Paris, France — The splendid re-opening of Notre-Dame offers a time to celebrate and not only the mass. The intricate, impeccable restoration of the Gothic wonder after being ravaged by an insidious fire that almost brought it right down to the ground the cathedral has emerged once more, a beacon to the world, thanks to the firemen who saved her and the some 2,000 craftsmen, builders and art restorers who brought her back from the brink. The cathedral re-opened yesterday and it was today that the altar was consecrated and the first mass was held since April of 2019.

And in good neighborly fashion, the celebrated Tour d’Argent restaurant which sits right across the Seine from the Gothic masterpiece, has brought out a limited edition three-bottle boxed set of fine champagne to pay tribute to the cathedral. And what a perfect way to celebrate it all in style. The Epicerie Tour d’Argent, the confidential gourmet boutique across the street from its maison mère, the Tour d’Argent restaurant, has revealed a very limited edition — only 50 boxed sets — of a grand blanc de blancs champagne to celebrate both the emblematic universal heritage of Notre-Dame but as well the universal French art de vivre. The gift box, replete with the tower logo of the Tour d’Argent, contains three bottles of the prestigious Cathelin Grand Cru 2018. This mythical vintage champagne was elaborated by Julien Barbier of the fine champagne house of R&L Legras and the grapes emanate exclusively from the Les Crosauts vineyard parcel in the town of Chouilly in the heart of the prestigious Côte des Blancs growning region in Champagne. The champagne is made with older vine plants from 1979 and 1983, harvested in 2018 and bottled in 2019, aged sur lie (long ageing on its must), with the result being a balanced, sharp and fresh champagne.

The handsome wooden case is outfitted with a metal cover, a finely sculpted rose reminiscent of the stained glass windows of Notre-Dame. Once the gift box is empty it can be transformed into a light holder, all you need to do is slip a source of light inside to see the rose shimmer. The Cuvée Cathelin is named for the artist Bernard Cathelin (the cousin of Claude Terrail the owner of the Tour who was at the helm of the establishment, now in the very capable hands of his son André) who created six rose lithographs in his studio in the building of the Tour d’Argent on the Left Bank of the Seine. This rose lithograph has been used to create the decorative element of the gift box, in a nod to the artist and bon vivant who lived and worked in the building of the Tour d’Argent. Gift box in tribute to Notre-Dame: 650€, a limited edition of 50 gift boxes. 13, Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris, France. Available at the L’Epicerie Tour d’Argent and on the e-boutique: http://www.epicerie.tourdargent.com
©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette