In Homage To Paris Grapes
The Montmartre vineyard is the oldest in Paris.
In 1932, the city of Paris planted a field of 2000 vines where vines once existed from the 16th-century. The inhabitants of the village at that time were mainly ploughman and “vignerons” (wine growers).
Sadly, it disappeared during the 18th-century. Today, Francis Gourdin, a wine-maker of Montmartre and vice-president of the “oenologues franciliens,” has overseen its heritage since 1994. The vineyard is comprised of 27 types of vines, the majority of which include: Gamay, a type of Beaujolais (75%); Pinot Noir (20%), a large vine of Burgundy and a few plants of Sauvignon blanc — a total of more than 1000 kg of harvested grapes. The old vines are gradually being replaced by new the more productive ones. Francis Gourdin selects them in nurseries in Burgundy and in Beaujolais.
Saturday, October 11th celebrates the “Fête des Vendanges” 2003 and the “Cuvée le Temps des Cerises” beginning at 3 p.m. in front of the Mairie of the 18th arrondissement for the traditional parade of the brotherhoods around the vineyards of Montmartre, Sacre Coeur and the surrounding gardens…with the participation of the associations, the schools and the tradesmen of the district. There will be stands with regional products, music and an evening festival.
Every month, our favorite wine expert, Max Bachellerie, offers our Parler Paris readers an opportunity to purchase a special wine at below-retail prices. This month, Max has chosen the Domaine Clement Termes, a Côtes du Tarn Rouge 2002.
This estate, owned today by Maître Vigneron David, is located at the foot of the Montaigut chapel which has been rebuilt in the valley of the village of Isle sur Tarn.
In 1868 the first winery was created and a few years later this domain was one of the official providers of wine for the clergy of France. Today it is a 65 hectare estate managed by a young and dynamic team who are permanently aware of the new technology and who very often upgrade the winery.
The domain produces a very simple, easy to drink red wine under the appellation Côtes de Tarn. Light red in color, it has clear aromas of red fruit and is a bit spicy. The following grape varieties compose this wine: Negrette, Gamay, Duras. This wine can last quite well in your “cave” for 2 or 3 years.
Served around 16° C, this wine will be a perfect fit with white meat and charcuterie. The price per bottle is a ridiculous 4 Euros. For more information on how to order your case (a minimum purchase), visit the site or contact Max directly or call +33 (0) 6.10.84.91.31 (in Paris).
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris
E-mail: [email protected]
P.S. Here’s more about the vendanges de Montmartre (in French): http://www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com/clos_montmartre.htm
http://www.capcite.com/shtml/articles/article-4021.shtml
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