Opened in June 2015 on one of Paris’s oldest streets, this charming gourmet wine bar – tucked between a grand old house entrance and a peep show – is a great example of the on-going revival of the Rue Saint-Denis. Past its deep blue façade overhung with flowers and the large logo splashed across its window, the Atelier du Bouchon is a cosy little drinking space with wooden walls and stylish yet understated ceiling lights refashioned from old wine racks.
The wine list covers white, rosé and red, served by the glass, carafe or bottle. The selection changes regularly – as and when the owner discovers something new and exciting – and includes French bottles from all regions and also overseas. It’s a shame there’s no written material to guide your choice, but the staff will happily give their advice. We ask for a dry, natural white wine, and out comes the fantastic South African Bellingham – a steal at €6 a glass. Next, a bottle of Tempranillo, a light Spanish red, is also pleasant and fairly priced (€19 a bottle).
If you fancy some food to go with your drinks, the house speciality is seafood, with oysters at €22 for a dozen, sardines in lobster oil and various fish pâtés (€10). There’s also a truffled ham croque-monsieur and – most temptingly – various platters of cheese and charcuterie (€12–€24).
TRANSLATION: HUW OLIVER