The team behind popular Martin Place restaurant Rovollo have opened a gorgeous new wine bar a stone’s throw away from their first city venue—The Heritage Room.

Esper Group’s new bar evokes the old-world elegance of early 20th century Italy and features Tuscan wines poured by one of Australia’s top sommeliers.

Drinks Digest visited the 35-seat space this week, which immediately seduces with its striking floor-to-ceiling windows curving around the perimeter, providing a seamless connection to the piazza-like feel of the buzzy dining precinct.

Inside, French wash walls, banquette seating, Tasmanian Blackwood finishings and a grand, curved rosa marble bar create a sense of warmth that has become a trademark of Esper Group’s venues.

Behind the bar, head sommelier Giulia Ceruzzi (ex-LuMi, The International, Fratelli Paradiso) has curated a wine list of more than 200 bottles.

Tuscan varieties reign supreme, including 38 by-the-glass options such as a crisp vermentino ($18), Vernaccia di San Gimignano ($22) and Chianti Classico ($26) that are perfect for an after-work aperitivo. 

For the wine connoisseurs and special occasions, there are a range of high-end and vintage bottles, including Brunello di Montalcino and Super Tuscan, plus everything in between, including other Italian, French and Australian varietals.

Ceruzzi said: “We want this list to take our guests somewhere else, whether that’s to a long table under the Tuscan sun, a conversation that stretches longer than planned or simply the pleasure of sharing something good.”

The short and sharp cocktail menu by Esper Group’s head of bars and former bartender of the year Alissa Gabriel, features modern plays on classics like the tart and zingy Lime Leaf Gimlet (above), the rich and velvety Strawberry Boulevardier and the elegant Heritage Martini.

The delicious antipasti menu is led by a curated selection of imported Tuscan meats and cheeses, from a Prosciutto Toscano to a must-try truffle pecorino, all of which can be enjoyed either on their own over a glass of wine or as an entree.

Among other stand-out entrees are the melt-in-the-mouth veal tenderloin skewer with peperoni and Lilliput capers; and the kingfish crudo with passionfruit, mango and chilli.

Executive chef Cami Feliciano’s selection of mains are centred around the Josper oven and grill. We enjoyed the signature 8-hour chianti braised short rib schiacciata—a traditional, crispy, and flat Italian bread from Tuscany—with Tuscan fonduta and salsa verde; and the swordfish with brown butter, liliput capers and burnt lemon.

The Heritage Room is open from midday until late from Tuesday to Saturday, with bookings and walk-ins available.

Visit www.heritageroomsydney.com.au or heritageroom.sydney for more information or to make a reservation.