Daring to Sell New World Wines in France

Comptoir des Andes & du Nouveau Monde

France is certainly not lacking in wine shops, or caves à vins as they are called.  In fact, you’ll easily find one in the smallest of villages and on almost every street in the larger cities.  But if you go into most French wine shops and ask for a South African Pinotage or an Argentinean Malbec, more likely than not you’ll be out of luck.  It’s no wonder since France is the second largest producer of wine (just behind Italy) and you certainly don’t have to go far to find an astonishing diversity of grape varieties and wines.  The French are also notoriously proud of their wines.  There is, however, a growing awareness of New World wines, and an acknowledgment that some of it is actually really good.  And, while it is still difficult to find New World wines, there is a cave à vins in Paris that specializes in just that.  In fact, you won’t find a single bottle of French wine in the shop.

Comptoir des Andes & du Nouveau Monde is the only place in Paris, and in France, that dares to sell only New World wines.  You can choose from among 250 wines that have been carefully selected and represent such countries as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Chili, and the United States.  If you’re not sure what to buy, the staff is very helpful and offers free wine tastings on Saturday.  The wines are also very reasonably priced, with a large selection of bottles for less than 10 euros.  I picked up a bottle of Kanonkop Kadette 2006 (South Africa) that I can’t wait to open.

Comptoir des Andes & du Nouveau Monde 19, rue Delambre 75014 Paris