Paris1972-Versailles2003

Not to repeat myself if you have been reading my posts in my blog you know the time and diplomas I have on the subject over the years and still going strong. Adg. I like to update this older post on the wines of the Paris region !(Île de France ); I will try to give you a brief introduction , and do try them, you will be surprise with good price/quality ratios. This post will be on my black and white series, no pictures, Hope you enjoy the post as I

For many, Île-de-France wine is reduced to a few sympathetic survivals from the past, whether it is the vineyard of Clos Montmartre, on the hill, or that of Pas Saint-Maurice, in Suresnes. However, There are more coming up, stay tune….

In the 18C, 42,000 hectares of vines covered Paris and its surroundings, thus constituting the most important wine region in France. At the end of the Middle Ages, we talked about the “wine belt” of the capital!  King Charles VII even paid the balance of his army thanks to the vines of what is now the petite couronne (small crown zone closest to Paris). In fact, we find it very early at the table of kings. In the 12C, for example, we served wine from Argenteuil (Val-d’oise) and Bagneux (Hauts-de-Seine) to the sovereign. It is necessary to realise that the Île-de-France, it is fifteen centuries of history of remarkable wines.

Enthusiasts have decided to revive this vineyard, which almost completely disappeared in the 19C following the phylloxera crisis , trains, and urbanization, helped by climatic conditions more favorable to the ripening of the grapes. The regulations have made it possible to speed things up, since it has been possible since 2016 to plant, produce and market wine anywhere in France. To this must be added the recognition of a Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) Île-de-France since 2020 covering Paris, the small and large banlieux as well as Oise (60), part of Aisne (02) and Eure- et-Loir (28).

It was at the end of the 18C with the biggest decline in the 19C. What happened? It is the combination of several factors. Historically, the region produced a lot of white wines and red light (Reds whose color draws towards rosé). In the 19C, for commercial reasons, we started planting grapes producing a lot but of poor quality. To sum up, we have replaced honest quality white wine with the big red stain. At the same time, the development of transport, by the river and then by the train, brought to the Parisian region wines that were better and not more expensive. Vine diseases and urban growth have done the rest. In 1920, there were practically no winegrowers in Île-de-France. Source the book: (Histoire du grand vignoble d’Ile-de-France, de la Gaule à nos jours) History of the Great vineyard of Ile-de-France, from Gaul to the present day. (Printing press of Valmy). For those who can read French, the book can be purchase from Vins Vignes et Vignerons webpage : https://www.vinsvignesvignerons.com/Livres/Terroirs-et-vins-de-France/Histoire-du-grand-vignoble-d-Ile-de-France-de-la-Gaule-a-nos-jours-Alain-Poret-2011

The white wine of Suresnes and the red wine of the Coteaux de Saint-Prix were the two wines to have already won medals. But Saint-Prix (Val-d’Oise 95) does not have to blush: The coup de coeur was for the Cuvée 2016 100% Pinot noir is well at the level of its white counterpart. It has a pink tile dress , grilled notes, a side cooked fruit, a light red that one can appreciate fresh, almost like a rosé. More on Saint Prix : https://www.saintprix.fr/notre-ville/une-terre-de-vin-et-de-vignerons/

The winery of Suresnes (Hauts de Seine 92) produces 4000 bottles per year. From the rows of vineyards, and the view over Paris. A cuvée 2016 from Suresnes, a white compose of 85% Chardonnay and 15% sauvignon. You really feel the fruit, it has a slightly granular side that gives it a taste of coming back according to the jurors. And the wine I am most familiar with as tasted over several years and worked in the town. More info here:  Association du Clos du Pas Saint-Maurice 4, rue du Pas Saint-Maurice Suresnes 92 Webpage : https://en.suresnes-tourisme.com/vineyard-of-suresnes.html

Sucy en Brie 2017 (sauvignon, sémilllon). Colour straw pulling on gold, in the nose, we find notes white fruits characteristic of the sémillon, a little brioche, confituré. Apple’s note in the oven that translates a touch of oxidation, but greedy. Pronounced acidity that has difficulty integrating. Webpage : http://www.confrerie-sucy.asso.fr/#

Combs-la-Ville 2017 (sauvignon, chardonnay, sémillon). The nose is charming with exotic notes, baked apple and cereals,. But pity, the mouth stops net this momentum, with an imbalance on the acidity. The finale is drying out. No gluttony. Webpage : http://ccirminon.canalblog.com/

Clairoix 2017 (chardonnay).  A strong smell of dregs comes out in the nose, with an alcoholic character, sulphited and not ripe. You can smell a lot of apple in your nose! Webpage :https://www.clairoix.fr/annuaire/le-vignoble-de-clairoix/

Rosny 2016 (sauvignon). No glaring defect but lack of maturity, with less sulfur, that would be good. The hard-boiled egg dominates the nose. Tight mouth. But it’s a place where there’s a way to do something. Webpage :https://www.rosnysousbois.fr/patrimoine-et-histoire/quand-la-confrerie-de-la-feronne-haute-parle-de-tradition/

Issy 2016 (chardonnay, pinot beurot).  The wine is struggling to open but there is more volume than most of the previous wines. It’s right… but soft. It must be left with air but it will not blush at the table with a beautiful fish. Webpage : https://www.confrerieissy.fr/

Sannois 2017 (pinot gris vendanges tardives). A wine focused on the fruit, pleasant, with a slight sucrose that is well integrated. Sulphites at full nose, the fruit is not very precise, between pear and white fruit.But that’s okay. Webpage : https://www.ville-sannois.fr/mon-cadre-de-vie/environnement/la-vigne-municipale

You could also visit Clos de Bercy, Paris, which produces 250 liters of wine a year. These vines are relatively new, but the winery buildings have been around for ages. Webpage :https://parisjetaime.com/eng/transport/clos-de-bercy-vigne-du-parc-de-bercy-p1925

Le Pecq Saint-Germain 2016 (pinot noir). The wine seems already evolved in the nose. In the mouth, the alcohol carries with a drying impression. Interesting”, but pity that the final note is bitter. The vineyard is located under the terrace of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Webpage : https://unilys.fr/accueil/sivom/les-vignes/

The Clos des Vieilles Vignes association in Montesson , The vine has around 1,500 vines (varieties: pinot gamay and merlot); it is planted on land that belongs to the municipality. The grapes arrive directly in our cellar, located in the basement of the Château de Sophoras, Weppage : https://www.seine-saintgermain.fr/fr/nos-pepites/nos-experiences/gastronomie/chai-helene-rencontre-avec-une-vigneronne-amatrice-a-montesson/

Also in Paris, the Jardin des Plantes has 247 vines and above all a mixture of astonishing grape varieties, to be discovered and tasted. A surprise: a discovery in the middle of the towers of La Défense, the Clos de Chantecoq, located at the bottom of the Esplanade de La Défense. 700 pieds spread over 1,000 m² are planted. The first harvests of this Pinot Noir (black grapes, 350 pieds) and Chardonnay (white grapes, 350 pieds) took place in 2010, not marketed but which can be tasted. Also, Versailles, next to the Trianon, has 2,000 m² of vines; and The Domaine Bérrurier of Conflans St Honorine; with nearly 1,600 vines have been planted by market gardener Laurent Berrurier. The harvest is scheduled for 2023. The cultivated plot represents 4,000 m2, Eventually, in principle, there should be 1,500 bottles. I cannot end this journey without mentioning the famous Musée du Vin or Wine Museum, in the 16éme arrondissement, located at 5 square Charles Dickens, Webpage : https://www.lemparis.com/LeMus%C3%A9e

The Winemakers Union of the Ïle de France region : https://syvif.vin/

There you go folks, an up and coming wine area of my belle France, Now that is possible to grow vignes and make wines all over France, many are getting into the resucitation of these old vineyards, Again, do try them, be surprise and hope you enjoy the post on the wines of the Île de France region as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!