PARIS (AP) – In France, a glass of wine is many things: one of life’s small pleasures, a civilized complement to food, a source of national pride. Now, it’s also a symbol of defiance.
As vintners release this year’s batch of Beaujolais Nouveau in the shadow of last week’s Paris attacks, “To the bistro!” has replaced “To the barricades!” as France’s rallying cry.
“What would our country be without its cafes?” asked President Francois Hollande, telling his compatriots that life must be “resumed in full” after the Nov. 13 gun and bomb rampage by jihadi militants.
The attacks, which killed 129 people and injured more than 350, have left France in shock. They overshadowed Thursday’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day, when winemakers uncork their latest batch of the fruity young wine, and bars and restaurants hold special tasting sessions.
Jean Bourjade of the wine producers’ body Inter Beaujolais said the group considered scrapping some of the promotional events after the attacks. But it was decided that the wine should flow, because “it is the French culture, it is the French way of life, which has been put in jeopardy.”