e/n enoteca naturale

e/n enoteca naturale is a wonderful venue in every sense, in its produce and its spirit, inside and outside the bottle. Not simply because the sign reading ‘Bere vino è giusto’ catches your eye, or because it overlooks Piazza Sant’Eustorgio in one of Milan’s prettiest settings, but because this wine bar is part of a social inclusion project supporting political refugees. Founded by Guido Cerretani, Marta Giannotti and Francesca Agnello, e/n enoteca naturale operates as a benefit company that offers internships to asylum seekers and donates a share of its revenue to the Emergency charity.

Their ‘gentle selection’ (as they call it) of natural, organic and biodynamic wines from around the world is certainly worth dropping in for, but pairing it with the ‘cucina/giusta in quattro giri’ by Chef Gianmaria Errico calls for a lingering visit, enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Young and keen on experimenting, Chef Errico’s kitchen brigade is made up entirely of professionals under 30 like him. Born in Bergamo in 1995, at just 27 he already brings experience from two-Michelin-starred Aska in New York and Da Vittorio, the three-Michelin-starred landmark near Bergamo that ranks among Italy’s finest.

The ‘cucina/giusta in quattro giri’ created by Gianmarco Errico and served at e/n enoteca naturale is a four-course tasting menu that changes twice a month, prioritising flavour while staying true to the identity that made the venue renowned across Milan. The enticing dishes follow the principles of seasonality, variety and fair production methods, ranging from gazpacho intatto con fragole, pomodori, sedano, pesche e cipollotto, il riso Meracinque alle erbe aromatiche e camomilla, to galantina di anatra, con patate, tartufo e cerfoglio and orzo mantecato al prezzemolo, con lumache e chips di aglio fritto. Everything is served on sustainable tableware: reclaimed plates decorated by ceramicist Clara Holt.

Such cooking deserves an equally thoughtful wine list, curated by Rocco Galasso, the front man of e/n enoteca naturale: around 350 labels, all sourced from natural, ethical, organic and biodynamic farming by small artisanal winemakers. e/n enoteca naturale is a world of its own to sip and savour in an indie, relaxed and carefree atmosphere, where treating yourself also means doing good for others.