SIDEQUEST: The La Closerie Hunt (Paris)

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1

   Map the Natural Wine Bar Circuit

   adventure Free

   Le Verre Volé, Septime Cave, Yard, Vivant Cave, Le Dauphin — these are the Paris 10th and 11th arrondissement bars that get Prévost allocations, though they won't always have it. Plot them on a map for a walking route, leaving 2-3 hours to hit 4-5 spots starting around 6pm.

   BACKUP: Even if no Prévost, you'll discover other grower champagnes they source.

   Log Memory
2. 2

   Ask the Right Question

   wine Free

   Don't ask "Do you have champagne?" Ask specifically: "Do you have any La Closerie?" at each bar you visit. Sommeliers respect specificity and know Prévost — they'll either say "non, désolé" or their eyes will light up. Be graceful with "no" and ask what Meunier-forward champagnes they DO have; the conversation is valuable.

   BACKUP: Ask about other cult growers: Selosse, Chartogne-Taillet, Laherte.

   Log Memory
3. 3

   When You Find It: Taste Slowly

   wine Price: high

   If you find La Closerie, it will cost €15-25 per glass — don't rush this moment. This is 100% Meunier from 2.2 hectares, made by one person who trained under Selosse, with a texturally unique chalky, mineral, vibrating character. Ask for context at the lucky bar that has it: What vintage? How long have they had it? Compare to whatever else you've drunk that night.

   BACKUP: If you can only afford one glass, make it count. No phone photos - just taste.

   Log Memory
4. 4

   Document Your Hunt (Success or Failure)

   Optional

   adventure Free

   The hunt IS the story, whether you succeed or fail. Note your path through Paris: How many bars? How many "non"s? What else did you discover? If you found it, what did it taste like? If not, what was the best backup? Document wherever you end up — this is wine tourism as adventure.

   BACKUP: Post to wine forums - others are hunting too.

   Log Memory

Insider Tips

• Le Verre Volé (10th) is ground zero for natural wine in Paris

• Septime Cave (11th) is wine shop for Septime restaurant

• Best chances: Tuesday-Thursday evenings, early in allocation cycle

• Expect €15-25 per glass if they have it

• Even failures teach: you'll discover other growers along the way

• The sommeliers at these bars are the real treasure - conversation is free