Chirac wine collection sell-off

Love him or hate him, Jacques Chirac, the president of the French republic, is a man of taste, if nothing else. During his time as mayor of Paris, from 1977 to 1995, the controversial bon viveur assembled an incredible cellar of fine wine, including several bottles of 1990 Château Pétrus and 191 bottles of 1976 Krug Champagne.

However, the current Socialist mayor – Bertrand Delanoë – is more frugal and has decided to sell the majority of the collection, which comprises around five thousand bottles, this autumn. The sale is expected to raise around £350,000.

Chirac is said to have spent £1.5 million of French taxpayers’ money on fine wine and food between 1987 and 1995. Delanoë has cut the wine and champagne budget by 65% since taking the reigns in 2001 and wine consumption at Paris town hall receptions has halved during his tenure.

© db 4th July 2006