by Daniel Rogov » Sat Jul 24, 2010 3:02 pm
Jan, Hi......
Those who consider themselves the cognescenti spurn Nicolas and Carrefour but truth be told there are many truly fine wines to be found at either even when it is not the time of the Foire aux Vins. The problem in making suggestions is that although different branches may have a large and varied selection at any given time, those can vary from store to store and indeed, from week to week.
My own experience either at Nicolas or Carrefour or other stores that I visit in France and French Switzereland has been to find the most knowledgeable clerk in the store, to devote five to ten minutes discussing your tastes in wine with him or her and then to rely on their suggestions. Indeed that works best at branches in Paris, Lyon, Marseilles, Geneva but I suspect a bit of time invested would go a long way in nearly any city that has a branch.
I will add that my own experiences have always been more positive at Nicolas, for unlike Carrefour, wine is the thing at Nicolas and the chances of finding a truly knowledgeable clerk are excellent. More than that, especially when in Paris and shopping "for fun" my own favorite method is not to go to wine shops but to visit a few wine bars, there to order flights of small portions of the patron's choice and then to make your selections based on your tastings. But then again, I adore the wine bars of Paris.
Best
Rogov
