UVA wine bar brings back authentic taste of Italy
Back in 2012, UVA Wine Bar was the first of its type in the city specializing in Italian wine. It was in the blood for co- founders Piercarlo Panozzo, originally from Bologna, Emilia Romagna and Ivan Icardi, whose parents each have vineyards in the Piemonte region of northern Italy.
After previous owners sold the venue and created other culinary concepts in the city, the popular wine bar was less talked about, until recently when Livio Rotini got involved in the project.
“The first reason I decided to be involved is because I really love UVA and the feeling it gives to me and the customers,” said Rotini, who is export manager Asia of the Farchioni Company from Umbria.
“I also would like to challenge myself in a new adventure: I’m in the food and beverage business between Italy and Asia so it’s also a great opportunity to bring authentic and less-known Italian products here.”
There’s still a rustic comfortable feel to the spot with some quirky, decadent touches. Rotini kept the original interior and vibe intact because, since it’s opening in 2012, many customers simply wanted to keep its identity.
“Then my way, together with my partner Joey kuo, the general manager Giorgio Ceresia and the event manager Eva Dominici, will increase an interesting events program, with weekly live music, wine tasting and other activities,” he said.
Carbonara pizza
Besides Rotini’s main business he is also in charge of the Umbria Jazz China project, while the Fabrizio Bosso Quartet recently brought their unmistakable “State of the Art” sound to the venue and attracted almost 300 people one Sunday evening.
But music aside, UVA is all about food and wine. Customers do love UVA for its authentic Roman-style pizza and its curated fine selection of Italian wines.
There are around 20 wines available by the glass, from 45 to 60 yuan, and more than 300 wine labels offered to showcase the variety of Italian wines.
The food menu has been upgraded into a more complete Italian experience, from mixed cold plates, snacks, starters, pizzas and mains.
Gorgonzola fiocchietti
I started my evening with burrata cheese with smoked roasted eggplants (98 yuan) that had a genuine Mediterranean flavor and a typical southern Italian freshness.
This was perfectly paired with a glass of white wine made with Grecetto grape from Umbria.Pizza and pasta dishes are still the highlights at UVA — a simple yet delicious Italian staple for sharing.
I chose carbonara pizza (88 yuan). With creamy sunny-side up eggs, everything I love about carbonara pasta turned into a delicious homemade pizza. And homemade Gorgonzola fiocchietti with boscaiola sauces (88 yuan) was equally indulgent.
Info
Opening hours: 6pm-2am
Address: 819 Shaanxi Rd N.
Tel: 1801-8628-320
Average price: 150 yuan
