We've reached the Maison du Maitre du Chaix. The archway is dimly lit and at the end you see a wrought-iron gate which guards the oldest and most valuable wines.
In World War II during the Occupation, 20,000 bottles of the most valuable wines were hidden here, along with much of the hotel silverware as well as artifacts belonging to a Russian prince. The entry was blocked with seven layers of old and empty bottles and fortunately the German soldiers never discovered the treasures that lay behind.
Today, this area holds the grands millésimes and the rarest wines. In twenty years time, the Louis XV restaurant, will list the Bordeaux 1982, which Chef Caviste, Iorio Gennaro, considers to be the future 1961.
Don't miss Bibi's post on A Yankee in Belgrade today. If you like dogs, you'll be amazed.
I'd love to get my hands on a bottle of that Bordeaux!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story. I had heard on a TV show about Monaco that they had bricked over the back portion of the wine cellar and that the best wine remained undiscoveed behind the closed off portion. Your information is even better that it was closed off with old bottles, etc.
ReplyDeleteGreat information. I'm enjoying the look of this cellar. It's what a wine cellar should look like.
ReplyDeleteFantastic info. Once again, great series!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an interesting story. I'm glad some precious things were saved from the harshness of war. How lucky to be able to visit these historic places!
ReplyDeletethis tunnel is so interesting with all the texture and colors on the walls. Grand tour as usual Jilly.
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Hiya Jilly!
ReplyDeleteYou have not missed a beat! I always enjoy your photos and the absence makes the heart grow fonder =)
This is a really kewl lookin tunnel/cellar basement haha
What an interesting story and lucky for them to have saved the most rare wines as well as artifacts. Very clever.
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