JenG

We are in the second night of our one month stay in Paris and as we plan on cooking most of our meals at the aparment, I am in search of good wine recommendations. Specifically full bodied reds that are under 15 Euros. Nothing too dry, but not overly fruity either. We'll splurge for over 15 euros for good wines, 50 euros would be my threshold, but what I want are recos for everyday good wines. We are shopping at the Monoprix and have access to a few local wine shops as well. Fire away with suggestions. Thanks! Jen

robjame

Jen - look for Cahors wines. They are as full-bodied reds, much cheper than Bordeaux. Ask at Nicholas for a Cahors, pret a boire, at your price range.

Also try Pecharments and Bergeracs.

kappa1

ok, in case you are interested, isn't " Oenophiles " the right word, even though I guessed what you meant by Oenfiles before reading your post.

spaarne

You don't say where you are staying but I'll recommend the markets at Place Maubert, Metro Maubert Mutualite. The wine shop there has a wide selection of reasonably priced reds and whites. It is much better than Nicholas in selection and price.

The Place Maubert also has great shops for bread, cheese, fish, meats, and produce. Great bookstores in the neighborhood also. I used to live nearby and did my shopping there during my Paris visit in December.

cherrybomb

I would go to a wine shop and get some suggestions and go from there rather than shopping at the monoprix where you are playing hit or miss.

Where are you staying/willing to travel to buy wine?

here is a list of cavistes (wine specialty shops) in paris. To beat a dead horse, as always, I very highly recommend Julien Caviste, it is listed about 3/4 of the way down.
http://www.wineterroirs.com/2007/02/paris_cavistes.html

ira

Hi Jen,

>... 50 euros would be my threshold,<

You must be a VERY GOOD cook.

I also suggest asking at your local wine merchant.

You will get suggestions specific to the meal you are making.

You could also take pen and notebook in hand and head off to some wine bars.

I know that that is boring and difficult research, but someone has to do it.

Cries_Van_Notebook

Vin de Pays.

Pays off. LOL!

Thin

Travelnut

don't forget about Lavinia near place Madeleine....
http://www.lavinia.fr/

Gretchen

Get a lot, taste, keep records, enjoy.

Gretchen

Oh, just scanned back through and we LOVE bergeracs. You can't get them in this country because it is such small production.
The other one--white-is aligote. Plenty rich enough to drink with good red meats.
As our daughter, a sommelier, there is more variety in whites than in reds. Her brother vehemently disagrees, only drinks reds, but if you think about it, it is true. You will miss many wonderful wines if you only drink reds.
Another fave is Sancerres, and ther are some red sancerres which you will never see in this country, I would guess.

ekscrunchy

Gretchen: I am not sure where you live but if you are interested in red Sancerres or Bergeracs they are readily available in NYC area wine shops.

Underhill

Bergeracs, yes! And don't forget all those good Rhône reds..Châteauneuf-du-Papes are wonderful. You could also look for a Volnay. I always go crazy in the French supermarket wine sections...so many choices, often at very good prices.

macanimals

I've had good luck with the wines from the southern Rhone---Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Cairanne and especially Gigondas. They are hearty reds with regional and winery variation but generally very affordable in France. They are small in production but any wine shop will have an area designated for them and I have never been shut out when requesting the owner's advice. Price can range from a low of 6/8 euros to 20/30 euros. And you can always splurge on the big Chateauneuf du Papes.
Enjoy the "hunt"! Paul

StCirq

Bergeracs are available in the USA - it's the Pécharmants I can't find. Get yourself a good supply of both while in France.

Also try Buzet, Madiran, Cahors, and Gaillac.

cigalechanta

The Languedoc wine's are a a good choice.

kevin_widrow

As you can tell from all the above posts, you won't be lacking for choices.

But it also depends quite critically on what you are cooking for dinner. A nice red that might be perfect with roast chicken could be terrible with a pot au feu for example.

I'm a big fan of asking the help and advice of a good wine shop. Tell them your menu, price range - up to 20 euros will normally be more than enough - and see where they steer you. Always works for me...

-Kevin

sheila

Your remit definitely brings you to the big reds from the south west. Madirans and Cotes de Saint Mont are our favourites.

JenG

Thanks everyone! We are staying in the 3rd, right on the border of the 4th, about one block from Place des Vosges on Rue de Turenne. I'll check out these recommendations. I look forward to the research

bilboburgler

Well I understand Parisians drink a lot of Saumur Champigny so maybe go with the flow

Gretchen

We can get them here, but only maybe one label. And that one is "iffy". I certainly didn't mean "totally unavailable" just not widely, and only in a wine shop, at least here. We just enjoy them in France a lot. And the bergeracs are usually cheap.