I was staying in Paris at an Airbnb. Everything worked out perfectly, if you haven't used this service, I definitely recommend it. Although you have to remember that you are not staying at a hotel, it is definitely somebody's apartment. Here, there were a couple of roommates. I spoke with them when I checked in and gave them my "story". I let them know that I was a Sommelier and one immediately said, "Oh, my sister's boyfriend is a Sommelier. He just opened a wine bar. You should check it out." Absolutely!
So I walked about 25 minutes in a light rain to the neighborhood where this wine bar was. I found it and opened the door to find a very quaint little "wine bar". Wood racks containing various bottles, a high top wood table with five guests enjoying a glass, and behind that three guests resting on stools at the bar. A young man approached me and asked, "May I help you?" Apparently I don't even look French. I replied, "Bonsoir, I am staying with Emilie and her sister, Stephane who is the girlfriend of Mathew." "Yes," he said. Nothing huh? Ok. "Um, I am a sommelier and they told me I should come and see this wine bar. Um, do you have wine here?" "Yes of course, how many?" "Um, just one wine please," I replied. "Alright, right this way." He then proceeded to lead me to the back of the "wine bar" where there was a single table set up. So I sat down and he brought me the list. When he returned, I asked him for a recommendation and he offered me the Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley (a great recommendation). He delivered the wine and said, "Enjoy," and left. So there I was, sitting at a table by myself in the back of a french wine bar having a single glass of wine by myself. Classic.
I ended up trying to engage with the Sommelier a little further to discuss wines and wine tasting and the difference between Sommelier in the US and France. The conversation was mostly one sided (as you can imagine) and lasted about five minutes. So I had my single glass of wine, but provided myself with my own notes...2014 Chinon by Domaine N. Grosbois: bright vegetal characteristics, jalapeño, spicy, bell peppers, red underripe cherries, delicate on the palate, light finish, young with minimal acidity, soft and delicious. Serve with Braised Lamb Shank with a subtle mint sauce.
