On a narrow street in Prague's old town, right across from the legendary Café Montmartre, Autentista is the latest offering from wine gurus Bogdan Trojak and Antonín Suchánek, who are driving the city’s wine scene, having already launched Veltlín, a popular bar, as well as ‘Prague Drinks Wine’, a festival now in its seventh year.

Local studio Formafatal has made the most of the building’s original 14th century vaulted ceilings, layering the grey-patinated space with cork-detailed upholstered banquettes, &Tradition chairs, black hot-rolled steel elements such as the ceiling-height wine displays, and stand out pieces like the Moooi Meshmatics chandelier and a bar emblazoned with an astronomy-themed print by graphic artist Jan Do?ekal.

By definition, a natural wine should be produced without any extra added ingredients and with respect for nature, and similarly the bar’s design stays true to the work principles adopted by the FormaFatal studio a long time ago. All materials are presented in their original and pure form. Prefabricated steel sections are not concealed by perfect pigmented coating; their natural – patina – colours shine through. Sanded steel joining elements are left on show, unconcealed. This is what makes such constructions truly authentic.

The patina on the walls underlines the breath of history running through the house and comes with a pleasant, darkened vibe. The same goes for the numerous indirect LED strip lights that highlight the contours of the vaults and the whole interior with their warm light. The shape of atypical lamps on the walls evokes that of a glass of freshly poured wine. Dimmable lights such as these may serve as atmosphere changers, adjusting to different occasions. Above the bar table, there is another atypical lamp, faithful, like the others, to the poetics of wine.

This all comes together to form an atmospheric space from which to enjoy the bar’s menu of natural wines from the Czech republic and beyond, alongside tasty nibbles like cheeses, patés and fermented vegetables.