Lutèce Carte des Vins

New York, 1962. Large folio, unpaginated [22] leaves, printed rectos only. Printed text from a hand-lettered original; columns for handwritten prices not entered. An early wine list from the legendary Manhattan restaurant Lutèce (1961-2004). The list opens with an introductory statement to diners from the restaurant’s founder, André Surmain, who thanks the restaurant’s seven suppliers, a rare credit on modern wine lists, and Alexis Lichine, the author of The Wines of France. Displaying a fine selection of Bordeaux, Rouges & Blancs; Bougognes, Rouges; Roses Loire; Alsace Rhône; and Champagnes, including Lafite Rothschild dating to the 1890s, Haut Brion from the 1930s, and pre-depression era Mouton. Throughout, each selection lists producer as well location of the vineyard. The three Alsatian wines on the list have been credited as the primary genesis of the Alsatian wine market in the United States. Julia Child, Playboy Magazine, and Zagat each proclaimed Lutèce the best restaurant in the United States; the New York Times gave the restaurant four stars. Spiral bound in gilt-stamped blue wrappers. Wine sections are thumb-indexed. The list was never used, and thus the wines remain unpriced. Very near fine. Signed by head chef André Soltner, “En Souvenir”.