DRIFT Travel Spring 2019

Discovering All Natural
Wine Bars in Paris
BY: DONI BELAU
Natural wine is all the rage in Paris and the fervor has been raging for many years now. That’s why its
surprising that it really hasn’t caught on as much in the states, even in New York City where we love to
adopt a trend. No self-respecting foodie in Paris would turn their nose up at natural wine or look at you
with a dumb stare when you mention it but here both are the most common responses to the subject. There
is simply no important restaurant in the city of light that doesn’t have natural wine on its list whereas I may
only find a few bottles sprinkled on the better lists here in NY and oddly the sommeliers do not advertise
or push it. Quelle domage!
For those unfamiliar, natural wine can be described as wine made without many additives and using the
least amount of intervention possible. No added sulphates means less headaches in the morning which
we can all be grateful for. Natural wines do taste slightly different than wine you are probably used to, so
taking a natural wine tasting tour is a wonderful way to learn about it the next time you are in Paris. If you
don’t have access to Michael Issac, my go to expert and Sommelier who knows natural wine like the back
of his hand or you are unable to take a tour with Gastronomes, then go ahead and enjoy several of my picks
below on your own. Cheers!
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