Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/992999
14 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } JUNE/JULY 2018 { cellar tour } ON MY RECENT trip to Paris, I was introduced to what may be the finest wine cellar in France. As the Proprietor of Verny, 36-year-old Olivier Madinier gave up his law studies in favor of collecting a care - fully selected range of fine wines for private clients and restaurateurs. Madinier has the opportunity to work directly with domaines, wine- makers, and growers from around the world, acting as an ambassador in the vineyards for that special direct connection between client and producer. "If you don't buy from the producer, who can teach you best about the wine?" Madinier asks. "They tell you the story of their heritage and we represent their livelihood and history. That's Verny." With a collection of more than 10,000 exclusive and rare bottles, Verny Paris aims to match its wines as accurately as possible with its cli - ents' tastes. From rare and exceptional Grand Crus to "popular" wines from California, Madinier says Verny prides itself on the meticulous research of both old and new vintages—as well as the ability to sell at market price. Creating "special moments," or "mo - ments de vin," is a guiding concept for Verny's members. These private gatherings serve as invitation- only tastings which help attendees discover a particular wine, meet a producer face-to-face, or learn about up-and-coming winemakers. Madinier has a talent for making discoveries and generating a buzz to promote new names and labels. Verny's services extend to the auditing of cellars, as well as consultations on valuation, storage conditions, and aging potential. "We believe par t of our suppor t is to offer our members guidance in manag - ing their personal or business cellars," says Madinier. Verny's services wouldn't be complete without teaching its members—including newcomers to the sommelier com - munity—how to preserve, decant, serve, and store wines correctly. "After all, the wines reflect the spirit of their respective owners," Madinier says. "To Verny Paris, wine represents instant gratification, but also something meaningfully passed on through generations." —Meridith May Liaison for Winemakers Olivier Madinier is the Proprietor of Verny, a Parisian wine cellar. Relics of the past grace the shelves of Verny's offices in Paris. VERNY PARIS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL WINE CELLAR AND SERVICE CONCEPT