Chateau De Coiffe Nivolle

Article By Chloe and Jack

As the wise men of UB40 once proclaimed: “Red, red wine, you make me feel so fine, you keep me rocking all of the time. Red, red wine, you make me feel so grand. I feel like a million dollars when you’re just in my hand.” Truer words have never been spoken. That’s why I was drunk on happiness when I was asked to go and review Chateau Coiffe Nivolle, a wine bar.

The evening got off to a good start when I hopped into a taxi and showed the driver a message with the Chinese address in it. He just put his foot to the gas without hesitation, which means this fantastic French find is easy to locate. I won’t lie, on arrival I was very surprised to walk in and to find a ‘laowai’ standing behind the bar. His name was Raphael, the French owner of this very classy establishment, and what a delight he was! After the grand tour, he took the time to educate us on his vast wine selection. All I will say is this: what Raphael doesn’t know about wine isn’t worth knowing! To sit down and expand my knowledge of wine, beyond the fact that it’s made from grapes, comes in three colors, and inspires me to party at Salsa until 6AM, was actually really interesting. I’m sure Raphael would be happy to inform you to in one of the many languages he can speak (French; English; Chinese; German; some Italian and Spanish).

Each year, the average French person will drink 45 liters of wine. They produce 19% of the world’s wine but drink 16% of it! That’s quite an achievement if you ask me! It’s unsurprising then that all 30 different kinds of wine on offer at Chateau de Coiffe Nivolle , all of them French. However, if this isn’t enough choice, Raphael can order any kind of wine with notice. Jack and I sampled ‘a beginners wine’ which was one of the cheaper options at 168RMB a bottle. This went down nicely. You can also buy wine by the glass for 60RMB, and servings are very generous. If wine doesn’t tickle your fancy, a small selection of beers and spirits are also available. I urge you to sample the wine though! Not just one, try as many as you can. You’ll have enough time to sample as much wine as you can handle, because closing time, according to Raphael, is when everybody goes home!

By Chloe and Jack

Pros: Raphael and his immense knowledge of wine; good location; good wine; smoke-free; mentioning Xianease will get you a free glass of wine
Cons: Prices can be a little high if you are on a budget. But I guess you get what you pay for.

Chloe is halfway through her third year in Xi’an and is mostly known for her blonde moments and ridiculously strong British accent.

Jack is another Brit currently travelling his way through Asia and has extended his 1 month stay in Xi’an to a 2 month stay due to his love of the ‘Chinese hamburger and other Xi’an foods.’

2F, Xi’an Yang Guang International Hotel, #177, Jie Fang Road

( 解放路177号西安阳光国际大酒店2F )
180-9180-3800 (RAPHAEL)
139-9283-0634 (MELANIE)
2:00pm – Midnight

Average Price per Person / 人均消费:100RMB

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One thought on “Chateau De Coiffe Nivolle

  1. Hi,
    we went there last Saturday and had a very pleasant time with cheese and wine.
    even if all was available as the card offer.
    Alicia our waitress was doing all possible to accommodate you in a very good English.
    music was very exciting as French old standards were playing.

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