Treasure behind the treasure: Porte Reffe

In this monthly feature, we highlight one of our Haagse treasures each time. This time, it’s Marthijn’s turn. And when you say Marthijn, you say wine. Because this passionate entrepreneur knows everything — absolutely everything — about it. And of course, Marthijn wouldn’t be Marthijn if he didn’t give us some great last-minute wine tips for the holidays 😉

Marthijn – Porte Reffe

Are you, like us, crazy about wine? Then Porte Reffe on Vlierboomstraat is simply the place to be. A spacious store with a huge selection of adventurous wines from all over Europe. What do these roughly 250 different bottles have in common? They all come from small-scale wine producers.

And the best thing about wine shop Porte Reffe? That owner Marthijn has a story to tell about every single bottle (feel free to put him to the test!). About its origin, the unique grape variety, the ageing process… With passion and enthusiasm, he’ll make sure you leave the shop with a surprising bottle. From very affordable wines to more exclusive bottles for that one special moment.

We always say that our treasures are “worth taking a detour for.” What do you gladly bike out of your way for?

I live in the centre of The Hague, so many things are conveniently within walking distance. But when I do bike a little farther, I go straight out of the city. I really enjoy going to Delft. The old town there feels as if history is embracing you.

What does a workweek look like for you? It must be a busy period now, right?

Most of the workweek, you’ll find me in my shop on Vlierboomstraat. I try to handle everything that comes with running a store. That usually comes down to purchasing, sales, and administration. Before and after opening hours, I take care of deliveries to homes or offices.

December is definitely the busiest time of the year. It already starts “behind the scenes” in October, and as Christmas and New Year’s get closer, the busyness in the shop increases more and more, until I can finally collapse with satisfaction in January.

We’ll be doing a lot of dining this month, and of course we’d love the ultimate wine tips. What do you recommend this year?

More than in previous years, it’s all about quality rather than quantity, and Christmas is the perfect moment to really go all out.

That means we start with Champagne: the “La Vigne au Roy” vintage 2016 from Champagne house Barfontarc is my absolute top favourite. Pure pleasure of the highest level.

Then at the table… It doesn’t get much better than the Blanc de Pinot Noir by Mancini, from Marche in Italy. This can easily compete with the now unaffordable Burgundy wines such as Chassagne-Montrachet. Quite simply the best white Pinot Noir I have ever tasted.

And then, of course, red. Full and ripe red, because that’s still what many people love to drink. I say: go for the Madiran 2018 by Capmartin from Southwest France. Madiran is often intense and rough. This Capmartin is different, perhaps the gentlest Madiran ever. Lovers of classic Malbec will be over the moon. And still fairly affordable. Downside… the stock is limited. So don’t wait too long!