With only 48 hours in Paris, one has to focus. Thankfully I have already visited the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower along with many of the other fabulous sites so I can concentrate fully on eating and drinking.
To be clear, it’s not the fancy Michelin star restaurants that I seek out. I prefer to revel in the classic cuisine of casual bistros and brasseries. The affordable set menus, simple but tasty dishes and lively atmosphere satisfy my appetite and my soul.
Of course wine is equally important to the experience and should match the spirit of the locale. Offerings are typically unpretentious, inexpensive and encourage gulping with gusto.
The vast Loire Valley, which sits just to the south of Paris, is a primary source for these bistro wines. The cool climes result in crisp wines of all hues. From vibrant sparklers to lively whites made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc along with rosé and lighter reds based on Gamay, Cabernet Franc and Grolleau, all have a place at the humble French table.
Beyond the Loire, the cheerful reds of Beaujolais often show up as the house pour. The beautiful aromatic whites from Alsace are also well represented, as are the more modest wines from Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. I love scrutinizing the wine list to explore lesser-known appellations such as the rustic reds of Cahors, Gaillac and Madiran in France's southwest.
These bistro wines have a way with hearty specialties like country pâté, duck confit, steak and frites, cassoulet, pot au feu and onion soup. They help cleanse the palate between bites and make room for the next course.
Santé from Paris!
2013 Louis de Vinière, Pinot Noir • France• $15.99 at BC Liquor Stores
A very delicate but lovely Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley, the Louis de Vinière delights with cranberry, red currant and cinnamon stick. Crunchy and bright with barely-there tannin, it’s a refreshing partner with duck confit and a simple green salad.
2014 Famille Bougrier • Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC, France • $17-18 at private wine stores
Oysters are a necessary daily indulgence when I'm in Paris. Sure, you could go high-brow and order Champagne, but Muscadet is an equally classic pairing and makes for a down-to-earth match. The Bougrier is fresh and citrusy with an invigorating hint of the salty sea air.
2010 Château Peyros • Madiran AOC, France • $17.99 at BC Liquor Stores
The Southwest appellation of Madiran champions the unyieldingly firm Tannat grape. Here it is softened slightly by 40 per cent Cabernet Franc. Savoury notes of iron and leather meet dark plum and blackberry. You have to like tannins if you are going to attempt a glass. It will all make sense alongside steak in a peppercorn sauce or with fatty sausages like the ones that would show up in cassoulet.
2014 Joseph Mellot, Destinéa Sauvignon Blanc • IGP Val de Loire, France • $18.99 at BC Liquor Stores
Assertive aromas of green apple, nettles and white grapefruit pith follow through on the flinty palate. Juicy but not tart, this Sauvignon Blanc would sing with a warm goat cheese salad.
2014 Maison des Bulliats • Régnié AOC, France • $19.49 at BC Liquor Stores
Régnié is one of the lightest crus of Beaujolais but still a charming expression of Gamay. Forest berries and flowers burst from this spry and subtly earthy red. Delicious with steak tartare or roasted chicken.
