Notre-Dame reopens... with natural wine! The astonishing celebration that shocks Paris

We are delighted to announce news that will thrill wine lovers and history buffs alike: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris celebrated its reopening, on 8 December 2024, in a completely unexpected way. Indeed, it is with natural wine that this historic occasion was toasted. A decision that perfectly reflects the spirit of innovation and renewal that is blowing through this emblematic monument.

A bold choice for a historic celebration

The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, surprised more than one oenologist by opting for a natural wine producer rather than the big names in French winemaking. It is the Domaine de la Bénisson-Dieu , a small 2.6-hectare estate located on the edge of the Côte Roannaise, which has been chosen to provide the mass wine when Notre-Dame reopens on December 8, 2024.

This decision marks a turning point in the history of the cathedral. While one might have expected to see great wines such as Yquem, Latour or Clos de Tart flow, it is ultimately a natural wine that was at the heart of the celebrations. A choice that perfectly reflects the spirit of openness and modernity that the Catholic Church wishes to embody today.

We, wine enthusiasts and lovers of beautiful stories, can only rejoice in this initiative. It highlights the talent of lesser-known but equally passionate winemakers, and offers a great recognition to the natural wine movement.

The Domaine de la Bénisson-Dieu: an inspiring story

Behind this bold choice lies a captivating story. Domaine de la Bénisson-Dieu was founded in August 2019 by Régis and Aude-Reine Anouil, a couple who left their Parisian careers to embark on a winemaking adventure. Their atypical journey has taken them from the offices of the Catholic Church to the vineyards of the Côte Roannaise, via experiences in monastic vineyards around the world.

Here's a look at their incredible wine journey:

• Latroun Trappist Abbey Estate in Israel
• Temi winery in Georgia
• Xiao Ling Estate in China
• Daizen-ji temple in Japan
• Abbey of New Clairvaux in California

This initiatory journey allowed them to acquire a unique experience, combining spirituality and winemaking know-how. Today, their estate produces quality natural wines , respectful of the environment and faithful to the spirit of the terroir.

A natural wine for an exceptional mass

The wine chosen for the opening ceremony is a white Vin de France, a blend of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc and Clairette from the 2022 and 2023 vintages. This wine perfectly embodies the philosophy of the estate: natural, without filtration or fining, and with minimal intervention.

Here is a summary table of the characteristics of this exceptional wine:

This bold choice is perfectly in line with the spirit of canon 924 of canon law, which stipulates that mass wine must be "natural, from the vine, pure and uncorrupted" . A fine recognition for the natural wine movement, which is gaining popularity every day among enlightened enthusiasts.

As a passionate sommelier, we can only welcome this initiative which highlights the richness and diversity of French wine heritage. It reminds us that wine, beyond its taste dimension, can also be a bearer of meaning and spirituality.