CQNL (Ce qui nous lie), Brussels

Nestled in an area where the supply of natural wines is pretty much nonexistent, this place, which opened a little over a year ago, is obviously a fantastic thing. I've got nothing against Uccle, Ixelles or Saint-Gilles … quite the opposite … but I have to admit that whenever something interesting happens elsewhere in Brussels, it's always a thrill ;-) The catalog is pretty substantial and varied. Really lovely references sit alongside unknown labels from countries that keep a lower profile on Brussels's wine scene (some cool Portuguese discoveries in particular). The space is genuinely pleasant and warm. The welcome, delivered with a smile by Antoine and Nadia, is really lovely and their advice is both sound and enthusiastic. In short, a really charming wine shop to keep tabs on and visit without any restraint whatsoever.