Explore our special bookstore selection for exceptional Christmas gifts.

Discover our Christmas magic for the little ones with an enchanted selection of fun and educational gifts.

Check out our special newsletter for passionate wine lovers in the run-up to Christmas. Immerse yourself in the intoxicating world of wine flavours and gifts. From festive wine suggestions to stylish accessories, our newsletter guides you to create memorable moments during the holidays.

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of Christmas with our Christmas selection of books on gastronomy at Athenaeum. We offer you a sharp selection, carefully selected to complement your celebrations.

Whether you are looking for the ideal gastronomic gift, unique flavours to accompany your festive repas , our Christmas Gastronomy Selection has everything to make your celebrations unforgettable. Let yourself be seduced by the French art of living and create memorable memories around a festive table.

Make every moment a festin with Athenaeum. Happy holidays!

The four finalists of the Goncourt 2023:

• Jean-Baptiste Andrea, Watching Over Her (The Iconoclast)
• Gaspard Kœnig, Humus (The Observatory)
• Eric Reinhardt, Sarah, Susanne and the Writer (Gallimard)
• Snow Sinno, Sad Tiger (P.O.L)

The jury of the Prix Goncourt is composed of Didier Decoin, president, Pascal Bruckner, Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, Paule Constant, Christine Angot, Tahar Ben Jelloun, Camille Laurens, Françoise Chandernagor, Philippe Claudel and Pierre Assouline.

The announcement of the 2023 Prix Goncourt is expected on Tuesday, November 7, from the Drouant restaurant in Paris.

Explore a selection of documentary comics, a visual immersion in captivating real-life stories. Each work marries narrative art with informative power, offering a unique experience. Discover narratives ranging from historical facts to fascinating biographies, all beautifully illustrated. These comics transcend the boundaries of entertainment, creating an intimate connection with significant real-world events and figures.

Celebrate a century of cultural excellence with Phaidon Editions. Immerse yourself in the artistic, culinary, and literary legacy that has marked generations. Discover iconic books, limited editions, and visual masterpieces. Each page tells the story of an unwavering passion for art and knowledge. Treat yourself or your loved ones to editorial treasures that transcend time and space.

Discover our exclusive selections around wine, carefully chosen by our expert booksellers and wine merchants. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive special offers, wine tips and invitations to exclusive events.

A sparkling newsletter dedicated to young creative minds! Discover the latest trends, captivating stories, and fun activities to spark the imagination of the youngest.

A mouthwatering newsletter dedicated to scoundrels who love to eat! Discover our selection of meat-eating books that will introduce us to mouthwatering pies, pâtés croûtes, pithiviers and other culinary pleasures of this kind.

Receive our latest literary news and discover exclusive reading recommendations with our literary newsletter. Stay up to date on the latest releases, popular authors, and literary events not to be missed.

Pierre-Olivier Garcia, originally from Nuits-Saint-Georges, launched Domaine Moron-Garcia in 2016 with his ami Mathieu Moron. They have embarked on an ambitious approach to viticulture and winemaking in a region where traditional practices predominate. Garcia studied wine in Beaune, while his father became an important scientific figure for the Burgundian terroir.

Their winemaking method, called "berry by berry", consists of handling the bunches at very low temperatures from harvest, then cutting them one by one by hand, thus preserving the aromas and structure of the grapes. This demanding approach requires a lot of manpower and organization, but it reduces the use of sulfur during fermentation. In their vineyards, Garcia and his team have adopted practices to increase biodiversity, including sowing legumes between rows of vines to improve soil quality and reduce water requirements. The estate produces about twenty wine references, mainly reds, with an emphasis on aligoté in white due to its characteristics adapted to global warming. Despite strong international demand, production remains limited due to the estate's modest size and commitment to sustainable practices.

Garcia aims to stabilize this model while continuing to experiment to improve the quality and efficiency of their processes. He also wants to raise awareness of their innovative approaches, going from "crazy" to "visionary" in less than a decade in Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Check out Pierre-Olivier Garcia's full interview here!

Discover the delights of Burgundian gastronomy and renowned chefs with our newsletter selection of the week. Inspired by the legendary restaurant La Ruchotte, our assortment of books transports you to the heart of the flavours and traditions of this renowned wine region. Plus, explore our curated collection of books by Michelin-starred chefs, revealing the secrets and techniques of the ma in the kitchen. Let yourself be taken on an unforgettable culinary journey with Athenaeum.

Lighting

Wine mapping: combining business with pleasure

"One of the great mysteries of Burgundy lies in this observation: at first glance, all its vines look the same. And yet, when tasting, an infinite number of nuances appear," explains Laurent Gotti. From this point of view, the vineyard maps provide immediate insight. At a glance, they bear witness to the diversity of altitudes, exposures, soils, etc., but also, now, thanks to the work of the journalist and author, to the number of operators present on this or that Grand Cru, and therefore to the extreme diversity of interpretations of the terroir in question. "Often hung on the walls of cellars, maps are in fact a very visual and interesting communication medium for winegrowers." Better still, they are often dry as they are, and call for comments from the operator. In short, an invitation to speak. Laurent Gotti understood that. In its atlas Les Grands Crus de Bourgogne, its winegrowers' maps are enriched by the testimonies of geologists, oenologists, producers... Or how to "taste these climats in the smartest way possible", i.e. with full knowledge of the facts. Fun and knowledge.

This week, our selection takes you on a journey through the sun-drenched vineyards of Italy, with a special focus on the prestigious domaine brandini. Renowned for its ancestral know-how and dedication to the art of winemaking, Brandini embodies Italian excellence through each of its bottles. Discover emblematic grape varieties such as Nebbiolo and Barbera, sublimated by the unique terroir of Piedmont. Let yourself be transported by wines of rare elegance, where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously to offer unforgettable tastings. Whether you are an enlightened amateur or a novice enthusiast, this selection will awaken your senses and brighten up your taste buds. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the soul of Italy through the exceptional wines of Brandini and other wineries.

Agreements and disagreements

It's hard to match wines and chocolates with your eyes closed. The organoleptic profiles are so varied and the tastes of each one are unique... The observation is all the more frustrating because everything brings them together: they both share the same semantics and a similar fermentation process. In that case, what can I say? Of course, there are some clichés. Starting with the "traditional" pairings with old whiskies and rums. A particularly successful pairing, according to specialists, in the presence of African chocolates, from Ghana or the Ivory Coast for example, rich by nature, full of body, bitterness... Still, the times call for light endings of repas . What to do then? On milk chocolates, white wines with a nice amplitude and low acidity, such as old Burgundy, Hermitages or Saint-Péray change, for the better. On dark chocolates, things get tricky. Some recommend Syrah wines, whose fruity notes flourish on pure Madagascar origins. Patrick Roger in the lead. But, other than that... Unless, like him, you prefer chocolate as a starter, at a time when the palate is still light and the world of possibilities is vast...

Interview with Pascaline Lepeltier, sommelier and author

More than a year ago, this M.O.F. and Best Sommelier of France published Mille Vignes – Penser le vin de demain. A book-summation that questions our certainties as oenophiles in order to better open up the field of possibilities. From New York, the beverage director of TriBeCa's Chambers restaurant talks about her work, this book that has become a reference and, through it, her commitment to living wines...

How has the sommelier profession evolved in recent years?

In New York, since that's where I work, a post-Covid effect was clearly felt. Wine lovers were able to study their favourite subject at their leisure during the lockdown. As a result, we are dealing with a much more sophisticated clientele than before, who are highly informed, connected and sensitive to environmental and societal issues. So people who drink better. But less so... It's obvious. And this, regardless of their profile. As a result, there is less room for error. More than ever, sommeliers need to find wines that change, that speak, that deliver...

Read the rest of the interview...

Lighting: Fasting and wine

A major subject... The future of our vineyards rests in part on the younger generations. And, in this regard, the published studies* are cause for alarm. First of all, the context: between 1960 and 2022, the average individual consumption of wine fell by 60%. Regular consumers – almost every day – who still represented 51% of the French population in 1980, only accounted for 11% of the population in 2022... Drinking wine occasionally is now the norm. Behind these key figures, there are significant disparities between ages. Thus, in 2022, 21% of 35-49 year olds and over 50 years old consumed wine every week compared to 15% of 18-34 year olds. In this last age group, 39% of them did not drink wine at all... There are many reasons for this disenchantment among young people. More than others, this generation has largely integrated the concept of moderation. For many of them, sobriety is trendy. In fact, wine and, more broadly, alcohol, are no longer inseparable from celebration. Moreover, among the under-35s, wine remains an "old" drink. Hence a certain inclination to shun it. Finally, in their eyes, it remains a complex, even elitist and sacred product. But the picture is not so bleak, fortunately. A few facts and data make you smile. Young people have an encouraging representation of wine for our winemakers. It is, for them, a necessarily French product; What's more, it's very much linked to the moments shared with the family. Even better, whites, rosés and sparkling wines do well as an aperitif and dessert. Something to cheer up and, above all, to encourage uninhibited discourse on wine. To the wise...



*Ipsos Observer study (Dec. 2023), Infog study (Feb. 2023), Decryption "The TikTok generation and wine"

Discover the culinary art of pasta with our exclusive newsletter! Immerse yourself in a world of flavours and traditions where each recipe tells a story. From classic spaghetti to carbonara to exotic recipes, explore our selection of articles and books to enrich your expertise. Whether you're an avid amateur or an aspiring chef, our newsletter guides you through the delights of pasta cooking. Find inspiration for your next repas and learn the secrets of the ma pastaiolo chefs. Subscribe to our newsletter now so you don't miss our next topics!

Discover the history and authenticity of la maison de Champagne Chavost, founded in 1946 by passionate winemakers from Chavot-Courcourt. Born from the fusion between the love of the ancestral lands of Chavost and the values of sharing passed down from generation to generation, our estate embodies the excellence of the Champagne region.
Today, our commitment to quality and the environment is manifested through our 5 hectares of vineyards certified organic since 2023. Under the direction of Fabian, vigneron with diverse experiences around the world, we innovate to create unique champagnes, favouring natural winemaking that respects the terroir. We are proud to present our new range "And without added sulphites!" which embodies our desire to vinify differently, favouring artisanal methods and singular wines, without compromising on quality.

Subscribe now to our newsletters to be the first to discover our exclusive vintages, follow our news and share with us our passion for champagne Chavost. Join a community of connoisseurs and let yourself be seduced by the authenticity and character of our exceptional champagnes.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of wine with Vinocolor, a must-read for all wine lovers. Written by renowned experts, this book takes you through a colorful and gustatory journey of the world's greatest wine regions.

To complete your reading, we offer you an exclusive selection of wines recommended in Vinocolor. Each wine has been carefully chosen to reflect the themes and recommendations of the book.

Summer is approaching and it's the perfect time to enjoy delicious outdoor repas ! At Athenaeum we have prepared a special selection of wines that are perfect to accompany your barbecues and repas a la plancha. Whether you are a fan of grilled meats, tasty fish or crunchy vegetables, our selection will meet all your desires.

Get ready to enhance your outdoor repas with our special barbecue & plancha selection. Order now on Athenaeum, your online wine shop specialising in exceptional wines.

Meeting and signing with Marion Brunet, Thursday, June 6, 2024

We will have the pleasure of welcoming the author Marion Brunet for the publication of her novel Nos armes (Our Weapons) published by Albin Michel. A strong novel about youth and its disenchantment. Marion Brunet paints a portrait of an era through the eyes of Mano and Axelle, committed and militant, a little lost. Twenty-five years later, scores will have to be settled.

Our Weapons by Marion Brunet | Albin Michel 1997. Mano and Axelle, as passionate as they are revolted, evolve in the committed and militant milieu of a student city. Exhilarated by their ideals, surrounded by a close-knit group, they dream of another social order while allowing a mad love to be born between them. Until the day they take part in a robbery that goes wrong: one kills a policeman and receives a heavy prison sentence, the other manages to escape. Twenty-five years later, in the countryside where she has set up her caravan, Mano waits, overwhelmed, because a woman is looking for her. Is it the possibility of a long-dreamed of reunion or the time to settle the scores? By exploring the shattered destiny of two young women in search of love and justice, Marion Brunet once again excels in telling the intimate story at the heart of society through the grace of her sensitive and accurate writing. " Marion Brunet has no equal in writing anger.[...] Our Weapons is a very beautiful love story." Liberation " With such a fascinating author, there is no risk of succumbing to boredom!" Paris Match

Interview with Sandrine Goeyvaerts, author

In her sixth and latest book, Cher pinard, the wine merchant, sommelier and journalist explores the taste of wine, from its genesis to its current trends, including its language, its experts... Exciting.

You write it yourself: there have probably never been so many tools and books to accompany the tasting. Why then a new book on the subject? What is its starting point?

For several years now, I have been questioning wine from a political angle. It is crossed by so many stories, cultures... So many pretexts to examine, through its prism, what is happening in our societies. Cher pinard is part of this long-term work. After Vigneronnes, which examined the issue of women in the wine industry, then Manifesto for an inclusive wine on language, this time, very codified of this drink, exploring taste seemed like a logical progression to me. I was particularly driven by the dichotomy between what is declared to be loved and what is actually drunk...

The first part of this book questions the genesis of taste. In this field, against all odds, there are many parameters to take into account...

Yes, it is commonly accepted that the taste is very natural and instinctive. A completely personal creation ex nihilo. This is evidenced by the expressions "All tastes are in nature" or "To each his own tastes". However, the context, education, socio-cultural background, environment, culture... influence the construction of taste, from birth, even in utero, and then throughout life.

Then follows the difficulty of expressing the taste of wine, of sharing it, of making it intelligible to as many people as possible... (...)

Find the full interview here

Meeting and signing with Jean-Marc Rochette, Thursday, June 20, 2024

For his first story, we will have the pleasure of welcoming the author and illustrator Jean-Marc Rochette for the publication of Au coeur de l'hiver published by Les Étages. A beautiful book about the mountains and love. A beautiful moment in perspective.

In the heart of winter By Jean-Marc Rochette The Floors Imagine an old hotel, nestled in a mountain hamlet deserted in winter since the 60s, and whose access road closes on December 15 to reopen on March 15. Imagine a couple who decide to settle there all year round and experience the wonders and fears of a 3-month winter, at an altitude of 1,600 meters, cut off from the world by snow and avalanches. With Au cœur de l'hiver, Jean-Marc Rochette shares with us his installation in the Écrins massif and offers us a formidable intimate adventure story.

Meeting and signing with Isabelle Boissard on Thursday, July 4, 2024 from 7 p.m. for the publication of her novel "Camille va aux anniversaires, published by Les Avrils"

For her new novel, we will have the pleasure of welcoming the author Isabelle Boissard for the publication of her novel Camille va aux anniversaires, published by Les Avrils

Camille goes to Isabelle Boissard's birthdays Isabelle Boissard uses a caustic sense of humour to confront our fear of the passing of time. Returning to France to help your best friend organize his girlfriend's surprise birthday? Camille, 52, an expatriate, recently separated, hesitates but ends up accepting. From Paris to Saint-Astre, the place of the party, a new horizon is emerging: thirteen days to change the air and perspective. Because we have to face the facts, Camille is still looking for the best way to get out of her discomfort zone.

In this summer newsletter #1, our expert sommelier Marco shares the wines and accessories he chose for his vacation. From essential bottles to indispensable tasting accessories, follow Marco's recommendations for a successful summer. Whether you're by the sea, in the mountains, or in the countryside, find the best wines for every summer occasion.

Bruno is a multi-talented enthusiast. Sommelier for 10 years in London before returning to Burgundy and the Athenaeum in 2019, he has been able to refine his expertise and his palate to offer you the best recommendations. But Bruno is not limited to wine: he is also an accomplished musician with a solo project with an instrumental tendency. His latest album "Echoes Of Weird Nostalgia" under the name A Lucky Pilot was released in 2023, available on all streaming platforms and on vinyl.

Whether you're going on vacation or simply enjoying the summer at home, let Bruno's recommendations guide you to savor every moment. Discover the entire selection in this summer newsletter n°2 and make your vacation unforgettable with the wines and accessories chosen by our expert wine merchant.