Paris, and particularly the 7th arrondissement, is a true celebration of the French art of living, showcasing one of the country’s most treasured resources: grand crus and exceptional wines. This arrondissement, renowned for its refinement, is home to some of the best addresses in the capital. Here, you can explore grand crus around an exceptional table, or seek advice from oenology experts in cellars filled with Bordeaux treasures. In this article, we explore the establishments where elegance meets viticultural tradition in uniquely atmospheric wine cellars.
The Art of Wine Tasting
Before diving into the discovery of the exceptional wine shops in the 7th arrondissement, it is essential to master the basics of wine tasting. This knowledge allows you to fully appreciate the wines offered by these prestigious establishments.
The Steps of Wine Tasting
A wine is discovered in several steps, each bringing a particular nuance to the experience.
- The Attack: With the first sip, do not swallow immediately. A wine’s attack reveals its initial taste impressions.
- The Mid-Palate: This phase allows you to measure the balance between sweetness and acidity, and to appreciate the tannins in reds. The wine then fills your palate, offering an explosion of flavors.
- The Finish: Finally, swallow or spit out the wine. The finish, measured in caudalies, reveals the depth and persistence of the aromas.
Wine Tasting Vocabulary
For wine enthusiasts, terminology is essential. The term “caudalie” is particularly interesting: it refers to the unit of measurement for the aromatic persistence after tasting. One caudalie equals one second during which the aromas linger in the mouth after swallowing or spitting. This measurement helps gauge the finish, an important quality criterion for connoisseurs.
Now that you know the basics of wine tasting, let’s discover the prestigious addresses of the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
The Exceptional Wine Shops of the 7th Arrondissement of Paris
La Cave de Joël Robuchon
Located at the intersection of rue du Bac and boulevard Saint-Germain, this boutique continues the legacy of the great chef Joël Robuchon. Under the direction of José Correia and Igor Bourdet, this wine shop offers an intimate and exclusive experience.
Here, you will discover exceptional terroirs and rare vintages, guaranteeing complexity on the palate and a unique sensory journey. The place is distinguished by its cozy atmosphere and private tastings, allowing you to savor exceptional wines in an ambiance of refinement and serenity.
La Cave Ryst Dupeyron
This family-run business at 79 rue du Bac, specializing in alcohols and spirits for 120 years, offers an exceptional range of grand crus and Armagnacs.
The noble wood décor and the cozy atmosphere of this wine shop make it a must-visit for lovers of prestigious nectars such as Château Margaux and Château Lafite Rothschild. Ryst Dupeyron is also renowned for its personalized advice services, where each customer can benefit from expert recommendations to choose the ideal wine based on their preferences and occasions.
La Cave des Climats
The owners of the Michelin-starred restaurant Les Climats have opened this boutique at 35 rue de Verneuil in Paris, dedicated to wines from all regions of France. This rustic wine bar, located on rue de Verneuil, also offers refined dining.
You will find an impressive range of Burgundy wines as well as other great French vintages, to be enjoyed on-site. La Cave des Climats is distinguished by its commitment to promoting young talents and new winemaking skills, offering a diversity of choices that will delight lovers of discovery and innovation.
If you prefer cocktails over Bordeaux, explore the best bars in Paris 7 and discover the recipes of mixologists renowned for their unique blends !
Specialty Shops in the 7th Arrondissement
In the 7th arrondissement, you’ll find everything you need for a successful shopping session: from designer boutiques to luxury watches, and artisanal shoemakers, and wine is no exception! In the 7th, certain places are must-visits, but to find an exceptional wine for yourself or as a gift, these shops will provide you with their best expert advice.
L’Allénothèque
L’Allénothèque, located on rue de Grenelle, is much more than just a wine shop. This hybrid venue, inaugurated by the famous chef Yannick Alléno and his wife Laurence Bonnel-Alléno, combines a bistro, a wine cellar, and an art gallery. Nestled in the heart of the Beaupassage complex, this chic and convivial address offers a unique experience where customers can choose a wine and enjoy it on-site.
The selection of wines highlights exceptional vintages, while the dishes offered, such as oysters in jelly or roasted monkfish, are prepared with high-quality products from the best French terroirs.
Yannick Alléno is a Michelin-starred chef who defies current trends in molecular cuisine and other fanciful techniques, but do you know where to find these restaurants with such unique and futuristic textures? Discover the restaurants that innovate and bring your plates to life.
Ampelos
Located on rue du Champ de Mars, this shop stands out for its meticulous selection of organic and natural wines. Ampelos takes pride in promoting environmentally friendly producers who use traditional winemaking methods.
The atmosphere is convivial, with regular themed tastings allowing enthusiasts to discover authentic and atypical wines. The passion for natural wines and the commitment to sustainable viticulture make Ampelos a popular address for wine lovers who care about quality and the ethics of their passion.
Le Repaire de Bacchus
This eco-friendly shop, located on rue Saint-Dominique, stands out for its range of organic and biodynamic wines.
Le Repaire de Bacchus is particularly appreciated for its commitment to the environment and the promotion of natural wines, free from added sulfur or sulfites. This philosophy attracts customers who are keen to consume products that are respectful of nature and health.
Les Vins du Terroir
Established for many years on avenue Duquesne, this shop offers tasting evenings upon request.
Les Vins du Terroir is renowned for the quality of its advice and the diversity of its offerings, ranging from grand crus to more accessible bottles. The experts at this shop are always ready to guide customers in their choices, taking into account their tastes and food pairings.
Les Petits Domaines
Les Petits Domaines, at 15 rue de Grenelle, focuses on small producers and lesser-known estates, often from organic or biodynamic farming. This wine shop highlights characterful wines, selected for their quality and authenticity.
Customers can participate in regular tastings to discover these wine gems in an intimate and convivial atmosphere. The owners’ passion for unique wines and their commitment to environmentally friendly production methods make Les Petits Domaines a must-visit for wine lovers looking for new discoveries.
These wine shops, each with their own specialty, contribute to making the 7th arrondissement of Paris an essential destination for grand cru enthusiasts. From prestigious cellars to specialty shops, each establishment offers a unique experience where excellence and tradition come together for the delight of wine lovers.
Whether for a tasting, a gift, or simply to discover exceptional wines, explore these addresses and let the experts guide you to discover the vinicultural treasures of the capital. Additionally, consider exploring the additional services offered by these wine shops, such as gourmet grocery items or gift boxes, perfect for giving or indulging!
Don’t hesitate to also check out the most beautiful meeting rooms we recommend to our guests for their professional events.
