Niklas Ödman has been shaping Stockholm’s wine scene for the past two decades. After 10 years as a sommelier and another 10 as Wine Director at the celebrated Hotel Ett Hem, Niklas has now started a new chapter in his career. He is focusing on his own wine import company Kran Vinhandel and an exciting glassware project with BOBO Glass.
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
I have been working as a sommelier for 20 years, and for the last ten years I was the wine director at Hotel Ett Hem in Stockholm. Since the beginning of this year, I have been working independently, focusing on my wine import company Kran Vinhandel as well as my wine glass project with BOBO Glass.
What are you currently working on?
I’m arranging a big Arnot-Roberts wines masterclass in Stockholm for Swedish sommeliers, taking place next week. This will be the first time the Swedish market gets to taste all of their Californian cuvées.
What are your favourite restaurants in your home city?
Number one is always Babette – they have the best pizza, small dishes, and a constantly changing selection of interesting wines. Plus, it’s open every evening, seven days a week! If you want classic French food, have a late lunch at Chez Jolie when it’s not too busy and order a steak au poivre with a big glass of simple Bordeaux. If you’re in Södermalm, go for an annual dinner at Stockholm Stadshotell. It’s a new hotel with a great bistro, very good food, and a large wine selection.
What are your three favourite food cities and your favourite restaurants in those cities?
Gothenburg: Lunch at Fiskekrogen. Pre-drinks at Poppy. Dinner at Bar La Lune, which probably has the best wine list in Sweden.
Paris: Lunch at Parcelles. A pit stop at Butcher of Paris. Dinner at Maison by Sota Atsumi.
New York City: Lunch at Four Horsemen. Burgers at Swoony's. Dinner at Popina.
What are your favourite wine regions, and which restaurants do you enjoy there?
Bourgogne
My first visit to Bourgogne was in 2006, and I have returned every year since. It’s a region you never grow tired of, as there is always something new to discover.
Le Relais de Saulx in Beaune: A great place for dinner and their wine list has the best selection of the next generation producers in Bourgogne.
Le Soleil in Savigny-lès-Beaune: Have a dinner here and I recommend ordering a bottle of mature Domaine Bize to go with it.
Le Soufflot in Meursault: Chef Jérémy Pèze’s restaurant is located right in Meursault, one of the most famous wine villages. Order lunch and pick a unicorn from the list.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a wine region that offers the complete spectrum of styles, from elegant and classic Sangiovese-based wines such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino to bold and powerful Super Tuscans.
Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence: This place is magic with the perfect classic wine list.
Osteria Magona in Bolgheri: They’ve got delicious meats and a large wine list.
Bistrò Falorni: Perfect place for lunch. Order charcuterie, beef tartar and a glass of Chianti Classico.
Is there an up-and-coming chef or sommelier you're keeping an eye on?
Yes. Chef Marcin Król is about to open his first restaurant, Cypsèle, in Paris. And in Stockholm, Christoffer Tenggren has just stepped in as the new wine boss at Ett Hem.
Which wine expert's restaurant recommendations would you love to see?
Oriana Cartaya: Head Sommelier at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York. She is an inspiring sommelier with deep knowledge of the best places to visit in NYC right now.
Oskar Ahlvin: owner of Bar La Lune in Gothenburg. He travels extensively and knows what makes a truly great restaurant.
Thomas Millet: Head Sommelier at Le Taillevent in Paris. He knows the Paris dining scene inside out, from the coolest wine bars to the finest dining destinations.
