door for them to open at 13:00. Settle yourself at a table and order a “gilda” and a glass of vermouth to whet your appetite. You’ll wonder why the anchovies in Spain are infinitely better than the ones you’ve had anywhere else.

The affable barkeep will suggest some wines to try — last time, I sampled an extraordinary one from Extremadura. And do ask about the cheeses - their selection is fantastic.

The local vibe is authentic; it is slightly (ever so slightly) off the beaten track, with a loyal clientele that might have been coming since the 1950s when it opened. I took my time sharing this one, because it’s so special. Hope to see you there!