Wine Bar
Unclaimed profileNovella Wine Bar
St. Louis, MO · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Novella Wine Bar stakes its identity on Eastern European wines, pouring indigenous grapes like Plavac Mali, Vranec, and Blatina by the glass. The cocktail list shows ambition with a seven-week barrel-aged Negroni and a Smokey Manhattan served over hickory-smoked ice. Local beers and a few non-alcoholic options round out the program. Prices are approachable, with cocktails under $12 and wines by the glass under $10.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Decanter Flight to sample three wines by the glass, prioritizing the Eastern European selections. The Barrel Aged Negroni is the cocktail to try, given its in-house oak aging. For a lighter option, the Grapefruit Rosé offers a Provençal twist.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Wine drinkers curious about Croatian and Balkan varietals will find rare bottles here. Cocktail enthusiasts interested in barrel-aged and smoked techniques will appreciate the signature offerings. The approachable prices make it accessible for casual drinkers as well.
- When should I go?
- Anytime, but especially for a relaxed evening of wine exploration. The decanter flights encourage a leisurely pace, making it a good spot for before or after dinner.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Wines by the glass range $8–$12; cocktails $9–$11; beers $5–$9; a decanter flight is $39. Bottles run from $36 to $86.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The wine list's focus on Eastern European indigenous grapes sets Novella apart in St. Louis. The cocktail program adds further distinctiveness with a seven-week barrel-aged Negroni and a Smokey Manhattan featuring a hickory-smoked ice sphere.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A compact but ambitious cocktail list with a barrel-aged Negroni and a Smokey Manhattan using hickory-smoked ice. Prices are modest. Community feedback is limited but positive on signature drinks.
Menu strengths
- — In-house barrel aging for the Negroni shows craft and patience.
- — Unique smoked ice sphere in the Smokey Manhattan adds theatrical flair.
Standout selections
- — Barrel Aged Negroni – aged seven weeks in oak barrel, $10.
- — Smokey Manhattan – hickory smoked ice sphere, $10.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $9 to $11.
Wine
A well-curated list with a strong Eastern European focus, including indigenous grapes like Plavac Mali, Vranec, and Blatina. Offers by-the-glass, decanter, and bottle options.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive bottle list featuring rare Eastern European varietals.
- — By-the-glass pours include indigenous grapes often hard to find elsewhere.
Standout selections
- — Lučić Dingač Plavac Mali – full-bodied Croatian red, $58 bottle.
- — Vranec by the glass – Balkan indigenous grape with blackberry and spice, $10.
- — Decanter Flight – three wines, third-bottle each, $39.
Pricing: Wines by the glass $8–$12; bottles $36–$86.
Beer
A modest beer list with standard lagers and local St. Louis craft options from Urban Chestnut and 4Hands. No community evidence on beer quality or selection.
Standout selections
- — Urban Chestnut Zwickel – local unfiltered lager, $9.
- — 4Hands Incarnation IPA – local IPA, $6.
Pricing: Beer prices range from $5 to $9.
Nonalcoholic
A basic non-alcoholic list with sodas, ginger beer, and a Virgin Mary. Includes Croatian mineral water and juices, adding a regional touch. No community feedback.
Menu strengths
- — Croatian mineral water and juices provide a unique regional option.
Standout selections
- — Virgin Mary – non-alcoholic Bloody Mary, $8.
- — Fever Tree Ginger Beer – $5.
Pricing: Non-alcoholic drinks range from $4 to $8.
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list; spirits appear as cocktail ingredients. Macadamia Nut Liquor is the only standalone spirit offering, served chilled or on rocks.
Menu strengths
- — Macadamia Nut Liquor offers a unique flavor profile.
Standout selections
- — Macadamia Nut Liquor – Hawaiian nut and vanilla notes, $8.
Pricing: Macadamia Nut Liquor priced at $8.
How it sits with the food
The menu's Balkan and Mediterranean small plates complement the Eastern European wine focus. Rich reds like Vranec and Plavac Mali pair naturally with grilled meats, while crisp whites and rosés suit lighter fare.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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