 |
     |
|
Did you get these newsletters? If not, then why not signup for our email list?Wines Under $15
This relaxed time of year calls for casual wines, and we here at Francos Wine Merchants have some great choices for your table. Good wine doesn't have to be expensive, and we've picked some of our favorite everyday wines for you to consider. Have a look at our Wines Under $15 link here or on our Home Page for many more great ideas as well. The 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc ($14.99) is an outstanding white wine made at Brun's Terres Dorées vineyards. Jean-Paul Brun is a passionate winemaker with an artisanal philosophy that demands strict adherence to traditional and natural winemaking, thus ensuring that his wines showcase the best qualities of the grape and the terroir. This rare Beaujolais Blanc is an exciting Chardonnay that finds the perfect balance between the grape's bright tropical fruit notes and round, creamy texture. It marries zesty acidity with soft, subtle hints of toasty oak, making it a particular treat for salads, roast chicken, seafood, and light pastas. The 2009 Li Veli Passamante Salice Salentino ($11.99) is a delicious example of Puglia's much beloved Negroamaro grape. This is a very classically styled wine, with bright cherry notes balanced by hints of earth and spice. Its long, smooth finish and plush mouthfeel help to make this a perfect choice for serving alongside pizza and pasta dishes.
The 2009 First Press Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is a fine example of Napa Valley Cabernet. This hearty red is smooth and vibrant, offering plenty of forward black currant notes and red fruit that lead to the dry and earthy finish. This is classic Napa Valley fruit at its best, restrained yet lush and velvety, with neatly integrated tannins to add structure and length to the wine. It is the ideal match for roast beef, flank steak, or beef stew. February 18th Wine TastingFind out more about these and many other great wines by following the Wines Under $15 link here or on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, February 18th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample one of these very affordable wines, the 2009 First Press Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Sofia Thanisch Wine Dinner
Francos Wine Merchants and Chef Luis would like to invite you to a very special event this Monday night! Sofia Thanisch, owner of the world renowned Weingut Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch in Germany, will be hosting a wine dinner at Chef Luis restaurant. The event will begin at 7:00, with dinner being served at 7:30, on Monday February 13th. Call Chef Luis for reservations at 203-972-5847. The Thanisch estate was founded by Dr. Hugo Thanisch in 1895, and quickly developed a reputation for excellence. This reputation has been carefully nurtured through the use traditional and innovative winemaking methods, and focusing on the unique vineyards—including the famous Berncasteler Doctor and Bernkasteler Badstube. Current owner Sofia Thanisch, representing the fourth generation of female ownership, has continued to make great strides, as her wines continue to garner international acclaim. The sheer artistry of the Thanisch wines is evident in every bottle. They are uniformly excellent, demonstrating the versatility of Germany’s signature Riesling grape, and the influence a great vineyard has on a wine. So once again, please join us and Chef Luis as we celebrate the wines of Weingut Wwe Dr. H. Thanisch as presented by Sofia Thanisch. Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. Call Chef Luis for reservations at 203-972-5847.
We look forward to seeing you there.
The Franco Family
Francos February Specials
The Ground Hog has made his prediction, the Superbowl winner is determined, and we have an extra day in the month this year. So what better way to enjoy the solitude that is the rest of February than with some of the Cellar Specials here at Francos Wine Merchants? The 2009 Juan Gil ($14.99) is a delicious red wine from Jumilla in the south of Spain. Bodegas Juan Gil was founded in 1916, and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. Since then, the family has been dedicated to Jumilla's Monastrell grape, otherwise known as Mourvèdre. The wine is full and powerful, with smoky red fruit notes and excellent balance. It's perfect for hearty, warming meals such as roast beef or stew. The 2008 Casa al Vento Aria Chianti Classico ($16.99) is a sheer delight from one of Italy's most famous wine growing regions. The craftsmen at Casa al Vento are steadfast in their dedication to natural winemaking practices, and Aria is the great beneficiary of this philosophy. This delightful, smooth, elegant Chianti is lively and rich, with great depth and character, and a classic style that allows Tuscany's signature Sangiovese grape to shine. Bright cherry notes lead to a soft and lush palate, with a silky texture balanced by hints of spice at the finish. This is a great wine for pairing with baked pasta dishes.
The 2009 Bouley Bourgogne Rouge ($21.99) is a wonderful offering form Burgundy. The Bouley family has been making wine in Burgundy since the 16th century, and winemaker Jean-Marc Bouley intends to continue that long family tradition, having been joined by his son Thomas in 2003. Though Jean-Marc Bouley focuses primarily on his Pommard and Volnay wines, the modest Bourgogne is truly exceptional, as the Bouley family's artistry and dedication is clearly evident. This wine is an absolute delight, with a bright ruby color in the glass and floral aromas of fresh picked raspberry that betray the exquisite flavor profile. It is abundant in ripe, round fruit, with delicate berry notes balanced by lively acidity. This is an extremely versatile wine, just as well suited to serving alongside salads and poultry as beef or vegetable stews.
And with February 14th right around the corner, it's a great time to think about the right gift for your Valentine. And nothing is quite so romantic as the Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé ($61.99). This is, simply put, beautiful Champagne. It is elegant and refined, with all of the subtle berry notes and crisp, bright character that is indicative of great Rosé Champagne.
Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling the delicious 2009 Li Veli Passamante Salice Salentino ($11.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Superbowl Sunday Supplies
Whether you are a Giants fan, a Patriots fan or a commercial fan, Superbowl Sunday is your day. So, as you gather with friends to cheer on your favorite team, you'll find yourself reaching for a celebratory glass — and Francos Wine Merchants is stocked and ready with your Superbowl needs. The Marietta Old Vine Red Lot Number 56 ($13.99) is a big and bold wine comprised primarily of Zinfandel, and balanced by small amounts of Syrah and Petit Syrah. This is a rich and flavorful wine, with lush black fruit notes and lively hints of spice, and is particularly suited to serving with Buffalo wings and nachos and chili. The winemakers at Marietta Cellars have been dedicated to making great wines since the winery's founding in 1978, and the Old Vine Red stands as a testament to their ability.
The 2009 First Press Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is an excellent red wine from Napa Valley. This hearty Cabernet is flush with powerful black currant flavors balanced by a silky smooth texture and a long, earthy finish. This is ideal for steak and roast beef.
Of course no Superbowl Sunday is complete without Beer! Patriot fans can stock up on Sam Adams; Giants fans can try our Brooklyn ales; and those who have no allegiance to either team can stock up on many of our Micro-brews, Belgian ales, or Imported beers. Saturday February 4 Wine TastingPlease join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling the 2009 Cousiño-Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch
Nothing takes the chill off of January like a finely crafted Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. Here at Francos Wine Merchants we are extremely proud of our comprehensive selection of Single Malt Scotch, and we'd like to share a couple of our favorites with you. The Dalmore 12yr ($37.99) is an excellent Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. The distillery was established in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, of all things an opium merchant, and bought by the MacKenzie family in 1886. Since then, the distillers of The Dalmore have dedicated themselves to crafting excellent malt whiskies. They take the MacKenzie family motto, Luceo non Uro — I shine, not burn — to heart, and offer this exciting and flavorful scotch. The malt is deep and rich, benefiting from aging partly in sherry casks. It is an elegant whisky, with soft spice and subtle citrus notes, and a touch of smoke on the finish. The Dalwhinnie 15yr ($51.99) is a delicious offering from the Scottish Highlands. Nestled high among the mountains, the Dalwhinnie distillery takes great care and patience in crafting this gentle whisky. The malt is clean and smooth, with classic honeyed notes and soft peat smoke balanced by distinct yet restrained heather. The Dalwhinnie is a patient and subtle whisky, benefiting from 15 years in barrel to temper the intense Highland smoke. A dram of Dalwhinnie, shared with friends, is a perfect way to spend an evening. These are only two of the many Single Malts Scotches we have on sale this month To see the entire list, follow the Single Malt Scotch link here or on our home page.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Great Wines for Winter
With winter upon us, we turn to warming fare and casual wines, and we here at Francos Wine Merchants have some great choices to keep the cold from your bones. The 2010 Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay ($14.99) is an excellent white wine from California. The Wetzel Family were the first winemakers in the highly regarded Alexander Valley — indeed, the estate is at the old homestead of the valley's discoverer and namesake, Cyrus Alexander. Their Chardonnay is a testament to the unique style the valley offers. Here is a wine that is flush with vibrant notes of white fruit and citrus, balanced by toasty oak notes and rich, buttery texture. Its distinct mineral character, though, is what makes it so striking and versatile. The Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay is the perfect wine for serving alongside roast chicken and pork dishes, as well as creamy pastas.
The 2010 Pulenta Wines La Flor Malbec ($13.99) is a delightful offering from Mendoza. The estates have been owned and operated by the Pulenta family since the winery's inauguration in 1914, and La Flor certainly benefits from this adherence to tradition. This full-bodied wine benefits greatly from the rich history Malbec has enjoyed in Argentina. The classic notes of tobacco and licorice are on display here, but they are tempered by vibrancy characteristic of new world wines. Bright notes of plum and a silky smooth texture dominate the palate, while subtle earth notes and hints of soft spice provide a structured backbone. The long, smooth finish brings this beautiful wine to a close.
Find out more about these and many other great wines by following the Winter Wines link here or on our Home Page. Saturday, January 21, Wine TastingAnd please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2010 Trenel Saint-Véran ($19.99) and the 2009 First Press Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Francos January Specials
As we ease into the slower pace of January, our food and wine selections take an easier pace as well. We have a selection of such wines as our Cellar Specials for January, here at Francos Wine Merchants. The 2009 Cazin Le Petit Chambord Cour-Cheverny ($14.99) is a fantastic white wine from the Loire Valley. François Cazin is a champion of the rare Romorantin grape of Cour-Cheverny, and devotes himself to this unique and exciting varietal. By harvesting by hand from vines averaging 40 years of age, and adhering to natural winemaking practices, Cazin ensures the wine displays its distinctly floral citrus notes and crisp mineral character.
The 2010 Trenel Saint-Véran ($19.99) is a delightful white Burgundy. The Saint-Véran appellation is fairly young, having been established in 1971, and having been necessitated by the distinct style expressed by wines from the region. Trenel offers a generous and floral wine, with lively fruit notes balanced by a pleasant roundness and bright acidity at the finish. It is a wine that is particularly well suited to serving alongside white meats and chicken dishes.
The 2009 Vietti Dolcetto d'Alba Tre Vigne ($16.99) is an excellent red wine from Piedmont in the north of Italy. The winemakers at Vietti have long maintained a reputation for excellence, and the Dolcetto demonstrates why this is this case. This earthy, dry wine is particularly food friendly, thanks to its forward berry notes and subtle hints of almond, and pairs well alongside pastas and pizza. The 2009 First Press Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is a great offering from Napa Valley. This robust red wine displays the intense black fruit notes for which Cabernet Sauvignon is so highly regarded. Full-bodied, yet balanced by soft earth notes and a long, dry finish, First Press is a great choice for pairing with hearty beef dishes. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. Saturday, January 14, Wine Tasting
And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2009 Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico ($11.99) and the Marietta Old Vine Red Lot Number 56 ($13.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Winter Wines
The New Year has arrived with a chill, and the holiday season of large parties and rich foods has passed. Cold winter nights call for easy drinking wines paired with hearty comfort food in front of a warm fire with a few friends - and we have some truly excellent choices for you here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2010 Loring Wine Company Parmelee-Hill Vineyard Chardonnay ($44.99) is a delicious, full-bodied white wine from California. Winemaker Brian Loring is an avowed fan of big, buttery Chardonnay with distinct notes of toasty oak, and the Parmelee-Hill delivers on all counts. Here is a rich and flavorful wine that does not sacrifice subtlety for intensity. Rather, it perfectly integrates soft tropical fruit and enticing hints of butterscotch, and balances them with underlying oak notes. It is the ideal wine to serve alongside hearty pastas and roast chicken dishes. The 2009 Château Cap de Faugeres Cotes de Castillon ($23.99) is a remarkable Bordeaux. This deep, dark wine is silky smooth and delightfully fragrant. Its inky purple hue and aromatic bouquet of plum and rich black fruit betray intense and lively flavors that are balanced by soft earth notes and velvety tannins. Cap de Faugeres revels in its playfully forward fruit and succulent texture, making it a great choice for pairing with hearty beef and game dishes.
Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the Winter Wines link here or on our Home Page. Saturday, January 7, Wine TastingAnd please join us this Saturday, January 7th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample the delicious 2009 Vietti Dolcetto d'Alba Tre Vigne ($16.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Holiday Hours, Tasting & Champagne for New Year's Eve
It's time to celebrate the close of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, and that means Champagne. We have what you need to celebrate New Year's Eve in style, here at Francos Wine Merchants. We will be open today, December 31st, from 8:00AM to 7:00PM, for your New Year's needs. Please be aware that in accordance with Connecticut State Liquor Laws, we will be closed on January 1st and January 2nd. Krug Grande Cuvée ($131.99) is one way to celebrate in style! This phenomenal wine is one of the world's finest Champagnes. Krug is rich and creamy, definitively elegant and refined, with unrivaled length and precision. Small wonder, then, that the House of Krug is one of the crown jewels of Champagne. The Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé ($61.99) is sure to make an impression. Here is a beautiful and decadent wine rife with red fruit notes balanced by excellent structure and a gripping finish. There is nothing quite like sharing Rosé Champagne with friends in the throes of celebration.
The 2007 Domaine Carneros by Taittinger ($20.99) is a delicious sparkling wine from California. Owned and produced by Champagne Taittinger, this dry wine is made in the traditional Champagne style. It is a festive and lively offering, with crispness balanced by forward fruit notes that help make Domaine Carneros a real crowd pleaser.
Brut Champagne is likewise an exceptional choice to help ring in the New Year. The elegant and refined wines from Champagne have long been hailed as the hallmark of a truly successful gathering, with a rich history of being favored by kings and empires. The Taittinger Brut La Francaise ($39.99) is a delightful offering form Reims in Champagne. It is razor sharp and precise, with beautiful fruit notes and a long, crisp finish. The Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99) is instantly recognizable and always welcome, thanks to its bright character, creamy texture, and lingering finish.
Find out more about these great wines by following the Champagne and Other White Sparkling links on our Home Page. And please join us today, Saturday, between 1:00 and 5:00, as we sample the 2006 Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99). Find out more by following our Wine Tastings link. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. Happy New Year!
The Franco Family
Holiday Wrap-up at Francos Wine Merchants
The week is coming to a close and the 25th is almost here! So, if you have either some gifts left on your list, or need some wines to pair with your holiday menu, Francos Wine Merchants is here to help. Francos Wine Merchants will be open on December 24th - Christmas Eve - until 5:00 PM. We will be closed per Connecticut State Liquor Law on Christmas day, December 25th, as well as Monday December 26th as it is the Federal Holiday.
Ham, goose, or a holiday roast, on the menu? Either of these wines are sure to be a big hit with family and friends. The 2009 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($29.99) is a delicious white wine from California. This flavorful offering from David Ramey is elegant and refined, with inviting notes of floral tropical fruit balanced neatly by a well-integrated and persistent backbone of warm toasty oak. Its creamy texture and long, clean finish is decadent and pleasurable, and perfect for the holiday table. The 2009 Drew Fog-Eater Pinot Noir ($38.99) hails from Anderson Valley in California. This is a fantastic offering from Jason Drew, who focuses on the monumental influence the terroir has on a wine. As such, this very limited production is concentrated and precise, and unique to Anderson Valley. Fog-Eater is a subtle affair, with soft cherry notes and beautiful earthy aromas that betray remarkable depth and structure. This is a beautiful wine that is best enjoyed surrounded by loved ones. Find out more about these and many other great choices by following the Christmas Wines link here or on our Home Page. Need a Port or Single Malt Scotch for a gift or just something nice to end your holiday meal? Be sure to check out both our "Port" and "Single Malt Scotch" links here or on our Home Page for some excellent choices. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. Happy Holidays from the Franco Family.
The Franco Family
Gifts of Wine for the HolidaysWe are down to the final week of shopping and if you need some last minute gift ideas, we have some here at Francos Wine Merchants.
A great single malt scotch is always an excellent choice for the holidays. You can click here to see our "Single Malt Scotch" list, but we would like to highlight the Glenfarclas 25yr ($129.99). The Glenfarclas distillery is one of the few distilleries in the Scottish Highlands that is still family owned and operated. For six generations, since 1865, the Grant family has been dedicated to crafting the finest single malt possible. The success of this excellent malt whisky stems from the Grant family's adherence to tradition; indeed, every expression of Glenfarclas displays the classic and unique Speyside character. The 25 Years Old is truly exceptional, with intense and full flavors of sherry and oak that are perfectly balanced by subtle nutty smoke.
A great port, likewise, is also an ideal gift. The 1994 Graham Vintage Port ($105.99) is a truly exceptional offering from one of the oldest and greatest Port houses. The Graham family has been making port since 1820, and has set and maintained a standard for excellence. Their 1994 offering is exemplary of the house style. It is concentrated and powerful, decadently rich, and pervasively elegant. Its remarkable longevity ensures it can be enjoyed for many years to come. To view our entire list of Port On Sale– Click here. The spirit of celebration is best represented by fine Champagne, and none more so than the Krug Grande Cuvée ($131.99). This extraordinary wine is one of the best in the world, thanks in no small part to its uniquely rich and flavorful character. The success of the Krug Grande Cuvée stems from the winemaking method. Rather than vintage dating the wine, Krug is made by blending a selection of the finest grade wines from many different vintages to ensure the best possible bottling. To purchase the Krug Grande Cuvée click on the wine name or image here; to purchase any of our other Champagnes, click our "Champagne" link.
The 1998 Château d'Yquem ($424.99) is one of the finest wines in the world. With a rich history reaching back to the sixteenth century, it is a product of ingenuity and tradition unlike any other. The "noble rot" that affects the grapes during harvest imparts the incredible character to the wine. It is rich and flavorful, with soft hints of citrus and toasty vanilla. Château d'Yquem is the essence of elegance.
A phenomenal red wine also makes a truly compelling gift, especially those excellent offerings from Napa Valley in California. The 2007 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon ($239.99) is one such wine. Celebrating the 25th vintage of this seminal wine, it is an astounding offering that firmly cements Shafer as one of the finest producers in the Napa Valley. The 2008 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($134.99) is a delicious offering that offers elegance, depth, and structure. This phenomenal wine is a great choice for any collector or enthusiast. Once again, you can view all these gift suggestions by clicking on the Christmas Wines, Port, and Champagne links on our Home Page.
The Franco Family
Krug Grande Cuvée Tasting & Holiday Deadlines
Celebrate the holidays with Krug Grande Cuvée here at Francos Wine Merchants.
Join us this Saturday, December 17th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we sample one of the world's finest Champagnes. Our host, Mr. Franck Girard, Northeast Brand Manager for Krug Champagne, will be pouring this seminal wine so why not come and experience what has made Krug the #1 Champagne for 17 years in a row? It has earned a 95 point rating from the Wine Spectator as well as being listed among their "Top 10 Best Champagnes".
Krug Grande Cuvée ($131.99) is a wine like no other; its quality and elegance clearly evident and unmistakable. After one sip, it is easy to see how it came about its reputation. Krug Grand Cuvée is blended from only the best Grand Cru wines from the best vintages. Its nutty aromas echo on the palate, which is full and rich, and balanced by persistent yet subtle notes of vanilla and toasty oak. The bright flavors and long dry finish help make this a wine to elevate any occasion. The house of Champagne Krug was established in 1843 by Johann-Joseph Krug, and since those days the wines have always been made by the Krug family. The current winemaker, Henri Krug, has been particularly influential since he took over in 1962. Part of what makes Krug Champagne so distinctive is the house's insistence on allowing fermentation of the wine to occur in small oak barrels. This little-used practice ensures the wines present a uniquely rich and creamy style. So please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, as we sample this extraordinary Champagne. If you are unable to join us, you can always order Krug Grande Cuvée thru our Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. Holiday Delivery DeadlinesPlease note that the last guaranteed date for delivery by December 25th for FedEx packages is today, Friday, December 16th; place your orders by 2PM and we'll be able to get them out by the deadline this afternoon. The last guaranteed date for local deliveries before Christmas is Tuesday, December 20th. Don't delay if you want to send a wine gift!
The Franco Family
Francos December Specials
We are kicking off our 78th Holiday Season with our "Ring it In" Sale with savings on everything from Wine, Port, & Champagne to Single Malt Scotch and Spirits. Our December Sale features four exciting Cellar Specials that are great gift ideas as well as great suggestions for your holiday table.
The 2009 Jadot Beaune Clos des Ursules ($58.99) is a testament to this great vintage, and an exceptional offering from one of Burgundy's most estimable producers. The Clos des Ursules is one of the best offerings in the expansive Louis Jadot portfolio, and it is very easy to see how this delectable wine came about its reputation. Its forward notes of red and black fruit are kept neatly in balance by the classic barnyard and game aromatics. On the palate, the wine is a pure delight, seeping elegance and finesse, and leading to a gripping and memorable finish.
The 2007 Domaine Carneros by Taittinger ($20.99) is a delightful sparkling wine from California. It is invitingly aromatic, with notes of citrus and spice that echo on the palate and lead to a long, creamy finish. Domaine Carneros has long been touted as a hallmark for Californian sparkling wine. Claude Taittinger himself famously proclaimed his faith in the future of American wines, and the 2007 proves once again that his trust was and is well founded. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page, or in the Tuesday December 13th edition of the Wall Street Journal "Greater New York" section. Or you may view a PDF of our Latest Newspaper Ad here.
The Franco Family
Holiday Gift Ideas from Francos Wine Merchants
The Holiday Shopping Season is upon us and as things get a little hectic, Francos Wine Merchants would like to help you out with some great gift-giving suggestions. It's also a great chance to preview our December "Ring it In" Holiday Sale which will be in the Tuesday December 13th Edition of the Wall Street Journal. Our store is already priced for this sale, so why not take advantage? Click here to view a PDF of Tuesday's ad.
One of our most popular gifts during the holiday season is our Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99). Do you need to send it as a gift to a friend, relative or colleague? If so, you can send a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label anywhere in the contiguous United States for only $49.99, and this special price includes ground shipping! There is nothing quite like a glass of Port after dinner on a cold winter night and we have some spectacular Port offerings here at Francos Wine Merchants. Whether you are looking for a bottle of Port for your own cellar or perhaps to select a special bottle as a gift to a friend or co-worker, you can check out the Port link here or on our home page to see our list of Vintage and Tawny Ports many of which are on sale now. Not quite sure what to give? Why not leave the selection up to the staff at Francos? Send a mixed case of 6 or 12 bottles at a price that fits your budget. Click on our Mixed Case link to see our price points and combinations, and learn more about this easy gift-giving idea. Is there a Single Malt Scotch drinker on your list? If so, be sure to check out our Single Malt Scotch list. From the main stream to the unusual, there are many choices to ponder. And of course our gift suggestions would not be complete without a considering a wine from our 2009 Jadot Burgundy list; 2009 is one of the most exceptional vintages ever turned out in Burgundy. Lastly, whether you are looking for a wine to go with any of your meals over the holiday, or as a gift to someone who might enjoy a special wine with their holiday meal, be sure to check out our Christmas Wines link for a list of wines that we here at Francos think you should consider. We hope to see you online or in our store soon.
The Franco Family
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FrancosWine
Vintage Port Tasting
Port makes a great gift for the holidays, and we've got some fantastic choices for you to consider, here at Francos Wine Merchants. And what better way to review these choices then to taste them for yourself? Join us this Saturday, December 10th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we sample a fine selection of wines from some of the great Port houses. Our host, Lars Guy of Kobrand Corporation, will be pouring from some of the best wines in his portfolio.
The House of Croft has been involved in the Port world since that wine's earliest days, in 1588. Since then, the Croft name has been synonymous with excellence; John Croft's 1788 Treatise on the Wines of Portugal is still considered a hugely influential document. The long success of the House of Croft stems in part from the ownership of some of the finest estates in Portugal's Douro Valley. Their esteemed vintage wines are among the finest in the world, maintaining a distinctly full richness balanced by excellent structure and depth. The 2003 Croft ($72.99) is robust and flavorful, and the bright2009 Croft ($71.99) presents a smooth, silky texture that is unforgettable.
Fonseca, one of the most well-known and highly regarded houses of Port, was founded in 1822 by Manoel Pedro Guimaraens. Since then, every vintage has been made by a member of the Guimaraens family, with current winemaker David Guimaraens using all the history, tradition, and innovation passed down to him to craft some of the greatest wines Fonseca has celebrated. The 2000 Fonseca ($95.99) is a testament to this legendary craftsmanship; it is full and dark yet perfectly balanced. The 2009 Fonseca ($99.99) is likewise exceptional, and is a wonderful choice for enjoying in the decades to come.
Join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, as we sample these phenomenal wines. Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. And see the many other great offerings we have by following the Port link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FrancosWine
Pouring Champagne all Weekend Long!
This weekend kicks off the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll, and Francos Wine Merchants is celebrating its 78th Year with two exciting Champagne Tastings! Join us this Friday from 6:00-8:00PM when Elm Street is closed to vehicular traffic and becomes ablaze with the illumination of the holiday lights. Then, as soon as the lights are lit, stop by Francos Wine Merchants as we sample Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99), hosted by Aygline Pechdo, Regional Marketing Manager for Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99) is the fine product of a long and rich history. The Champagne house was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, but it was not until 1805, when he left the enterprise to his widow — the eponymous Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin — that the house achieved its legendary status. Madame Clicquot's guidance would establish the Champagne as the wine of kings and empires. The great lady not only greatly influenced the aristocracy, she also revolutionized the Méthode Champenoise, creating what is now considered to be the first modern Champagne. Since then, the distinctive Yellow Label marks the wine as one of the world's truly great Champagnes, a wine that is elegant and refined, ideal for any occasion.
The Moët & Chandon Impérial ($40.99) is a delicious offering from one of the world's most prominent Champagne houses. Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, and grew in repute during the reign of Louis XV. In the 1800s, with Napoleon's full support and endorsement, the Champagne reached an unfathomable level of celebrity. So influential was Napoleon that the Moët & Chandon Impérial is named in his honor. The wine is lively and flavorful, with great structure and precision, and is eminently pleasurable. Join us this weekend as we sample these remarkable Champagnes. You can order these wines as well as read about all our upcoming tastings by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
Free Shipping Thru Cyber Monday
What better way to start off your Holiday Shopping than with Free Shipping from Francos Wine Merchants? From now thru Monday November 28th, Francos Wine Merchants will be offering Free Ground Shipping via FedEx for all orders placed thru our website. This promotion applies to all FedEx Ground Shipping in the continuous United States and Hawaii – and does not include any Express, Overnight or International orders. You, as an email subscriber, are among the first to know! Whether you need to stock up on some of our Single Malt Scotch, or perhaps take advantage of our Spirits at Cost Sale, it's a great way to save! In addition, we have just received a large shipment of Port which you might want to consider for the upcoming holiday table. Also our "Harvest & Hospitality" Sale is still going on, and you can still view the PDF of our ad in the Wall Street Journal. Also, for all you Saturday Shoppers, please join us this Saturday November 26th between 1:00 and 5:00, for our Weekly Wine Tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2010 Borghero Gavi ($12.99) and the 2009 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino ($22.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
Wines for Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is here! And if you still have not thought about what wines you will be serving with your Thanksgiving dinner, Francos Wine Merchants is here to help with some excellent choices. The 2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau ($8.99) has arrived just in time for Thanksgiving. This fun, lively wine celebrates the new vintage, and is best served with a slight chill. Its bright, light-bodied fruit makes it perfect for serving as an aperitif. The 2009 Brewer-Clifton Sea Smoke Chardonnay ($52.99) is a delicious white wine from California's Santa Rita Hills. Though the Sea Smoke vineyard is primarily dedicated to the Pinot Noir grape, there is a very small parcel of land reserved for Chardonnay. The wine is thus unique, with notes of green apple and lemongrass that lead to a very bright and clean finish.
The 2009 Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir ($21.99) is an exceptional offering from one of California's most well regarded producers. Here is a lively and elegant wine, with ample red fruit notes balanced by floral hints of spice. The juicy palate and long, easy finish makes it a particular treat. The 2008 Neely Hidden Block Pinot Noir ($35.99) is a real delight from the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. Rich and flavorful, with intense black fruit notes and soft earthy spice, yet delicate and elegantly structured, it is a great wine to serve with food. Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the Thanksgiving Wines link here or on our Home Page. Holiday Hours: Francos Wine Merchants will be open our regular hours Monday-Wednesday, 8:00AM-8:00PM. But please be aware that we will be Closed Thanksgiving Day in accordance with Connecticut State Liquor Laws. We hope to see you online or in our store soon.
The Franco Family
Great Wines for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and while there is still food shopping to be done, menus to finalize, and tables to set, the staff at Francos Wine Merchants is ready to help you pair some great wines with your turkey. And what better way to do that, than stopping by our Saturday Wine Tasting? Join us this Saturday, November 19th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample a selection of great wines that seem tailor made for Thanksgiving dinner. Our host, Alex Meier-Tomkins of Slocum & Sons, will be offering some great choices from his portfolio. The 2009 William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis ($19.99) is a delightful white Burgundy from one of the region's most prolific and well-regarded producers. Champs Royaux expresses the unique flinty, mineral style of Chablis, while maintaining a bright and lively profile of white tropical fruit. Its crisp finish keeps it refreshing and elegant. The 2008 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay ($44.99) is an exceptional white wine, indicative of the unique California style. Here is a Napa Valley Chardonnay that expresses the pure California fruit, tinged with subtle honey and pear notes, soft citrus, and a gentle oak finish. The 2009 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir ($28.99) is made by Mount Eden Vineyards, and is a great example of the wines from California's Santa Cruz Mountains. It is dark and earthy, with spicy red cherry notes and a smooth, elegant texture. Domaine Eden's intense flavor and light body will make it an ideal complement to any meal.
David Phinney of Orrin Swift has outdone himself with the 2010 The Prisoner ($39.99). This hearty, expressive red — a blend comprised primarily of Zinfandel, backed by Cabernet Sauvignon, and traces of Syrah, Petite Syrah, Charbono, and Grenache — is a huge wine with great depth and structure. Its rich, dark fruit notes and intense spice make it perfect for a big, flavorful meal. The 2007 Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon ($28.99) also benefits from the philosophy of the winemakers at Mount Eden Vineyards. Characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this is a full-bodied red wine that balances rich black currant notes with a long, earthy finish. The 2009 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($65.99) is an astonishing offering from one of California's premier winemakers. Caymus is a rich and complex wine, balancing black fruit flavors with subtle hints of licorice and toasty oak. Its full body and gripping finish will cement Caymus as the centerpiece of any occasion. Join us in sampling these great wines this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00. You may order these wines as well as view our other upcoming tastings by following our Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon.
The Franco Family
Schramsberg Sparkling Wine Tasting
Our Harvest & Hospitality Sale starts off this week with a special mid-week Wine Tasting and our Thanksgiving ad in the Wall Street Journal. Our November Sale breaks with a full page ad in the Tuesday November 15th edition of the Wall Street Journal's "Greater New York" section. Click here or in the right-hand column of our Home Page to view a PDF of the ad. Then, please join us this Thursday, November 17th, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, as we sample some truly great sparkling wines. Our host, Trudy Meyer, Key Accounts Manager for Eder Brothers, will be pouring sparkling wines from the Schramsberg portfolio. Schramsberg is synonymous with California wine, having been founded in 1862 by Jacob Schram. The vineyard was even named an historical site in 1957. In 1965, the winery was purchased by the Davies family, and quickly moved to the upper echelons of American winemaking. To this day, the Schramsberg wines are considered the finest sparkling wines in the country, and among the finest in the world. The 2008 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs ($29.99) is a delicious wine, every bit as exciting and influential as the first bottling over forty years ago. It was the first sparkling wine produced by Schramsberg, and it set a precedent for excellence that it maintains or surpasses today. Here is a crisp and dry wine, with vibrant fruit notes and a persistent fresh character. Its long dry finish ensures it will remain as elegant as it is memorable. The 2007 Schramsberg Blanc De Noirs ($29.99) is the counterpart of the Blanc de Blancs. The Blanc de Noirs is made from the Pinot Noir grape, and adheres strictly to the Méthode Champenoise. The wine is elegance itself, dry yet flavorful, with great balance and structure. It is truly harmonious, and is sure to please even the most discerning palate. The 2007 Schramsberg Brut Rosé ($29.99) is the essence of artistry, a testament to the dedication and ability of the Davies family. It is refreshing and lively, a wine of substance and vivacity that enriches any occasion. The sparkling rosé requires great care and commitment to craft, but a sure and gentle hand will ensure it expresses great character. Here is a monumental example, and proof that Schramsberg's well-earned reputation shall remain untarnished. You may order these wines as well as view our other upcoming tastings by following our Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
Francos November Specials
November is upon us and Thanksgiving is almost here and menu planning is in the air! Of course once your menu is set, your mind turns to the thought of what wine to serve. Francos Wine Merchants has the answer to that question and what better way to start than with our November Cellar Specials? The 2009 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino ($22.99) is an elegant wine from Tuscany. A fine example of the much beloved Sangiovese grape, this Rosso di Montalcino is essentially a baby Brunello with less barrel aging. Here is a beautiful wine with a silky texture and ample red fruit notes, perfect for the turkey. The 2009 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Pinot Noir ($51.99) is the flagship wine of the Brewer-Clifton portfolio. It is opulent and flavorful, opening with a rush of black fruit that leads to a long, spicy finish. It is a shining example of the unique character that California’s Santa Rita Hills will impart on a wine. The 2010 The Prisoner ($39.99) is a huge wine, bursting with flavor yet maintaining a persistent elegance throughout. It is a blend comprised primarily of Zinfandel, with all the bold spice and black fruit that entails. A backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and depth, while Syrah, Petite Syrah, Charbono, and Grenache help maintain balance and focus. This is a big wine that is the perfect complement for a big meal. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. Also, please keep an eye out for our full page ad in the Tuesday November 15th edition of the Wall Street Journal where we will have all our November Specials listed. If you are in town on this weekend, please join us this Saturday, November 12th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample the 2009 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Pinot Noir ($51.99) and the 2009 Manciat Mâcon Charnay ($18.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
German & Austrian Wine Tasting
We are thrilled to see the arrival of some of our favorite wines for the fall, here at Francos Wine Merchants. With the holiday rapidly approaching, it's never too early to start thinking about your food and wine pairings. And, what better way to start your search than with a Wine Tasting? Join us this Saturday, November 5th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we sample a selection of delicious Austrian and German wines alongside our host, Eric Litchfield, Import Sales Director for Slocum & Sons. The wines from Germany and Austria have traditionally been perfectly suited for pairing with hearty autumn and winter menus, and Mr. Litchfield will be sharing some of his favorite offerings for the season. The 2008 Eder Grüner Veltliner ($10.99) is a friendly white wine from Austria's prestigious Wachau valley. Here is a wine that expresses the character of Austria's signature white varietal. It is crisp and dry, with lively floral notes and a mouth-filling texture. Flavors of white fruit and the bright acidity at the finish help make this wine a great choice for casual menus. The 2010 Felsner Grüner Veltliner Lössterrassen ($14.99) is an elegant offering from the Kremstal region of Austria. The grapes are grown in terraced vineyards to ensure the wine retains a distinctly mineral quality. This provides a fine balance to Grüner Veltliner's characteristic green apple and delicate citrus notes. The Lössterrassen is a refreshing wine that shows particularly well alongside light fare such as salads and white fish dishes. The 2009 Mosbacher Riesling Kabinett Trocken ($19.99) is an astonishing wine that shatters any preconceptions of the Riesling grape. Georg Mosbacher produces this bracingly crisp and dry wine that nonetheless retains the flavorful hints of honeysuckle and lemongrass for which Germany's Riesling Kabinett is so well-regarded, but balanced by an inviting mineral quality. It is a great wine to serve alongside the likes of glazed ham or roast pork.
The 2008 Wehrheim Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling Kabinett ($13.99) is a unique and exciting wine from the German Rheinhessen. It is a smoky, mineral wine with great structure and depth, and a persistent finish. The volcanic soil used in Eugen Wehrheim's vineyards allows the wine to maintain a distinct character, making it perfect for serving alongside roast game dishes. The 2009 Eder Federspiel Riesling ($17.99) hails from the Wachau Valley in Austria. Wachau is the most highly regarded region of Austria, and with good reason, as the Federspiel demonstrates. Here is a striking white wine with a beautiful, fruit-driven palate and lingering finish that is perfect for flavorful spiced dishes. The 2009 Diehl Spätburgunder ($13.99) is an excellent Pinot Noir from Pfalz in Germany. It is a vibrant and flavorful red wine, with inviting aromas of ripe cherry and soft earth that echo on the palate. Its inviting fruit and long, smooth finish make it ideal for a wide variety of dishes, from pan-seared salmon to roast lamb chops. So please join us on Saturday afternoon as we sample these extraordinary wines alongside our host, Eric Litchfield. You can always keep current with our upcoming events - or order these wines - by following the Wine Tastings link here, or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
Fall Wine Tasting
Fall has arrived and, as our menus turn towards heartier dishes, we have some delicious wines that will pair up well with your autumn entrees. Join us this Saturday, October 29th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we sample a selection of red wines that will prove to be ideal for all your autumn menus. Our host, Deborah Bazzano-Banhos, Vice President of Sales for Do Valle Imports & Distribution, will be showcasing some truly splendid wines from her portfolio. The 2010 Tabalí Reserva Especial Pinot Noir ($18.99) is a true delight from Chile. It is a classically styled wine, benefiting from Limarí Valley's elevation and unique soil. Its bright, forward notes of ripe cherry lead to a smooth mouth-feel and lingering finish, with soft, well-integrated tannins complementing the subtle hints of earth and spice. It is a great choice for serving alongside light fare such as poached salmon. The 2008 Domaine Alain Assadet Menetou-Salon ($18.99) is an excellent Pinot Noir from France's Loire Valley. Though the Loire is most well known for white wines, including those from Sancerre, the reds offer a unique and exciting character unlike any other. Assadet has taken full advantage of this by crafting a Pinot Noir that is lively and vivacious, with elegant notes of red berry and a pervading, earthy style. It is perfect for the likes of herbed lamb chops. The 2008 Château de Minière Bourgueil ($15.99) hails from the Loire Valley, and is a classic expression of Cabernet Franc. A delicate wine that nonetheless offers a wellspring of bright fruit balanced by the grape's characteristic flavors of green pepper and a distinct herbaceous streak, it is ideally suited to serving alongside flavorful dishes such as vegetable lasagna. The 2008 Domaine des Gardioles Corbières ($10.99) is an excellent offering from the Languedoc-Roussillon. It is comprised of Grenache and Carignan, and thus expresses a full and vibrant style. Its forward notes of red fruit and spice lead to a long, clean finish, making it a great match for hearty casual fare such as roast beef dishes. The 2007 Château Godeau Saint-Émilion ($29.99) is an exceptional Grand Cru from Bordeaux. Full-bodied and flavorful, it balances floral notes with intense bramble fruit. Precise and elegantly structured, it is the perfect choice for serving alongside filet mignon. So please join us on Saturday afternoon as we sample these extraordinary wines alongside our host, Deborah Bazzano-Banhos. You can always keep current with our upcoming events by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
New Scotch Whisky
We here at Francos Wine Merchants are proud of our expansive selection of Scotch Whiskies, and we are thrilled to share two of our new favorites with you. The Tomatin 12yr ($32.99) is an excellent single malt from the Highlands of Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1897 and boasts one of the highest elevations, giving the whisky a character all its own. Here is a delicate malt that is at once rich and mellow, benefiting greatly from its being finished in Spanish sherry casks. Its mild peat and lively fruit, balanced by soft nutty flavors, ultimately offer a deeply satisfying dram. The Compass Box Great King St. Artist's Blend ($33.99) is a delicious Scotch whisky. The Great King St. line from Compass Box is dedicated to the art of blending whiskies to provide a wholly unique style. The blending of single malt and single grain whiskies ensure the Artist's Blend displays all of the best character possible. It is rich and elegant, full-bodied and flavorful, with soft spice and hints of vanilla and apple leading to a long, warm finish. Find out more about these and our many other great whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy Tasting
We here at Francos Wine Merchants have been thrilled with the arrival of the 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy, and we would like to invite you to the second of our two part Wine Tasting series to sample the incredible wines from this outstanding vintage. Join us this Saturday, October 22nd, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for a special wine tasting hosted by Mr. Lars Guy of Kobrand Corporation. Mr. Guy will be offering a comprehensive selection of the extraordinary 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy. 2009 was an exceptional year in Burgundy, and particularly advantageous to the master winemakers of Maison Louis Jadot. Conditions were ideal, and in fact nearly perfect, for the vineyards to thrive. The clement weather in the month of August in particular provided a pleasant surprise, in contrast to the accepted wisdom; they say August makes the must, after all, and this rare dry August allowed for a more patient and careful harvesting season. The wines, appropriately, benefited greatly from the excellent season, and are beautiful now and will prove to be exquisite as they age. So please join us on Saturday, between 1:00 and 5:00, as we sample a selection of these astonishing wines. Among the wines we'll be offering will be the 2009 Jadot Puligny-Montrachet ($56.99), an elegant and rich white that expresses the terroir's characteristic flavors and depth, and the 2009 Jadot Volnay Clos de la Barre ($57.99), with its lively style and excellent structure. You can always keep current with our upcoming events by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
Francos October Specials
The crisp fall weather has arrived, and what better way to welcome Autumn then with some wines to warm up those chilly nights ahead? We have some phenomenal wines as our October Cellar Specials, and we’re looking forward to sharing them with you here at Francos Wine Merchants. The 2009 Vietti Dolcetto d'Alba Tre Vigne ($16.99) is an absolutely remarkable red wine from Piedmont. The winemakers at Vietti are consummate masters, and the exceptional quality of this Dolcetto is a testament to their craft. Here is a wine that is deep and dark and dry, with gripping notes of black fruit and subtle hints of almond. With its flavorful profile and lean weight, the Dolcetto is perfect for casual autumn menus, and pairs well alongside the likes of vegetable lasagna. The 2007 Château Godeau Saint-Émilion ($29.99) is a beautiful and elegant Grand Cru from Bordeaux. A full expression of Saint-Émilion wine, Château Godeau opens with a rush of black fruit and spice, while the palate sees a distinct underlying smokiness to balance the intense flavors. Full-bodied, and with a dry, gripping finish, this is the perfect choice for hearty fall dishes like roasted venison.
The 2011 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99) is an exquisite offering from Marlborough in New Zealand. The Cloudy Bay vineyards have been incredibly influential in the growing interest in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and it is easy to see why this should be the case. As one of the very first wines to come out of Marlborough, and to receive great recognition, Cloudy Bay helped establish the New Zealand style. The wine is crisp and dry, yet expresses the beautiful citrus and grapefruit notes for which Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is so highly regarded. It is perfect for light and flavorful dishes, such as a spicy Asian salad. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family
2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy Tasting
The seminal 2009 vintage of Louis Jadot Burgundy has arrived, and if you want to see the largest single store shipment of the 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy in North America, you can see it here at Francos Wine Merchants! Join us this Saturday, October 15th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for a very special wine tasting, hosted by Philippe Marchal, French Wine Director for Kobrand Wine & Spirits. Among the wines we will be tasting will be the 2009 Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet ($50.99) an exciting and flavorful white that balances rich fruit notes and a mouth-filling palate with a long and dry finish, and the 2009 Jadot Nuits-Saint-Georges ($47.99) with its ripe red fruit and silky smooth finish. As we celebrate the arrival of the 2009 Maison Louis Jadot Burgundies, our pre-arrival pricing will remain in effect until October 31st. You can view our entire list by clicking on our 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy link, and get a sneak peek of our upcoming sale by viewing a PDF of our latest newspaper ad which will run in the Greater New York Section of the Tuesday October 18th edition of the Wall Street Journal. Maison Louis Jadot has provided a high watermark of quality since 1826, when the Jadot family purchased their first Premier Cru vineyard. In 1859, Patriarch Louis Henry Denis Jadot officially founded Maison Louis Jadot with a focus on expanding the négociant business. Today, the wines of Louis Jadot range across 154 hectares of Burgundy, representing every facet of the wide variety of Burgundian wine. The winemakers at Maison Louis Jadot have for many years focused on traditional methods of viticulture, going so far as to occasionally use horses to work the fields. They have banned the use of chemicals in the vineyards, and focus on fermenting the wines with wild yeasts to best represent each terroir. Such is their dedication to their craft that the grapes are hand harvested to ensure the quality of the wine. So please join us and our host, Philippe Marchal, in sampling the extraordinary 2009 vintage of Louis Jadot Burgundy. We hope to see you online or in our store soon.
The Franco Family
2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy Has Arrived!
Nothing represents the arrival of Autumn more than the release of the fabulous wines of Louis Jadot — and Francos Wine Merchants is the first store in the entire Northeast to receive this much touted 2009 Louis Jadot Vintage from Burgundy! The wines are literally being unloaded from the truck as we write this email. Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault and more villages of Burgundy are represented in this unprecedented shipment. The 2009 vintage of Louis Jadot Burgundy is truly exceptional! It is being hailed as one of the great vintages, and the wines are sure to be memorable. (Pictured and linked are just four of the wines; check the full list to see all the wines available).
Francos Wine Merchants has the largest single store shipment of 2009 Jadot Burgundy in North America. The reason for our position is you, and your loyalty. This is not a position pulled out of the air; it is a position that we have worked towards each and every day. For those of you who have pre-ordered these wines, your orders will be shipped out within the next few days. And for those of you who have not yet ordered, the pre-order pricing will remain in effect until October 31st. We will be conducting In-Store Tastings of these 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy on successive Saturdays — the 15th and 22nd of October. A more detailed email will be sent out on each of these tastings as the time arrives, and details will be posted on the Wine Tastings page of our web site. Please stop in this weekend to visit us and see this amazing selection of wines. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Great Deals from France
As the season changes so do our menus, and so do our wines. We look, in particular, for more full-bodied reds to accommodate bigger meals on cooler evenings. And so we here at Francos Wine Merchants have picked out some great deals for your everyday needs. The 2009 Château de Costis ($10.99) is an elegant and flavorful offering from the heart of Entre-Deux-Mers in Bordeaux. Soft and smooth, it balances aromatic red berry notes with subtle hints of earth. With its velvety texture and lively, easy finish, it is perfectly suited to serving alongside hearty pastas and poultry. The 2009 Château La Croix du Duc ($9.99) hails also from Bordeaux and displays a lush, fruit-driven style. It is a full-bodied, mouth-filling wine that offers intense aromas of black fruit, currant, and plum. These notes echo on the palate, which leads to the lingering finish. It is perfect for serving alongside red meats. The 2009 Château d'Oupia Minervois ($10.99) is a delicious red wine from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. A blend of Grenache and Carignan, it is a full and dark wine that balances forward aromas of black berry and subtle notes reminiscent of tobacco and black pepper. On the palate, it is pleasant and friendly, maintaining an earthy quality well into the long, dry finish. It is a great wine that is perfectly suited to serving alongside a wide variety of flavorful dishes. Join us in sampling the 2009 Château d'Oupia Minervois ($10.99) this Saturday, October 1st, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, at our weekly wine tasting. We will also be offering the 2009 Gurrutxaga Txakoli Izaskun ($11.99), a delightful white wine from the Basque region of Spain. Find out more by following the Wine Tasting link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
End of Summer Sale
Our "End of Summer Sale" began this week with our full page ad in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal. If you did not have a chance to see it, be sure to check it out on our web site here: (PDF of our sale). Our tasting this week will feature one of our exciting Cellar Specials, all of which can be found our Home Page. We also have some great buys on our Spirits and Single Malt Scotch, and our weekly Wine Tasting, all as part of our "End of Summer" Sale. Join us this Saturday, September 24th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we kick off our End of Summer Sale with a special wine tasting hosted by Christopher Lawther, Wine Director for Hartley & Parker Limited Inc. This Saturday afternoon, Christopher will be pouring the 2010 Lapierre Morgon ($24.99) which is, quite simply, a work of art. Marcel Lapierre was a brilliant, passionate winemaker who was dedicated to crafting honest, natural wines. After his passing last year, his son Mathieu took over production, and continues the tradition of excellence and artistry set forth by his father. The 2010 is an absolutely beautiful wine, evident even in the glass as it shines a deep ruby in color. Floral aromas of rich berry and spice echo on the palate, balanced by the wine's great texture and viscosity. It is this complexity and structure that make this wine so versatile, ensuring it pairs well alongside such varied dishes as grilled salmon, chicken, lamb, or beef. Join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we sample this delicious wine. If you are unable to join us, you can always order this wine through the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Tasting the Wines of Heller Estate
Join us this Saturday, September 17th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for a special Wine Tasting here at Francos Wine Merchants. Our host, Judy Heller, will be sampling the wines of Heller Estate Organic Vineyards. Based in Carmel Valley, the Heller Estate wines are beautiful examples of the unique California style. The wines are certified 100% organic, and great care is taken to ensure the quality and character of each varietal. The 2009 Heller Estate Chenin Blanc ($19.99) is a delicious white that finds balance between the rich notes of tropical fruit and an elegant mineral structure. Floral hints of melon and white fruit lead to a long, crisp finish, all enveloped by a lively acidity. It is a wine that is particularly well suited to serving alongside flavorful and spicy dishes. The 2009 Heller Estate Chardonnay ($21.99) is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the property's masterful winemakers. Here is a lively and flavorful wine, with honeyed notes of pear and apple balanced by soft toasty vanilla oak. It the perfect match for steamed soft-shell crab, or heartier fare such as grilled chicken. The 2008 Heller Estate Dancers Meritage ($18.99) is comprised primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is evident in its weight and in its inviting aromas of black currant. Merlot and Malbec impart a lush texture and flavors of brambly fruit, balanced by Cabernet Franc's characteristically dry finish. Trace amounts of Petit Verdot and Pinot Noir round out the wine, adding subtle notes of earth and spice. This complex and elegant wine is perfect for hearty grilled red meat dishes. Join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, and sample these delicious wines for yourself alongside our host, Judy Heller. Find out more information by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Francos September Specials
Summer may have come to an "official" end, but the "unofficial" days of summer still linger on. Francos Wine Merchants has some great wines for the end of the season as our Cellar Specials for September. The 2009 Veramonte Reserva Chardonnay ($9.99) is a delightful white wine from Casablanca Valley in Chile. This is a round and flavorful wine, balancing Chardonnay's characteristic tropical fruit notes with soft buttery oak. The finish is crisp and clean, making Veramonte an excellent choice for serving alongside casual fare such as grilled chicken. The 2010 Pepiere Muscadet sur Lie Clos des Briords ($14.99) is a fine example of the France's signature shellfish and seafood wine. Hailing from the Loire Valley, prime mussels country, Clos des Briords is a crisp and dry white with an underlying mineral quality that neatly complements the forward notes of citrus fruit and bracing acidity. This is the perfect wine to serve alongside the likes of oysters on the half shell. The 2009 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé ($24.99) is a delicious white Burgundy. It is an elegant wine, with a smooth creamy texture and excellent structure and depth. Its lively flavors of white apple and pear lead to a lingering finish, enveloped throughout by a lively acidity. Domaine de Roally is the ideal complement to filet of sole. The 2009 Summers Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99) from Napa Valley, California, is a full and flavorful red wine. Smooth and robust, it follows an opening of black currant and spice with a wellspring of deep earth notes. Its long finish and pervasive yet unobtrusive fruit ensure Summers is the perfect wine to serve with any grilled red meat dishes. Find out more about our great Cellar Specials on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, September 10th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling the 2009 Monte del Frá Custoza ($11.99) and the 2008 Ferraton Côtes-du-Rhône Samorëns Rouge ($10.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Friday Night Wines
Join us tonight for a special wine tasting as we close out New Canaan Restaurant Week. We know it's been a long week with all the "Irene" issues and, as power slowly comes back on in our homes, we here at Francos Wine Merchants are doing our best to keep things at a normal pace. Stop on by today — Friday, September 2nd, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM — as we sample some delicious wines with our host, Deborah Bazzano-Banhos, Vice President of Sales for DoValle Imports. Deborah has picked out a nice line-up of wines which include the following: The 2010 Good Pinot Grigio ($8.99) is a delicious and appropriately named white Italian wine. It is round and fruit-driven, with soft citrus notes up front leading to a floral mid-palate and crisp finish. It is a wine that is particularly well suited to serving alongside casual fare like grilled chicken, salads, and seafood. The 2010 Otto's Constant Dream Sauvignon Blanc ($10.99) is exemplary of New Zealand wine. Hailing from Marlborough, it is a delightful Sauvignon Blanc that balances floral grapefruit notes with a zesty acidity and flinty finish. Otto's Constant Dream is perfect for a clambake. The 2003 Dutch Henry Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($26.99) is a wonderful offering from Napa Valley, California. Here is a wine that is at once robust and precise, with beautiful black currant and dark fruit notes up front that lead to an earthy mid-palate and long, gripping finish. Elegantly structured, this Cabernet Sauvignon is the ideal complement to grilled steak dishes. Join us tonight between 6:00 and 8:00 PM as we sample these remarkable wines, and find more information by following the Wine Tasting link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Wednesday Night Wine Tasting
We know that Irene hit us hard and we hope that all our customers in the New England area have their power back soon. While normal comforts like a hot shower and a cold refrigerator elude us, we here at Francos Wine Merchants do have power and will do what we can to make the downtown a haven for those seeking some of the creature comforts we normally take for granted. So, should you be coming into town for dinner on Wednesday to take advantage of New Canaan Restaurant Week, we invite you to stop by for a special Wednesday Night Wine Tasting we will be hosting. Join us and our hosts — Drew Viner, Sales Representative for Worldwide Wines, and Matt Wimberger, Sales Manager for Worldwide Wines — on Wednesday, August 31st, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, before heading to dinner at one of New Canaan's excellent restaurants. Drew and Matt have selected a trio of wines that will hopefully let you forget your troubles for a bit. Here is what Drew and Matt will be sampling: The 2010 Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc ($9.99) is a delicious white wine from Marlborough in New Zealand. It displays the characteristic citrus and grapefruit notes typical of that region, while balancing its soft acidity with a crisp mineral quality. Elegant and well-rounded, Lobster Reef is a versatile wine that pairs nicely with grilled chicken, light pastas, and, fittingly, shellfish dishes. The 2009 Summers Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99) hails form Napa Valley, and is a shining example of California wine. Robust and full-bodied, with supple introductory notes of black currant and soft spice leading to an earthy finish, Summers is an absolute delight. Its structure and depth, coupled with its smooth texture and persistent mid-palate, ensure this is the perfect wine to serve alongside grilled red meat dishes. The 2009 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir ($36.99) is from Willamette Valley in Oregon. Its unique character nonetheless retains Pinot Noir's pleasant gamy aromas and forward cherry flavors. A distinctly earthy and mineral quality permeates the palate and echoes into the long, smooth, easy finish. Here is a wine that shows exactly why Pinot Noir is so beloved, and it pairs particularly well alongside a wide variety of dishes, from grilled salmon to hearty red meats and anything in between. So come by, forget your trouble for a bit and sample some of these remarkable wines. As always for those of you unable to attend, you can always find more information or order these wines by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Rombauer Vineyards Tasting
Francos Wine Merchants keeps New Canaan Restaurant Week going on Saturday August 27th, with a special tasting featuring the wines of Rombauer Vineyards. Join us Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as our host, Carl Vitale, Brand Manager of Winebow Inc., presents the wines of Rombauer Vineyards. The 2010 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay ($30.99) is an exceptional white wine. Round and forward, it perfectly balances Chardonnay's signature tropical fruit notes with a creamy vanilla oak presence, and culminates in a gripping finish. The 2006 Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99) is a robust and hearty red, with elegant black currant balanced by a dry and earthy palate. Full-bodied and flush with brambly notes of berry and black fruit, it nonetheless displays a refined subtlety. It is complex and precise, with incredible depth and excellent structure, and is a pure expression of Napa Valley fruit. So please join us for this special event; not only will you enjoy sampling the fine wines of Rombauer Vineyards, but you'll enjoy it in the vibrant personality of Carl Vitale, Brand Manager of Winebow Inc. Afterwards you can make a dinner reservation at one of the restaurants participating in the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week, which will be offering Three-Course prix fixe dinner menus all week. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Moët & Chandon Champagne Tasting
The First Annual New Canaan Restaurant Week begins this Thursday, and Francos Wine Merchants is joining in the festivities with some great events here at Francos Wine Merchants. Join us this Thursday, August 25th, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM as Restaurant Week begins with "Taste of the Town" Stroll benefiting the New Canaan Food Pantry. Francos Wine Merchants will be starting off the week with a Champagne Tasting of Moët & Chandon. Our host, Moët & Chandon Brand Director Yannick Passermat, will be offering the flagship Moët & Chandon Impérial ($40.99), the 2002 Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage ($56.99), and the exceptional 2002 Dom Perignon ($159.99). Once downtown on August 25th, the New Canaan Food Pantry will collect donations in exchange for "Stroll Maps" which will direct the public to participating restaurants and businesses. When you receive your "Stroll Map" be sure to inquire about the instructions for a chance to win one of the following prizes:
So please join us in getting New Canaan Restaurant Week off to a great start by sampling the fine Champagnes of Moët & Chandon and the sparkling personality of Yannick Passermat. Then once you have finished here, The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce invites you to dine at any of the participating restaurants, which will be offering Three-Course prix fixe menus all week! We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Wines for the Grill
These next few weeks are the best time of the year to spark the grill and enjoy the outdoors before summer passes us by. To help you enjoy these last few weeks of summer, we at Francos Wine Merchants have some excellent new wines to complement your barbecue favorites. The 2009 Veramonte Reserva Chardonnay ($9.99) is a delicious wine from Casablanca Valley in Chile. This delightful wine offers an aromatic bouquet of tropical fruit and toasty vanilla oak notes that echo on the palate. Rich and creamy flavors of nectarine and peach, softened by a subtle oak finish, make this the perfect wine for grilled chicken. The 2009 Chanteleuserie Bourgueil Cabernet Franc ($14.99) hails from France's Loire Valley. This is an elegant red wine, with peppery notes of soft black fruit and hints of wet earth leading to a long, dry finish. Its mid-weight and well-structured palate makes it ideally suited for serving alongside casual fare, such as hamburgers and grilled sausage. Finally, we are pleased to see the arrival of the 2009 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé ($24.99). A perennial favorite, the winemakers at Domaine de Roally never fail to produce an exceptional wine, and the 2009 is one of the best this small vineyard in the Maconnaise region of Burgundy has had to offer. Its round fruit notes of pear and white apple are balanced by a brisk acidity and clean mineral character, all enveloped in a soft creamy texture and leading to a long, crisp finish. This is an incredibly versatile and food-friendly wine, just as well suited to serving alongside light fare like seafood and shellfish as heavier grilled chicken or pork dishes. Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the Summer Wines link here or on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling the 2009 Veramonte Reserva Chardonnay ($9.99) and the 2008 Finca Guardia Vieja Malbec ($11.99). Save the Date! Thursday August 25th marks the First Annual New Canaan Restaurant Week starting off with a "Taste of the Town" Stroll. Francos Wine Merchants will be hosting several In Store Tastings during the week; please check back for details. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
White Wines for Summer
Hot summer days and nights call for refreshing white wines: wines that are perfect to accompany you to those concerts in the park and picnics at the beach, or to pack up and take with you as you head on your summer holiday. Francos Wine Merchants has several suggestions for you to consider! The 2010 Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc ($9.99) is a fine example of New Zealand wine. Hailing from Marlborough, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, Lobster Reef is a crisp and dry offering that balances round fruit notes with a bracing acidity. The wine is flush with citrus and grapefruit flavors that persist through the long, dry, elegant finish. It is, fittingly, a great match for shellfish dishes. From Italy, we present the 2009 Monte del Frá Custoza ($11.99). A delicate wine, Monte del Frá nonetheless displays excellent depth and structure that is emphasized by its forward notes of lively white fruit and clean minerality. With its balanced fruit and zesty acidity, this is the perfect wine for serving alongside lighter fare such as salads or grilled fish and chicken.
Finally, we have the 2009 Gurrutxaga Txakoli Izaskun ($11.99), a delicious wine from Bizkaia in Spain's Rias Baixas. Txakoli is one of Spain's most well-known and unique white wines. Its soft fruit and liveliness are emphasized by a slight effervescence and dry finish. This is an especially refreshing wine, perfect for a hot afternoon. It has such depth and presence that it shines when paired with flavorful foods such as grilled white meats, meaty fish, and especially paella.
Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the Summer Wines link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 for our weekly wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling the 2009 Gurrutxaga Txakoli Izaskun ($11.99) and the 2009 Ludovicus Celler Piñol ($10.99). You can find and/or order both of these wines through the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
August Cellar Specials
We've reached the dog days of summer – prime time for backyard barbecues and beachside vacations. While the choices for wine are many, Francos Wine Merchants has narrowed the field with our August Cellar Specials that you might want to consider as you head off to the shore. For all your grilling needs, we suggest the 2009 Ludovicus Celler Piñol ($10.99), a delicious red wine from the south of Spain. It is a lively, medium-bodied blend that opens with ripe berry notes that provide a firm backbone into the lingering finish, while a smooth texture and playful hints of spice provide balance and structure. Ludovicus is a delicious wine, ideally suited to serving alongside grilled meats, poultry, and spicy sausage. A versatile and refreshing white is essential for the August heat, and the 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc ($14.99) is the perfect choice. Elegant and fruit-forward, with crisp acidity balancing the round mouthfeel, this is a great wine from one of Beaujolais' most highly regarded winemakers. Brun offers here a wine that is incredibly food-friendly, just as well suited to serving alongside light fare, such as salads or seafood, as heavier poultry or white meat dishes. And nothing quite speaks to summer like a cool rosé, particularly one from Provence like the 2010 Commanderie de la Bargemone Rosé ($14.99). Here is a truly exceptional wine, displaying all of the soft elegance and delicate fruit for which Provence is so well reputed, while maintaining depth, structure, and a refreshing minerality. It is perfect when served as an aperitif or when paired with delicate fare, seafood and shellfish in particular.
One thing these all share, besides being excellent summer wines, are the environmental consciousness with which they are made. Each of the wines is organically or sustainably produced, ensuring the quality of the wine is in keeping with the attention paid to the environment. The CalNaturale Wines take this a step further, abandoning the bottle altogether in favor of the distinctive Tetra Pak, which is easier to recycle and uses less than half the energy to produce and ship than the traditional glass bottle. But the quality of the wine is in no way lessened, as the 2009 CalNaturale Chardonnay 1.0L Tetra Pak ($9.99) and the 2008 CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon 1.0L Tetra Pak ($9.99) will attest. Both wines are vibrant and lively, and display excellent precision and vivacity. They are particularly well suited for any daytrip or weekend getaway. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 pm when we sample the 2010 Bodegas Eidosela Albariño ($11.99) and the 2010 La Valentina Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo ($10.99) at our weekly wine tasting. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Refreshing Summer Rosé!
Nothing quenches the thirst of summer like a refreshing glass of Rosé. We here at Francos Wine Merchants have always known that Rosé wines pair well with many of your summer menus; we also are in constant search to bring you the best Rosé the wine world has to offer. 2010 Terres de Saint Louis Rosé ($9.99) is a classic example of the most famous rosé wines from Provence. Here is a delicate wine that nonetheless expresses vibrant notes of strawberry balanced by a crisp minerality. Its soft acidity and long, dry finish make it ideal for serving alongside seafood and shellfish dishes, salads, and grilled chicken. The 2010 Commanderie de la Bargemone Rosé ($14.99) is another fine example of Provençal wine. It is elegant and well structured, with a complex bouquet rich in floral notes of tropical fruit that echo on the palate, while subtle hints of red berry and soft spice linger through the long finish. This refreshing wine is perfect for pairing with grilled salmon dishes. From further north, in the Rhône Valley, we have the 2010 Domaine de la Citadelle le Châtaignier Rosé ($14.99). More robust than its southern cousins, this rosé is no less refreshing and exciting. Its bright fruit notes and round acidity, complemented by a lush and silky texture, ensure this is the ideal complement to spicy chorizo and grilled peppers. Find out more about these and many other great rosés by following the Refreshing Summer Rosé link here or on our Home Page.
Saturday Wine TastingPlease join us this Saturday, July 30th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling the 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc ($14.99), the 2010 Domaine de la Citadelle le Châtaignier Rosé ($14.99), and 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Côte de Brouilly ($19.99). You may view and order these wines through our Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Reminder: 2009 Bouchard Tasting & Sidewalk Sale!Just a reminder to join us tonight, Thursday, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, for a very special Wine Tasting here at Francos Wine Merchants! Our hosts, Prescott Hobson of Henriot, Inc. and Alex Meier-Tomkins of Slocum & Sons, will be pouring a selection of wines from the 2009 vintage of Bouchard Père & Fils. This is an exceptional vintage for Burgundy, a most triumphant effort to rival the seminal 2005, and the winemakers at Bouchard have taken full advantage of this fact to create some of the most beautiful wines available anywhere. So join us Thursday evening July 21st, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, - stop in, sample the 2009 Bouchard Burgundy, chat with Prescott & Alex, then head off into town and dine at one of the many local restaurants we have. There could not be a nicer way to spend a summer evening. Sidewalk Sale Day – Also, this Saturday, July 23rd is the annual Village Fair and Sidewalk Sale Day in New Canaan. Elm Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and merchants will put their wares out on the street. Come into town to hunt for bargains as well as enjoy music, magicians and have lunch in the Food Court. We will be conducting our weekly Saturday Wine Tasting between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. So take a break from your bargain hunting as we'll be sampling the 2009 CalNaturale Chardonnay and the 2008 CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon. They're the perfect wines for this year's Sidewalk Sale! We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
2009 Bouchard Burgundy Tasting This Thursday!Come and join us this Thursday evening, July 21st, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM as we sample the arrival of the first Burgundies of the 2009 vintage here at Francos Wine Merchants! Our hosts, Alex Meier-Tomkins, Wine Director for Slocum & Sons, and Prescott Hobson of Henriot, Inc., will be here as we sample the 2009 vintage of Bouchard Père & Fils. 2009 was a phenomenal vintage for Burgundy. The year's warm summer ensured the wines would present a beautifully rounded, fruit-driven character with exceptional structure and longevity. We're thrilled to see one of our favorite properties - Bouchard Père & Fils - arrive as the first wines of the vintage. Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils has cultivated a reputation for excellence and craftsmanship since the foundation of their estates in 1731. The master winemakers in Bouchard's employ adhere to the practice of focusing on a terroir's unique characteristics, and a standout year like 2009 is perfect for showcasing this philosophy. Take, for example, the sublime 2009 Bouchard Meursault Les Clous ($51.99). From its beautiful golden straw color and characteristic aromas of creamy pear and apple to its buttery and round flavors, supple texture, and invigorating acidity, this is a delight for the senses that is captivating and memorable in the best possible ways. Consider also the 2009 Bouchard Beaune Clos de la Mousse ($50.99), with its vibrant red fruit and subtle hints of earth and spice. It is ripe and lush, concentrating a broad range of cassis and plum flavors with a soft yet precise minerality. The perfectly integrated tannins encourage the finish to maintain a particularly lingering grip, a fine example of Bouchard cementing their well-earned reputation. While Alex and Prescott have yet to decide which of the Bouchard Wines they will open, you can see a complete inventory on our 2009 Bouchard Burgundy link here or on our Home Page. This is a great opportunity to stop in for a glass and have an informative chat with Alex Meier-Tomkins and Prescott Hobson, and then continue on and have a bite to eat in one of our wonderful local restaurants. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Great Summer WinesSummer continues to roll on, and with it so does our selection of "Summer Wines". Whether you are headed away for the weekend, or spending it in your back yard, we have some excellent choices that are perfect for these summer weekends. Here are a couple of featured Summer items: Starting in Italy, we offer the 2009 Leone d'Oro Figli d'Italia Gavi ($10.99), a delicious white wine from Piedmont. This is a creamy, delicate wine that exemplifies Cortese di Gavi, marrying crisp notes of white apple and lime with a lively acidity and excellent structure. Its particularly long, refreshing finish makes it a favorite for pairing alongside delicate seafood dishes. From California we see the return of one of our favorite wines, the 2010 Block Nine Caiden's Vineyards Pinot Noir ($11.99). This is a wonderful offering from craftsmen dedicated exclusively to Pinot Noir, and this devotion is evident in every glass. Smooth and bright, with dark fruit notes and soft hints of earth culminating in a long, easy finish, Block Nine is perfect for a backyard barbecue.
You can find both of these wines, as well as many more suggestions, on our Summer Wines link here or on our Home Page. Save the Date! Mark your calendars, because on the evening of Thursday, July 21st, we have a very special Wine Tasting featuring 2009 Bouchard Burgundy. The 2009 vintage is fantastic, and the wines of Bouchard Père & Fils are among the most reputable and highly regarded in Burgundy. More detail will follow in an upcoming email, but this is an evening you won't want to miss! Please join us this Saturday, July 16th between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly wine tasting. This week we'll be offering the 2009 Leone d'Oro Figli d'Italia Gavi ($10.99) and the 2010 La Valentina Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo ($10.99). We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Francos July SpecialsJuly is here and Summer is in full swing! To help you enjoy these summer evenings, Francos Wine Merchants has a great selection of Cellar Specials to pair with your Summer menus. This month, we have wines from Austria, Spain, Italy and France – and certainly one, if not all, of them will tantalize your tastebuds. We start with the 2009 Groiss Grüner Veltliner Landwein ($8.99) - a delicious offering from Austria. Crisp and dry, with a floral bouquet of white fruit and round, rich flavors, here is a wine that is tailor made for the summer months. Its liveliness helps make it an excellent choice for serving alongside a variety of flavorful dishes, especially grilled seafood or spicy foods.
Then to Spain, the 2010 Bodegas Eidosela Albariño ($11.99) is an exciting white wine from the Rias Baixas in Spain. Albariño is Spain's signature white varietal, and it is a seminal summer wine. It is delicate yet presents a depth of character balanced by bright fruit notes and a bracing acidity. This is the perfect wine to pair with the likes of seafood paella.
Moving over to Italy, the 2010 Alois Lageder Lagrein Rosé ($15.99) hails from the Italian Alto Adige. This full-bodied rosato presents bright red berry notes with a soft earthiness, leading to a long and smooth finish. It is the perfect wine for serving alongside heartier fare, such as grilled beef, hamburgers, and sausage. Ending in France the 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais L'Ancien ($15.99) is an astonishing wine from one of France's great masters. This delicate wine expresses all of the character of great Beaujolais. Dark fruit notes are balanced by hints of earth and subtle spice, carried over into the long, smooth finish. It is best served with a slight chill, paired with flavorful dishes such as grilled chicken.
Find out more about these excellent wines on our Home Page. July 9 TastingAnd please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00pm for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling two of the July Cellar Specials, the 2010 Bodegas Eidosela Albariño ($11.99) and the 2010 Alois Lageder Lagrein Rosé ($15.99). We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Happy 4th of July from Francos Wine Merchants!4th of July – the Gateway to summer - is here! Whether you are packing up the car for a weekend trip, or celebrating with close friends in your own back yard, Francos Wine Merchants will help you get your holiday weekend in motion! Why not start the weekend off by stopping buy our Weekly Wine Tasting this Saturday, July 2nd, from 1:00PM – 5:00PM. This week we have a broad selection of wines we will be pouring which are sure to please a variety of palates. First we have the 2009 David Bruce Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($24.99) — a perfect wine should you be grilling a steak or fresh piece of salmon on the grill — displaying perfect Pinot depth and roundness, and highlighted by layered flavors of bing cherry, spice and vanilla. From there, we travel to Austria where we have the 2009 Groiss Grüner Veltliner Landwein ($8.99). Notes of aromatic fruit and crisp acidity along with a dry finish will make you dream of pairing this wine with seafood and shellfish as you take your first sips.
Traveling back to California, we have the Organic Wines of CalNaturale. Packaged in environmentally friendly Tetra Paks, these are the perfect wines to bring along to the beach, picnics or just to have at the poolside. The CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon and CalNaturale Chardonnay come in 1.0 Liter Tetra Paks as well as smaller 500ML Tetra Paks. They are priced as follows: 2008 CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon 1.0L Tetra Pak ($9.99) and 2009 CalNaturale Chardonnay 1.0L Tetra Pak ($9.99) for 1.0 Liter, and 2008 CalNaturale Cabernet Sauvignon 500ML Tetra Pak ($4.99) and 2009 CalNaturale Chardonnay 500ML Tetra Pak ($4.99) for the 500 ML. You can read more and/or order all of these wines by visiting our Wine Tasting link.
4th of July Holiday HoursFrancos Wine Merchants will be open Friday July 1st, 8:00 AM – 8:00PM and Saturday July 2nd 8:00AM – 7:00PM. Please be aware that we will be Closed July 4th per Connecticut State Liquor Laws. Have a happy & safe 4th of July – and we look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Single Malt ScotchWe have a great selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies here at Francos Wine Merchants and, as we approach the last week of our "Beat the Tax" Sale, we thought our Single Malt Scotch lovers would appreciate a couple of our most popular Scotches that we have on sale this month. The Oban 14yr ($59.99) is a delicious and classically styled single malt scotch. Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, it is a smooth and light-bodied whisky that displays elegance and character in every facet. Lightly peated, but firm and gripping, it is truly a malt lover’s single malt. The Lagavulin 16yr ($68.99) is one of the crown jewels of Islay. This exceptional single malt is brimming with signature peat and smoke flavors, but balanced by a subtle and surprisingly delicate floral quality. Refined and robust, it is a magnificent malt with an intensity that is a sheer pleasure to behold. Find out more about these and many other great whiskies at our Single Malt Scotches link, and treat yourself or a friend before the Connecticut sales tax increase beginning July 1st. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Wines for SummerSummer is officially upon us — kids are out of school — vacation plans are looming — and the warm summer evening are scented with the smell of backyard barbecues. What better to pair with your summer plans than some wines from the Francos Wine Merchants "Summer Wines" list? Among the choices on our Summer Wines list, two wines stand out for their superb quality in that they are both excellent choices for your summer menus — Domaine William Fevre and Vietti.
The 2009 Vietti Dolcetto d'Alba Tre Vigne ($16.99) is an exceptional offering from one of Italy's finest masters. From its dark ruby color and spicy aromas of black fruit and earth, to its flavorful palate and gripping finish, this Dolcetto is an absolute pleasure. Its lighter style is balanced by currant and licorice notes, leading to hints of almond at the finish. It is perfectly suited to serving alongside any grilled vegetable or meat dishes, such as kebabs. The 2009 William Fevre Chablis Montée de Tonnerre ($44.99) is a delicious white Burgundy from one of that esteemed region's most delightful appellations. Chablis' signature crispness and flinty minerality is well on display here, finding balance with creamy Chardonnay fruit and remarkable depth and structure. Precise and clean, with bright acidity leading to a long, dry finish, this is the perfect match for seafood and shellfish dishes. Find out more about these and other Summer Wines by clicking here or on the Summer Wines link on our Home Page. While you are at it, don't forget to take advantage of the final few days of our "Beat the Tax" sale. If you missed our print ads this month, here's a look at our Latest Newspaper Ad (PDF). We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Presenting the Château Puech-Haut PrestigePhenomenal new wines are always a pleasure to come across, and one happened to come our way recently here at Francos Wine Merchants. We found a superb wine from the Languedoc and knowing it's a great wine for many items you'll be cooking on the grill in the coming weeks, we wanted to tell you a little bit about it.
The Languedoc is the oldest winegrowing region of France, the first grapes having been planted there by the Greeks in the 5th century BC. It has had a long history as such, and produces some of the finest and friendliest wines in the world. The 2009 Château Puech-Haut Prestige ($19.99) hails from Saint-Drézéry, a small village in the Languedoc. It is a blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes harvested from 40 to 60 year old vines, and aged exclusively in concrete. The wine, as a result, is exceptional; the perfect marriage of terroir and fruit uninhibited by the subtleties of oak barrel aging. It begins with an aromatic bouquet, an opening salvo of black currant and raspberry backed by floral hints of wet earth and licorice. These notes are echoed in the immense palate, which balances its fullness with a smooth, velvety texture and gripping finish. Try this with grilled skirt steak marinated in red wine for a delicious pairing.
June 25 Wine TastingAnd please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc ($14.99) and the 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais L'Ancien ($15.99). You can find out more about these wines, and purchase them, by clicking on the "Wine Tasting" link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
2009 Bouchard Burgundy for Father's Day
Father's Day is right around the corner, and we have a great way to help dear old Dad celebrate, here at Francos Wine Merchants. We have just seen the arrival of the seminal 2009 Vintage of Bouchard Père & Fils Burgundy. 2009 proved to be an exceptional year in Burgundy, thanks to clement weather providing the perfect conditions for the grapes to mature. We are very pleased to see the arrival of this vintage of Domaine Bouchard, as the estates are known to produce wines of exceptional quality year after year. The 2009 Bouchard Puligny-Montrachet ($68.99) provides a delicate, elegant expression of Chardonnay fruit. Puligny-Montrachet's signature creaminess and subtle hint of hazelnut is well on display, balanced by notes of tropical fruit and a crisp, refreshing minerality. Try this alongside grilled swordfish in a lemon sauce for an unforgettable treat. The 2009 Bouchard Gevrey-Chambertin ($54.99) beautifully expresses all the traits of that noble appellation. Its earthy notes of wild red fruit and blueberry lead to ripe and focused flavors that are balanced by the wine's firm structure. With its fullness of body, its soft minerality and well-integrated tannins, and its lingering finish, this is a wine perfectly suited to serving alongside the likes of grilled filet mignon. The 2009 Bouchard Pommard ($54.99) is a charming, refined wine. Its aromatic bouquet offers an intricately nuanced character of red berry and soft earth that is echoed on the palate, there to be magnified by a font of robust yet elegant flavor. The pleasant tannic structure and long finish makes it an excellent choice for pairing with steak marinated in a red wine sauce. Find out more about these and all of our 2009 Bouchard Burgundies by clicking the link here, or by following the New Arrivals link when you visit our Home Page. Also, if Pop is a particular fan of scotch, you might consider having a look at our Single Malt Scotches link, which is full of great gifts for Father's Day, such as the Glenmorangie 18yr ($89.99).
June 18 Wine TastingAnd please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling two wines we think will be perfect for a Father's Day barbecue: the 2009 Jadot Pouilly Fuissé ($19.99) and the 2008 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99). We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
FrancosWine.com at your finger tips!
Trying to keep current with how our customers shop, Francos Wine Merchants spent months creating a mobile site that is easy to navigate while providing safe and secure ordering for all your Wine, Spirits and Single Malt Scotch needs. As some of you may have already noticed, the FrancosWine.com mobile site has been up and running for about a month now. If you haven't had a chance to navigate our site on your mobile device or smartphone, you just might want to see for yourself how easy it is to use. To access our mobile site, simply enter FrancosWine.com into your mobile browser. Or, if you are reading this on your smartphone, just click on any of the FrancosWine.com links in this email. Our web site will detect that you are accessing us from a mobile device and automatically direct you to our mobile site. Another way to reach us from your smartphone is by scanning a QR Code; we now include one in our print ads, on our web site home page, and right here at the top of this email. If you are not familiar with QR Codes, they are matrix barcodes which direct you to a website using the camera on your smartphone, once you have downloaded QR software that is compatible with your phone. You don't have to go to your browser and type in a URL! If your smartphone is handy, you can try it now. However you decide to get to our mobile site, from there things should be a breeze! You'll be able read about our Cellar Specials or other featured items, or you can search for a wine that you might have just had while out at dinner. Or maybe you are riding home on the train and want to simply order some of your favorite Single Malts. Whatever the reason, you will find ordering while on the go to be quick and easy.
Saturday June 11th TastingPlease join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00, for our weekly Wine Tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2011 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99), a crisp and clear white wine that exemplifies New Zealand's signature style, and the 2010 Jadot Beaujolais-Villages ($11.99), with its beautifully bright red fruit notes and elegant finish. As always, we look forward to continuing our 78 years of excellent service in the Wine & Spirits industry, whether you visit our website via your computer or smartphone, or stop into our retail location in person. The Franco Family
Francos "Beat the Tax" Sale & June Cellar SpecialsJune is upon us and, in addition to some exciting Cellar Specials here at Francos Wine Merchants, we are having a fantastic sale on all your favorite wines & spirits before the Connecticut Alcohol Tax increase takes effect on July 1st. So there is no better time to stock up on your wine supply for the summer than now! Our Cellar Specials for the month highlight the following:
The 2009 Jadot Pouilly Fuissé ($19.99) is one of the most recognizable wines from Burgundy, and with good reason! Here is a beautiful, delicate, elegant white wine that displays the best qualities of Maconnais fruit. The pale straw color in the glass betrays its characteristically aromatic notes of floral citrus, soft green apple, and ripe pear and apricot. These enticing flavors are carried into the crisp, mineral finish, making this a great wine for light, flavorful dishes such as grilled swordfish in a zesty lemon sauce. The 2011 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99) is one of New Zealand's crown jewels. Instrumental in the growth of New Zealand's wine industry, it exemplifies Marlborough's signature style. Its opening flavors of citrus and grapefruit soften in the mid-palate, developing a building minerality that culminates in a particularly long, crisp finish with an enveloping structure defined by bright, refreshing acidity. This is the classic pairing for steamed mussels and scallops.
The 2010 Jadot Beaujolais-Villages ($11.99) is the perfect introduction to the expansive Maison Louis Jadot portfolio. An excellent wine that displays not just the versatility of Louis Jadot, but also the character that the humble Gamay grape can offer when treated with a sense of artistry. From its pretty ruby color to its aromatic bouquet of ripe berry and brambly fruit, everything about this wine encourages one to take a long, slow mouthful. Its lush yet delicate flavors and smooth, easy finish make this a delightful treat on a sunny Sunday afternoon. One can't go wrong by serving this with a slight chill, paired alongside grilled veal cutlets. Finally, we are pleased to offer the 2008 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99). One of California's favorite wines, Clos du Val encompasses the classic Napa Valley character, displaying warm notes of black currant and spice that lead to a long, dry, earthy finish. Full flavors and soft hints of toasty oak and cedar make this fine wine a perfect match for steaks on the grill. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly wine tasting, which takes place every Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. For those of you in the Tri-State Area, look for our Full Page Ad in the "Greater New York" Section of the Tuesday June 7th Edition of the Wall Street Journal. If you are outside the area, you can view a PDF file of our Ad here. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
The Return of Jean-Paul BrunWe are pleased to see the return of some of our favorite wines from Jean-Paul Brun, here at Francos Wine Merchants. Jean-Paul Brun is the proprietor of Domaine des Terres Dorées, and is widely regarded as one of the best winemakers in Beaujolais. A vocal advocate for the region's native Gamay grape, and outspoken against the one-dimensional and candied style offered by proponents of synthetic elements, Brun is a master craftsman who focuses on making classic Beaujolais with an eye for natural practices that bring forth the best of terroir and varietal.
The 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais L'Ancien ($15.99) is an exceptional red wine that embodies Brun's philosophy. It is a beautiful shining garnet in color, with a palate that is light bodied and delicate yet lively and inviting. Friendly red fruit notes are on prominent, while the subtle depth is emphasized by hints of spice and dark earth. It is best served with a slight chill, either as a revitalizing aperitif or paired with grilled chicken or beef dishes. The 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc ($14.99) is the rare white wine from Beaujolais. This elegant offering displays a wealth of charming fruit notes including soft green apple and ripe pear, balanced by a crisp minerality that infuses the lingering finish. With its creamy texture and aromatic character, this is a particularly food-friendly wine that is extremely versatile, being well suited to serving alongside the likes of light salads and pastas, grilled seafood, or chicken and white meat dishes. The 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Côte de Brouilly ($19.99) is a remarkable wine from one of Beaujolais' most highly regarded appellations. The Côte de Brouilly traditionally offers a firm, substantial wine, and these traits are fully embraced by Jean-Paul Brun. Deep and dark, it presents forward black fruit and earth notes that lead to a long, seductive finish. It is the ideal pairing for grilled chicken, lamb, or beef, especially when served slightly chilled to allow the concentrated fruit a chance to really shine.
And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00pm, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling two great wines from Spain, the 2009 Gurrutxaga Txakoli Izaskun ($11.99) and the 2007 Señorío de Espiga Rioja Crianza ($9.99). For more about these and many other exceptional wines, check out our Summer Wines link here or on our Home Page. And, finally, for a sneak peak at our June Featured Wines and June sale items, check the Home Page and the June Print Ad. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Merryvale Starmont for Memorial Day Weekend!Memorial Day Weekend is here! What better way to kick-off the summer than with a special wine tasting this Saturday between 1:00 and 5:00 PM featuring the wines of Merryvale Starmont. While you are here you can also stock up for your weekend by taking advantage of our 78th Annual Spring Sale which is still in progress here at Francos Wine Merchants.
The Starmont Winery in Napa Valley is Merryvale's Napa Green Farm certified venture. The wines are made from grapes grown and harvested at sustainable estates, and the facilities are entirely solar powered. With this much care paid to the environment, one can easily imagine the dedication the winemakers take to perfecting their craft, and this artistry is evident in every bottle. The 2010 Merryvale Starmont Sauvignon Blanc ($13.99) is a beautiful pale straw in color. Its aromatic bouquet is flush with citrus notes of lemon, key lime, and grapefruit, rounded by herbaceous hints of passionfruit and subtle minerality. All of this is echoed in the honeyed palate, which evolves into a long, crisp finish pregnant with bright, refreshing acidity. This is an excellent choice for serving as an aperitif, or alongside oysters on the half shell or light white fish dishes. The 2009 Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay ($16.99) is a delicious white wine. It is aged in stainless steel and French oak barrels, framing the grape’s natural bright tropical fruit with warm, buttery oak flavors. Its complex bouquet of citrus, spice, and honey leads to vibrant flavors and a round mouthfeel. The long, layered finish makes this the ideal complement to grilled chicken and vegetables.
The 2007 Merryvale Starmont Merlot ($19.99) is a deep, dark red wine, with a nose flush with black brambly fruit notes and hints of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. Its fruit-forward palate is precise and structured, with great depth and a long, smooth finish. This is ideally suited to serving alongside flavorful dishes such as grilled red meats or spicy sausage and roasted peppers. The 2007 Merryvale Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99) is a wine that is huge in the mouth, and thus perfect for a backyard barbecue. Full, round aromas of black cherry and cassis lead to rich and robust flavors, and a long, elegant finish which embraces the wine’s core minerality. This is perfect alongside grilled top sirloin or filet. Find out more about Merryvale Starmont by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon in sampling these extraordinary wines. Memorial Day weekend Hours : We will be open our regular hours Friday, 8:00AM – 8:00PM and Saturday 8:00AM – 7:00PM. Please remember that Liquor Stores are closed in Connecticut on Monday, Memorial Day. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Ludovicus Celler PiñolWe had a great little Spanish wine come thru our door this week, the 2009 Ludovicus Celler Piñol ($10.99), and at this sale price it makes for a great wine to consider for a "house red" for your summer barbeques! The Ludovicus Celler Piñol hails from the Terra Alta, which is mostly comprised of clay and brown limestone soil. This wine is a blend of 40% Grenache and 20% Syrah with the remaining percent being Tempranillo, Carinena and Merlot. This makes for a wine that gives the mouth an immediate Ripe Berry flavor, followed by spicy vanilla notes. Four months of aging in both French and American oak barrels adds some earth and tobacco flavors. You will find the Ludovicus Celler Piñol to be a very "food friendly" wine which is why it would be perfect to stock up as a "summer red". We will be tasting the 2009 Ludovicus Celler Piñol this week at our "Saturday Wine Tasting" along with the 2009 Clos des Allées Muscadet.
2009 Clos des Allées MuscadetThe 2009 Clos Des Allées Muscadet ($13.99) is another terrific wine to consider for your summer drinking. A spectacular old vine Muscadet bottled sur-lie, Clos des Allées is a classic white when it comes to all things shellfish. A naturally produced effort from Pierre and Monique Luneau-Papin, it is what all Muscadet aspires to be. Crisply styled, it is a glorious accompaniment for all simply prepared seafood menus. With the vines on the estate ranging in age from 45-60 years old Clos des Allées is designated as Vieilles Vignes, further underscoring the value and quality of this standard bearer of the summer season. So please make time to stop by on Saturday, May 21st from 1:00 – 5:00 PM for our Weekly Wine Tasting; or if you can’t join us, you can order these wines thru our "Wine Tasting" link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Showcasing Vietti Wines
We are pleased to offer the great selection of wine from Piedmont featured in our 78th Annual Spring Sale here at Francos Wine Merchants, and among our favorites are the acclaimed wines from Vietti! The Vietti family has been making fine wine in Piedmont since 1919, and to this day the winery has been reputed for excellence in quality and dedication to craftsmanship. The Vietti artistry is evident in every bottle the estate produces. The 2009 Vietti Roero Arneis ($19.99) is a delicious white wine hailing from the Vietti vineyards in Santo Stefano Roero. It displays a pale golden color, while floral aromas of citrus fruit and subtle almond notes waft elegantly from the glass. The structured and lively palate finds the perfect balance between crisp acidity and smooth tropical fruit, leading to a long, refreshing finish. Its versatility makes it ideally suited to serving alongside a wide variety of dishes, from salads and light pastas to shellfish and grilled chicken. Try pairing it with saltimbocca alla romana for a particular treat. The 2009 Vietti Barbera d'Asti Tre Vigne ($17.99) is a vibrant and youthful red wine that displays pretty notes of ripe red cherry, as well as subtle mineral qualities. Medium-bodied and well rounded, it culminates in a long, easy finish. Barbera is an especially food-friendly wine that brilliantly complements light fare such as grilled chicken or pastas in a rich, creamy sauce. The 2009 Vietti Dolcetto d'Alba Tre Vigne ($16.99) exemplifies one of Piedmont's friendliest wines. Its deep color and aromatic bouquet betray a complex palate flush with black fruit and hints of earth. Dolcetto's characteristic notes of wild berry are prominent here, but happily do not overwhelm the intricate and delicate minerality that gracefully adorns the dry, lingering finish. Dolcetto is ideally suited to light, flavorful dishes such as grilled vegetables or spicy sausage.
The 2008 Vietti Nebbiolo Perbacco ($25.99) is a shining example of Piedmont's signature varietal. Though the Nebbiolo grape is most prominently found in wines from Barolo and Barbaresco, Vietti makes great use of its unique characteristics here with Perbacco. This is a full, generous wine that offers dark fruit and earthy spice notes that last well into the lingering finish. It is the perfect match for wild game or roast red meat dishes. Last but most assuredly not least, we present the 2007 Vietti Barolo Castiglione ($44.99). Barolo is the crown jewel of Piedmont, and the Vietti Castiglione demonstrates why this is the case. In the glass it is a beautiful pale ruby color, complemented by rising aromas of rich cherry and soft hints of floral spice. The palate is rich and masculine, with full flavors balancing the supremely elegant structure. This is a food-lover's wine that greatly complements a wine-lover's meal, such as braised beef. Have a look through our Latest Newspaper Ad for many other great wines. And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our wine tasting when we celebrate our 78th Annual Spring Sale by sampling the 2008 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay ($35.99) and the 2006 Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99). Read more about these two wines here. Look for more updates on our new Facebook Page! We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
78th Annual Spring Sale!
Spring has arrived! While our 78th Annual Spring Sale officially starts on Tuesday May 10th with our full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, you - as a member of our Email List - have a preview of our sale prices including our Cellar Specials for the month, here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2009 Clos Des Allées Muscadet ($13.99) is a remarkable white wine from the Loire Valley. Winemakers Monique and Pierre Luneau-Papin have outdone themselves with this vintage, which showcases all of the crisp fruit and mineral character of this quintessential spring and summer wine. Muscadet is France's traditional shellfish and seafood wine, and this offering exemplifies why this would be the case. The grapes are cultivated from 45 to 60 year old vines on the estate, imparting the wine with an astonishing depth of character while retaining Muscadet's refreshingly bright acidity. We are thrilled to see the return of the 2009 Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent ($19.99) after the great splash it made with its arrival at the end of last year. This beautiful, elegant wine benefited immensely from the hot summer of 2009, which greatly increased the intensity of the growing grape. Wines from the Moulin-a-Vent in Beaujolais especially reaped the rewards from this trend, and Maison Louis Jadot's Chateau des Jacques in particular is exemplary of the quality produced. Rich and fruit-driven, it balances bright cherry and raspberry notes with a distinct earthy allure. Its color alone is enough to demonstrate its elegance and splendor.
The 2006 Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99) is a particularly full-bodied and masculine wine that nonetheless displays all of Napa Valley's signature elegance in fruit and character. Here is a wine flush with black fruit and cassis notes, that still finds the absolutely perfect balance between structure and depth, ensuring it is the ideal wine for serving alongside hearty grilled beef dishes. Lastly, we are pleased to offer the 2008 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay ($35.99). This exceptional white wine hails from California's esteemed Napa Valley, and prominently demonstrates all the quality for which the region is so highly regarded. Shafer Vineyards produce some of the best wines in California, and there are places where the Shafer name is synonymous with excellence. Their Red Shoulder Ranch demonstrates why this would be the case, offering a Chardonnay of particular elegance and structure. Its bright tropical and citrus fruit notes are tempered by soft, creamy oak on the finish, making this the perfect wine for the grill. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2009 Louis Max Pouilly-Fuissé Vieilles Vignes ($16.99) and the 2007 Merryvale Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99). Find out more about these two by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
The Rosé Have ArrivedWith the turn of the weather, and with more warm days and nights to come, it's that time of year when change starts to take over. So bring on the linen shirts and straw hats, sundresses and espadrilles, uncover the grill and dust off the deck chairs. And there's no other way, is there, to signify the change in the season than the arrival at Francos Wine Merchants of this year's Rosé Wines.
The 2010 Terres de Saint Louis Rosé ($9.99) is a delicious and classically styled wine from Provence. French rosé is famous, doubly so when from Provence, and for good reason. Terres de Saint Louis presents a beautiful soft salmon color and displays all of the characteristic strawberry and tropical fruit notes typical of the appellation. Its long, dry finish is particularly refreshing, especially when paired with light salads and seafood dishes, or when served as an aperitif. The 2010 Feudi di San Gregorio Ros'Aura ($10.99) hails from Italy's Campania region and is comprised entirely of the Aglianico grape. The wine, though crisp and light-bodied, retains the varietal's signature forward fruitiness, balanced by a clean minerality on the finish. This is particularly well suited to serving alongside dishes with a spiciness to them, such as grilled chorizo and peppers. The 2010 Domaine de la Citadelle le Châtaignier Rosé ($14.99) is the rare rosé from Luberon in the Rhône Valley. Its bright, lively berry and citrus notes are tempered by a soft mineral quality, bringing elegant balance to the wine and leading to a beautifully long finish. This is the perfect wine for pairing with grilled salmon, but is excellent alongside chicken or white meat dishes as well.
Find out more about these and many other great rosé wines by following the Refreshing Summer Rosé link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2010 Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc ($9.99) and the Marietta Old Vine Red Lot Number 56 ($13.99). Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Spring Wines for Spring LambIt's that time of year when the world comes back to life, the sun stays up a bit longer in that baby-blue sky, we start to look forward to warmer days, and these Spring thoughts are reflected in our menus. So out come the lamb dishes, flavorful and delectable as we always remember. Well, we've got the perfect wines to serve alongside your favorite spring lamb here at Francos Wine Merchants. The 2008 Bouchard Bourgogne Rouge ($16.99) is a delicious offering from Bouchard Père & Fils. This exceptional Burgundy stems from Bouchard's vineyards in the Beaune, and is exemplary of that appellation's style. With its pale ruby color and earthy aromas of red berry and spice, one would be wise to expect bright and elegant flavors. And the palate does not disappoint, with charming bright cherry notes leading to a coquettishly lingering finish. Try serving this with roast rack of lamb for a great classic pairing.
The 2009 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir ($19.99) is a shining example of the varietal as grown and cultivated in California. Meiomi is a blend of Pinot Noir from the Belle Glos vineyards along California's coast, each one bringing its own unique expression of character. Santa Barbara County's distinctively spicy bouquet is complemented by the rich, elegant texture of Monterey County fruit, all brought to balance by the bright berry flavors of Sonoma County. This dark, complex, and layered wine will show beautifully alongside a flavorful garlic and herb lamb dish. We've also recently seen the return of the 2008 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon ($24.99), a rich and exciting red wine from Napa Valley. Clos Du Val Winery was founded in 1972 and, thanks to its participation in the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris, was influential in the exponential growth of the acclaim and recognition of California wine. Their seminal Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and opulent, yet it finds the perfect balance between forward black currant notes and a dark, earthy minerality. Find out more about these and many other great wines by following the Spring Wines link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Cloudy Bay Returns
New Zealanders have been making wine since the 1850s, when the islands were first colonized by Europeans. However, it was not until 1985, when Cloudy Bay Vineyards first opened their doors, that the New Zealand wine industry really hit its stride. Today, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is considered to be the finest in the world, and it's easy to see why this is the case. The grape benefits from the unique terrain and climate New Zealand provides, allowing the wines to present an incomparable pairing of zesty new world fruit and old world minerality and smokiness. Cloudy Bay was, and indeed has been, instrumental in the well-deserved fame of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Frontrunners in the production of high-quality offerings, Cloudy Bay settled in the northeast of South Island, in the bay from which the vineyard derives its name. The 2011 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99) is a testament to quality and craftsmanship. Its unique blending of aromatic grapefruit and citrus notes with a round, creamy palate and soft acidity makes this a truly exceptional wine. With its crisp minerality and refreshing finish, here is the ideal offering to serve alongside a wide variety of dishes, from light pastas and salads, seafood and shellfish, or creamy chicken dishes. Try pairing it with steamed mussels for a particular treat. Find out more about Cloudy Bay and many other great wines for the season by following the Spring Wines link on our Home Page.
And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, in sampling two other excellent wines for the spring: the 2009 Espérance Cuvée d'Or ($10.99), a delicious blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Gros Manseng from Gascony in France, and the 2008 Finca Guardia Vieja Malbec ($11.99), a robust and smooth red wine from Mendoza, Argentina. Find out more about these two by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
April "Shower of Savings" from Francos
The 2009 Château La Croix du Duc ($9.99) is a delightful red wine from Bordeaux. Its classic blending of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc lends the wine a refined structure and elegance, with dark cherry and cassis notes dominating the palate and leading to a smooth yet persistent finish. Subtle hints of earth and spice are balanced by a well-integrated tannic structure, making this a great wine for pairing with grilled meats on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The 2009 Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay ($16.99) is produced by Merryvale, and carries with it the estate's reputation for excellent wines. The Starmont winery is entirely solar powered, and fully embraces a philosophy of environmental consciousness. This fine Chardonnay expresses the quality of Napa Valley wines, with forward white fruit notes being balanced by hints of citrus and a clean, crisp minerality. Soft buttery oak lingers on the finish, making this a perfect wine for serving alongside grilled chicken or white meat dishes.
The 2009 Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent ($19.99) is an exceptional wine from one of the most highly regarded appellations in Beaujolais. It proudly displays the depth and complexity of the Gamay grape, defying Beaujolais' ill-earned reputation for producing heavily fruited, one-dimensional wines. The quality of the Chateau des Jacques is evident even in the glass, which reflects a beautiful dark ruby color. Here is a wine that embraces its history and presents a wealth of character and structure. Pair it with barbecued ham steaks or roast rack of lamb for an unforgettable experience. The 2005 Bouchard Beaune du Château Premier Cru ($19.99) is a rare treat from Burgundy. Epitomizing Burgundy's native Chardonnay grape, it is an ideal representation of white wine from the Beaune. Bright notes of green apple and pear are tempered by a crisp, mineral finish, encompassing an uncommon range and complexity of flavors. This is the perfect wine to serve as an aperitif on a warm day, and is especially well suited to serving alongside seafood and shellfish dishes. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page, and please join us this Saturday, April 9th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly wine tasting. This week we will feature two of the Cellar Specials, the Starmont Chardonnay and the Louis Jadot Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent, both of which can be found on our "Wine Tasting" link, as well as on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Spring Wine Tasting
Join us this Saturday, April 2nd, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly Wine Tasting. This week, our host Deborah Bazzano-Banhos, Vice President of Sales for Do Vallé Imports & Distribution, will be offering some delicious wines from around the world. The appropriately named 2010 Good Pinot Grigio ($8.99) is a delightful white wine from Valdadige in Italy. Its soft straw color and floral bouquet lead to a fruit-driven palate that is at once round and vibrant. Notes of white fruit and hints of citrus on the finish make this the ideal wine to serve as an aperitif, or alongside light pastas and seafood dishes. The 2010 Otto's Constant Dream Sauvignon Blanc ($10.99) hails from Marlborough, and it fully expresses the character for which New Zealand wine is so highly regarded. It presents grassy aromas with a touch of minerality, redoubled on the palate. Bright flavors of tropical fruit lead to notes of citrus and grapefruit that grip the long, dry finish. The wine balances a round mouthfeel with a bracing acidity, making it the perfect choice for serving alongside shellfish, white meat, or poultry dishes.
From Argentina comes the 2010 Baqueano ($8.99) . This flavorful red ranges from Patagonia, the southernmost winegrowing region in South America. Here is a wine that is plump and fruit-forward, yet smooth and very friendly. Black currant and raspberry notes from the Cabernet Sauvignon mingle with Malbec's natural tobacco and licorice flavors, all of which culminates in a clean, elegant finish. This is an excellent choice for complementing midweight menus and grilled meats. The Dutch Henry Winery in Napa Valley, California, excels in making great single-vineyard wines. The 2007 Dutch Henry Zinfandel ($26.99) stems from the Rutherford property, and presents in the classic style of the grape. Its dark color and spicy aromas of bright cherry and dark earth lead to lush flavors and a long, spicy finish. The 2003 Dutch Henry Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($26.99) ranges from the Chafen Vineyards Hillside Estate, and is a remarkable red wine. Its full flavors and rich texture are balanced by gripping tannins leading to a lingering finish. The Dutch Henry wines are both great choices for serving alongside hearty beef dishes. Find out more about these exceptional wines by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM to sample these great wines along with our host, Deborah Bazzano-Banhos of Do Vallé. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
2009 Louis Jadot Burgundies
I feel compelled to reach out to everyone because the response to our 2009 Jadot pre-offer has been extremely enthusiastic, and I want to make sure that all interested parties have their fair opportunity. I do want to stress that I have made the prices on the pre-offer below market. Naturally there is some self service to that as my position is large and knowing I have x amount sold, makes managing the investment easier. Naturally there are other Burgundies from other producers arriving. It is an outstanding vintage containing many great wines. My relationship with Jadot does help all of us because of the guidance they give us in dissecting each year's offer. They consistently have put us in the vintage's finest wines and given us allocations that allow all customers of Francos to enjoy wines that many people only hear about. If I were to rank the 2009 vintage I would put it slightly below 2005 and maybe slightly ahead of 2002. It is better than 2003 or 2006. I would still recommend circling around your 2005s as they are a vintage of a lifetime and will cellar for years. I was enjoying wines from the 1990 vintage recently, and I'd like to see all of you have that same experience with your 2005s and 2009s.
The pre-offer does not require pre-payment. Payment is not due until the wine arrives, which we expect to be in September. The link here and below takes you to the offer. By preordering now, you will reserve the desired wines, and not risk disappointment later; a few of the wines are already fully reserved. I don't know for sure, but I believe these prices set the market as I've not seen any others. The link: 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundies This same link is available on on our Home Page. A few of the wines are pictured in this email; you can click on the image for details about that specific wine, or browse the entire list. I'm happy to provide any insights and suggestions on an individual basis. The Franco Family
2009 Louis Jadot Barrel Samples TastingIt is our pleasure to invite you to a spectacular event here at Francos Wine Merchants.Join us this Saturday, March 26th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for a special edition of our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This Saturday, we will be offering "Barrel Samples" of the as yet unreleased Burgundies from the seminal 2009 vintage of Maison Louis Jadot, a vintage sure to be looked back on fondly as amongst the finest offerings from Burgundy . Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, and ever since those days the family has maintained a well-earned reputation for excellence. Their philosophy of acquisition and expansion allows the wines of Louis Jadot to be immensely diverse, representing the finest examples of Burgundy's appellations, while maintaining the quality and integrity of each wine. As a result Maison Louis Jadot is and has been the most prolific negociant and producer of Burgundian wine. A Barrel Sample, a rare treat to offer in store, is a way to gauge the progress of a wine's maturation. Wine is taken directly from the cask before bottling, and even though they are still in their youth, it makes for an excellent way to demonstrate the quality these Burgundies will present upon release. 2009 is sure to prove an exceptional vintage for Burgundy in general and Maison Louis Jadot in particular, so this is an event you won't want to miss. Join us and our host, Mr. Philippe Marchal, French Portfolio Manager for Kobrand Wine and Spirits, in sampling these great wines. The wines to be tasted from Barrel Samples include the following:
2009 Jadot Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne ($79.99) We will also be tasting the popular 2009 Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent ($19.99), a Jadot wine currently in stock.
The 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundies are expected to arrive in September, but per Connecticut law we cannot accept payment for them at this time. However, we are offering to preorder the wines, in order to reserve the desired quantities, and have them shipped or delivered upon their arrival. For the full list of 2009 Jadot Burgundies we are getting in, follow the 2009 Jadot Burgundy link here or on our Home Page. Once again, we invite you to please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we taste through a selection of 2009 Louis Jadot Barrel Samples along with our host, Mr. Philippe Marchal. Find out more about this great event and the wines we will be tasting by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Premier Cru at an Amazing PriceStartling, but true, Francos Wine Merchants has just accepted the arrival of 2005 Bouchard Beaune du Château Premier Cru ($19.99) — courtesy of Domaine Bouchard! Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils was founded in Volnay in 1731 by patriarch Michel Bouchard. The estate, among the most prestigious and comprehensive in Burgundy, remained family owned and operated until 1995, when Bouchard passed the running of the properties to the esteemed Henriot family. Under this new leadership, Bouchard Père & Fils continues to be extremely reputable, known for excellence and dedication to craftsmanship. It is this adherence to tradition, work ethic, and artistry that has made these wines among the finest in the world. The 2005 Bouchard Beaune du Château Premier Cru ($19.99) is an astonishing white wine exemplary of Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils' masterful winemaking. The Beaune du Château cuvée has been exclusive to the house since its first production in 1907. Here is a wine that is supremely complex and perfectly structured, elegant and graceful, and displaying an unforgettable character. It is a blend of four different Premier Cru vineyards, brilliantly demonstrating the diversity found in the Beaune. The four properties are Aigrots, Tuvilains, Sizies, and Sur les Grèves, each chosen to complement each other’s strengths while maintaining the individuality inherent in each terroir.
Find out more about this and many other great wines by following the Spring Wines link on our Home Page. Saturday Wine Tasting - please join us this Saturday afternoon, March 19th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week we will be featuring the 2009 Château de Costis ($10.99), from Bordeaux, and the 2009 Domaine La Bouvaude Fruiandise Côtes du Rhône ($9.99). We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
New French Wine Under $15Spring is in the air and in addition to spotting the daffodils and crocuses rising up, you can also spot some Great Wine Values at Francos Wine Merchants this week. First we have the 2009 Espérance Cuvée d'Or ($10.99), a delightful white wine comprised of equal parts Sauvignon and Gros Manseng. Crisp and light-bodied, it displays a playful citrus character and clean, mineral finish, making it the perfect wine to serve alongside grilled chicken in a cream sauce. Southern France brings us the 2009 Domaine La Bouvaude Fruiandise Côtes du Rhône ($9.99), a bright and flavorful red that proudly exhibits its Grenache-based nature. Dark and richly fruited, it presents a long, easy finish that makes Fruiandise the ideal match for spicy sausage dishes. Also from the Rhône the 2008 Château Lamargue Les Grandes Cabanes Syrah ($9.99) is a fine offering exemplary of the native Syrah grape. Its velvety black fruit notes and soft hints of spice are balanced by a long, earthy finish. This is a perfect complement to peppered steak.
Moving north, the 2009 Château de Costis ($10.99) is delicious wine from Bordeaux. The estate is nestled in the Entre-deux-mers and this, along with its blend of Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon, gives the wine its soft, smooth, and delicate character. Its ripe red fruit notes and lush finish make it an excellent choice for serving alongside roast chicken. The Loire Valley brings us the 2008 Château de Villeneuve Saumur Champigny Cabernet Franc ($14.99) which demonstrates all of the flavor and character of the Loire Valley's signature red varietal. Rich and dark fruit notes are balanced by excellent structure and finesse, all of which leads to a long, dry, earthy finish. This is an excellent companion to hearty pastas in red meat sauce. Find out more about these great wines and other similarly priced French wines by clicking here (French wines under $15), or click here, or on the "Wines Under $15" link on our Home Page, to see all wines under $15. Please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Francos March SpecialsIt certainly feels as though we've reached our well-earned spring coming out of that long, cold winter, and we have a great selection of wines for the occasion as our Cellar Specials here at Francos Wine Merchants. The 2009 Louis Max Pouilly-Fuissé Vieilles Vignes ($16.99) is a delicious white wine from Burgundy, and exemplary of one of the region's most highly regarded appellations. It is a soft golden color, and its floral aromas display hints of hazelnut and almond. This is a well-balanced wine, fresh and lively and nicely rounded, sure to be a hit when paired with seafood and shellfish dishes, or white meats. The 2009 Domaine La Bouvaude Fruiandise Côtes du Rhône ($9.99) is a remarkable red wine. The estate is run by Fabienne and Stephane Barnaud, fourth generation winemakers who adhere to traditionalism and have a healthy respect for the environment. La Fruiandise is comprised primarily of the Grenache grape, blended with Syrah, Cinsault, and Carignan to enhance its freshness and vivacity. Soft and fruit-driven, it displays a distinct earthy finish, making it an excellent choice for serving alongside midweight dishes such as roast chicken.
The 2009 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir ($19.99) is a delicious offering from California. An intricate blend of Pinot Noir harvested from the Belle Glos vineyards in Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Monterey Counties, Meiomi expresses the best qualities of each. Its deep, dark color and earthy aromas lead to a palate flush with black cherry note and hints of spice. At once graceful and opulent, Meiomi is perfectly suited to serving alongside a wide variety of menus, but excels when paired with flavorful dishes such lamb or beef.
Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And be sure to join us this Saturday, March 5th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week we will be featuring the 2008 Paul Mas Estate Carignan ($9.99) and the 2008 Château Lamargue Les Grandes Cabanes Syrah ($9.99). We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch
Tobermory 10yr ($41.99) is a remarkable offering, and the only whisky from the Isle of Mull. Founded in 1798, the Tobermory Distillery was the brainchild of a local merchant by the name of John Sinclair, and was called Ledaig in its infancy. Since then, Tobermory has produced an exceptional and unique whisky. Here is a light-bodied and smooth scotch, its light amber color and softly smoked aromas promising smooth and rich flavors, and a particularly well-rounded finish. Old Pulteney 12yr ($31.99) hails from the town of Wick in the far north of Scotland, and the Pulteney Distillery is the most northerly distillery on the mainland. Founded in 1826, and still produced by traditional methods, Old Pulteney displays its maritime origins with subtle hints of sea-air on the nose and a faint, almost imperceptible whisper of sea-salt. Once distilled, the whisky is aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, giving the malt its distinct, clean finish. Singleton 12yr ($29.99) is an exceptional single malt scotch whisky from Glendullan in the heart of Speyside. The distillery was founded in 1897, and since then the Singleton has been patiently made with the utmost respect for tradition. The result is a malt that has achieved perfect balance, with a rich and smooth character tempered by a subtle sweetness at the tail end of the long, lingering finish. Find out more about these and many other great whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link here or on our Home Page. And we invite you to keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
The Return of Marietta Old Vine Red
Marietta Cellars has been family owned and operated since the winery opened its doors in 1978, and though they are highly reputed for their single-vineyard Zinfandels, it is often the humble Old Vine Red that is most recognized and admired. The Marietta Old Vine Red Lot Number 56 ($13.99) is a rich and lively red wine. An intricate blend containing trace amounts of, amongst others, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, it nonetheless displays the signature Zinfandel character that comprises the lion’s share of the wine. Spicy and brambly red fruit notes present themselves on the nose and lead to a rush of intense flavors dominated by blackberry and currant, with soft hints of earth and allspice. Though full-bodied and brightly flavored, it yet displays a surprising subtlety and elegance best expressed in the long, smooth finish. Old Vine Red is the perfect match for a variety of menus, from hearty beef and lamb dishes to spicy sausage and pastas.
Saturday February 26th Wine TastingAlso, please join us this Saturday, February 26th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly, In-Store Wine Tasting. This week we will be sampling two delightful wines from Madrid in Spain, the 2009 El Blanco de Jesus Diaz ($6.99) and the 2009 El Tinto de Jesus Diaz ($6.99). As always, if you are unable to join us, you can order these wines through our "Wine Tasting" link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
New Offerings from Bordeaux
The 2009 Château de Costis ($10.99) is a delicious wine from Entre-deux-mers. It is a soft and smooth red, with bright cherry colors and a bouquet flush with bright fruit notes. The palate is well balanced and lively, leading to a long, easy finish. Costis is ideally suited to serving alongside roast chicken and hearty pasta dishes. The 2007 Château La Caussade ($18.99) is an exceptional, full-bodied red wine. Its dark ruby color and earthy aromas of black currant betray a palate rich in deep, dark fruit notes. The palate is structured and precise, with a roundness balanced by hints of soft spice, while the finish is particularly long and dry. This is the perfect wine to complement any roast or grilled beef menu. Travel just South of Bordeaux and you will find yourself in Gascony, home of the delightful 2009 Espérance Cuvée d'Or ($10.99). Here is a fresh and bright white wine comprised of nearly equal parts Sauvignon and Gros Manseng. It presents a floral bouquet with hints of grapefruit while the palate is fresh and bright, leading to a long and elegant finish. It will serve as the perfect accompaniment to white meat and seafood dishes.
Saturday February 19th Wine TastingPlease join us this Saturday afternoon, February 19th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week we will be sampling the 2009 Damilano Barbera d'Asti ($13.99). If you are unable to join us, you can order this wine thru our Wine Tasting link. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Happy Valentine's Day from Francos Wine Merchants
If you prefer to make the occasion extra memorable, with a Vintage Champagne or Sparkling Wine, you can find a complete list by following the Champagne and Other White Sparkling wine links here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Wonderful Winter WinesWhile the cold winter nights are upon us, Francos Wine Merchants can at least help make it enjoyable to stay inside. We have an old favorite as well as some new wines to pair with your Winter menus. The 2009 Tenuta Sant'Antonio Scaia Corvina ($10.99) is a shining example of the Castagnedi family's expertise. Its deep ruby red color and floral aromas of black cherry and plum lead to rich flavors of dark fruit complemented by a mouth-filling, velvety texture. Its midweight palate and smooth finish make it well suited to serving alongside a variety of dishes, from pastas and risotto to roast red meat and spicy sausage. The 2008 Château Lamargue Les Grandes Cabanes Syrah ($9.99) is a delicious red wine from the southern Rhône valley. Here is a bright, fresh example of delightful Syrah, displaying all of that noble grape's red berry and soft licorice notes, and brilliantly integrating the characteristic hints of spice and earth. It is a great wine to serve alongside hearty beef stew dishes.
Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the Wines for Winter Menus link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, February 12th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week we will be showcasing the 2010 Louis Max Chablis Saint Jean ($16.99) and the 2008 Domaine Bertagna Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits ($18.99). If you are unable to join us, you can order both of these wines from our "Wine Tasting" page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Francos February Specials!While we certainly had our fill of snow in the Northeast in January, and February might not look any different, Francos Wine Merchants does have some intriguing Cellar Specials that will make it a little more bearable if you have to spend more nights indoors. Maison Louis Max was founded in 1859 in Burgundy’s Nuits-Saint-Georges, and has remained a family-run estate ever since. The 2010 Louis Max Chablis Saint Jean ($16.99) is exemplary of their dedication to the craft of winemaking. It is a soft golden straw color, whose floral bouquet of pleasing fresh fruit is laced with a subtle minerality. It possesses a vibrant nature, with soft lemon flavors balanced by its crisp finish and bright acidity. Here is a wine ideally suited to serving alongside seafood dishes, especially oysters and fish in a rich and creamy sauce.
The Damilano family's estates date back over a century, when Giuseppe Borgogno began to make wine from his own grapes in Piedmont. This winemaking tradition was then passed on to his son-in-law, Giacomo Damilano, eventually passing the properties to his grandsons, who manage the land to this day. The 2009 Damilano Barbera d'Asti ($13.99) is a delicious red wine. Its deep ruby color and intense aromas of black cherry and spice lead to a lively yet balanced palate. Firm structure and precision culminate in a long, smooth, gripping finish, making this the perfect wine to serve alongside hearty pastas in red meat sauce.
Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly, in-store wine tasting, this week featuring the 2009 Carchelo ($11.99). We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
The Wines of Norton Ridge!At Francos Wine Merchants we are always pleased to share wines from some of our smaller producers, and we are happy to see the return of one of our favorites! The 2009 Norton Ridge Chardonnay ($14.99) is a delicious white from Napa Valley. It balances Chardonnay's bright and lively fruit with buttery hints of toasty oak, but it is for the distinct minerality that it is most fondly remembered. Here is a wine that is perfectly suited to serving alongside roast chicken dishes. The 2007 Norton Ridge Pinot Noir ($18.99) hails from California's prestigious Russian River Valley. Its fragrant aromas of wild cherry and brambly fruit lead to concentrated flavors balanced by a seductive velvety texture. Its long, smooth finish aids in making it an ideal complement to a wide variety of dishes, from lighter fare such as grilled salmon to rich pastas and hearty fare such as lamb. The 2007 Norton Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon ($18.99) is a beautiful example of Napa Valley fruit. Dark and full, it displays all of Cabernet's signature black currant notes. Its precision and depth ensure it will please on a cold winter night, and its gripping finish will serve it well when paired with big red meat dishes. Find out more about these and many other great wines for the season by following the Wines for Winter Menus link on our Home Page.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch!We are quite proud of our fine selection of Single Malt Scotch here at Francos Wine Merchants, and this month we’d like to showcase one of our favorites! The Balblair Distillery was founded in 1790, making it not only one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, but the oldest working distillery in the prestigious Scottish Highlands. Since then, master distillers have been producing whisky of exceptional character and insurmountable quality. Current Distillery Manager John MacDonald follows an atypical process in selecting which of his whiskies are to be bottled. Instead of the traditional process of bottling from casks that have reached their 12 or 18 years of age, MacDonald samples each cask and selects the ones that have reached their optimum maturity. Casks that he feels are not ready are simply left to continue aging. For this reason, Balblair is uniquely vintage-dated, as each vintage represents a fundamentally different whisky. The Balblair 1997 ($42.99) is a delightful Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It is at once full-bodied and delicate, with its golden amber color and fresh aromas laden with subtle notes of apricot leading to delicious and enticing flavors of soft oak and sweet vanilla. The finish is creamy and smooth, and leaves a lingering spiciness that is a pleasure to behold. Find out more about Balblair 1997 and our many other fine whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
2009 Jadot Burgundy Tasting This Tuesday!Just sending out a reminder asking you to join us this Tuesday, January 25th, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, as we present a very special event here at Francos Wine Merchants! Mr. Olivier Masmondet, Export Manager for Maison Louis Jadot, will be pouring Barrel Samples of the extraordinary 2009 Vintage of Louis Jadot Burgundy. This is a rare treat indeed, as Barrel Samples are typically only available at a vineyard. Join us in sampling some of the great wines of Burgundy’s leading producer. Among others, Mr. Masmondet will be offering the Chassagne-Montrachet Abbaye de Morgeot Premier Cru and the prestigious Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru in the whites, and the Pommard Les Rugiens Premier Cru and the Echezeaux Grand Cru in the reds. As the wines have not yet been released, we will be unable to accept money for them on Tuesday, but we will gladly take preorders for any of them. Don’t miss out on this great event! Join us this Tuesday evening between 6:00 and 8:00 PM as we sample the 2009 Louis Jadot Burgundy with our host, Mr. Olivier Masmondet. Looking forward to seeing you Tuesday night! The Franco Family
2009 Jadot "Barrel Sample" Tasting!Francos Wine Merchants has a unique and exciting event coming up in less than a week. This Tuesday, January 25th, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM we will be hosting a special preview tasting of the 2009 Jadot Burgundy with our guest, Olivier Masmondet, Export Manager for Maison Louis Jadot. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a "barrel sample" is wine that is still being aged, which is taken directly from the cask in order to gauge the progress of a wine's maturation. Though barrel samples are often offered at a vineyard, it is a rare treat for us to be able to offer them here in our store. These wines are still in their infancy, but this is a great way to preview the elegance and character they will present upon release. The 2009 looks to be a seminal vintage in Burgundy, and with the 2009 being such a remarkable vintage, and particularly for Maison Louis Jadot, these wines will prove to be a rare pleasure to enjoy. Mr. Masmondet will also be pouring a selection of the 2008 Maison Louis Jadot Burgundy, which we do have in stock and available for purchase online or in our store. Be sure to check out our Wine Tasting link in the upcoming days for details on the specific wines that will be tasted. Please join us Tuesday evening, January 25th between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, for this very special tasting. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Francos January Specials!The snow may be piling up, but so are the savings here at Francos Wine Merchants! Our January Cellars Specials are here to warm up your chilly January nights. The 2005 Izadi Rioja Crianza ($14.99) is a delicious Spanish wine exhibiting all of Tempranillo’s grace and elegance. Here is a wine that proudly expresses its character, with all of the brambly black fruit of Rioja balanced by subtle yet distinct notes of tobacco and deep, dark chocolate. Its long finish and superb structure make this the perfect wine to serve alongside mid-weight dishes such as lamb or sausage, as well as hearty winter stews. The 2007 TerraNoble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) hails from Chile's Colchagua Valley. It is an exciting, full-bodied red wine that neatly balances bright red fruit flavors with dark earth notes and an unmistakable mineral quality. It is vibrantly aromatic, showing black currant and cherry notes on the nose, while its long, gripping finish lingers seductively. Terranoble is sure to be a hit with roast beef and steak dishes.
The 2008 Michel Briday Rully La Pucelle ($32.99) is a delightful wine from one of Burgundy's smallest villages. Domaine Michel Briday is a small, family-run estate that focuses on wines from this esteemed appellation, with the Premier Cru La Pucelle being a shining example of the quality and dedication of master winemakers to their craft. La Pucelle displays a richer character than its Maconnaise heritage would suggest, but the village's proximity to the Côte d'Or emboldens Rully's wines with a creamy texture and bright, forward fruit notes. This is a great choice for serving alongside white meat and poultry dishes. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
TerraNoble Cabernet SauvignonAs we ease out of the Holiday mode and into the beginning of January, we’d like you to join us this Saturday, January 8th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our first tasting of 2011, here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2007 TerraNoble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is a full and bold red wine from Chile's beautiful Colchagua Valley. Here is an elegant and masterfully structured wine from Viñedos TerraNoble. Founded in 1993, TerraNoble has been consistently producing wines of exceptional character and quality, and their Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. Its deep color and aromatic bouquet of dark fruit and earth betray full and lush flavors of black currant, with hints of plum and vanilla spice. The wine presents a long, dry, gripping finish, making it an ideal pairing for the hearty beef dishes that are perfect for the winter months. Find out more by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. Speaking of winter, consider some great choices for the season by taking a look through our Wines for Winter Menus list, as well our Ports for Winter Nights and Single Malt Scotches links. And please join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we sample the delicious 2007 TerraNoble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Ring in the New Year with Francos Wine Merchants!It's hard to believe 2010 has come to a close but Francos Wine Merchants is ready to help you ring in 2011 with a fine selection of Champagne.
The Krug Grande Cuvée ($131.99) is one of the finest Grande Cru Champagne wines in the world. Its unmistakable color, as though liquid gold had been poured into the glass, and rounded flavors of bright fruit coupled with a creamy texture makes this a fascinating and masterful wine that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Champagne Veuve Clicquot is always a good choice for your New Year's Eve Celebration; we have the Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99) and the Champagne Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé ($57.99), both on sale, to help you celebrate in style.
Find out more about these and many other sparking wines by following the Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines links on our Home Page. Our Store Hours on New Year's Eve will be 8:00 AM to 7:00PM. Stores in Connecticut are closed on New Year's Day. Happy New Year! The Franco Family
Merry Christmas from Francos!
Also, don’t forget that bottle of Port — an excellent way to end your holiday dinner! See our selection on our Port for the Holidays link. And if you are still looking for a gift for that Scotch drinker on your list, please look over our Single Malt Scotches list. Finally, the Francos would like to thank all our customers for their continued support — you have made our 76th year a fabulous one and we look forward to bringing you the best in Wine & Spirits in our 77th year. Merry Christmas! The Franco Family
Francos for Christmas!
The 2007 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir ($22.99) is an impressive and delightful red wine displaying all of the subtle nuances of both the varietal and the region. Here is a pinot that presents unique aromas of spice and black fruit, with a plump mid-palate leading to a long, elegant finish.
The Krug Grande Cuvée ($131.99) is one of the finest of all Champagne wines. It is delicately and painstakingly made, ensuring that only the best fruit is used from the best vintages. Its unique barrel-fermentation gives the wine an unmistakable fullness that yet maintains an unparalleled elegance and grace. This is an astonishing sparkling wine that is sure to put a smile on anyone's face.
Find out more about these and many other great gift ideas by following the Wines for Christmas link here or on our Home Page.
Another gift idea is the Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99) ... and you can send a bottle as a gift to a friend, relative or colleague, anywhere in the contiguous United States, for only $49.99, taxes & shipping included! Or, for a special gift box, send a mixed case of 6 or 12 bottles at a price that fits your budget. Click on our Mixed Case link to learn more. Finally, check out our Single Malt Scotches, and 2008 Burgundy links for even more gift ideas. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Port for the Holidays!
There is nothing quite like a glass of port after dinner on a cold winter night with family and friends, and we have some spectacular offerings here at Francos Wine Merchants!
Port wines are among the finest in the world, with a long and rich history. Porto is one of the oldest protected wine regions in the world, having been recognized in 1756, and the wine's reputation has always been well deserved. The Graham 20yr Tawny ($56.99) is comprised of wines aged in barrel for an average of 20 years. This aging process softens the naturally rich dark color of the wine to tawny's characteristic pale golden amber. An intense bouquet of nutty fruit and spice leads to rich, vibrant flavors of fresh fruit, while its creamy texture leads to a concentrated yet lingering finish.
The 1991 Dows ($103.99) is an impressive, concentrated port wine. Its floral aromas of berry and plum lead to full flavors of sweet, round fruit. Its long finish is punctuated by hints of black fruit and licorice, making this a remarkable and respectable wine. Find out more about these incredible wines by following the Port for the Holiday link here or on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Holiday Wine Tastings!
While you are out and about attending to your holiday errands this weekend, take a break from the madness and stop by to see what we'll be pouring here at Francos Wine Merchants.
Start off your weekend with a glass of Champagne Veuve Clicquot. On Friday night, December 17th from 6:00-8:00, we'll be pouring Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99). And if you need to send a gift to a friend, relative or colleague, you can send a bottle of Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label anywhere in the contiguous United States for only $49.99, taxes & shipping included!
We will begin with 2010 The Prisoner ($39.99), an astonishing offering from winemaker David Phinney. Comprised primarily of earthy Zinfandel, generous portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah impart a roundness and velvety texture, while trace amounts of Petite Syrah, Charbono, and Grenache lend structure and balance. This is a wine to be shared and lauded, and is sure to be a hit for the holidays. Next is the 2008 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($64.99). Winemaker Chuck Wagner has once more outdone himself with a wine that is deep and supple, with bright opulent fruit notes and a rich, lush texture. Intense flavors of black currant and dark berry notes are balanced by subtle earth notes and a long, easy finish, making this the ideal wine to serve alongside the heartier fare on the holiday table, such as Beef Wellington. Also being poured will be the 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($39.99), the 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($39.99), and the 2008 Newton Unfiltered Napa County Chardonnay ($39.99). And if John Slocum is in a festive mood, you never know what else he might open up to taste! So please join us this Friday evening 6:00-8:00 for Champagne Veuve Clicquot and Saturday afternoon, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, with John Slocum as our guest. If you are unable to attend, you can find all these wines on our "Wine Tasting" link on our Home Page. And while you are there please remember to check out our Single Malt Scotches, Port for the Holiday, 2008 Burgundy & Wines for Christmas links for more gift ideas. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch for the Holidays!
We have an astonishing array of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies available here at Francos Wine Merchants. Whether it's for that Single Malt drinker on your list, or a gift for you - it's a great way to warm up the Holidays!
The Oban 14yr ($59.99) is a delightful Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the West Highlands. Oban, which means "Little Bay of Caves," is a cliff-side town grown around the distillery that bears its name. This delicate, elegant whisky displays soft malt character alongside a richly fruited style, offering an unmistakable and unforgettable tasting experience. The Lagavulin 16yr ($68.99) ranges from Islay, and it displays all of that famous island's rich, intense peat and smoke flavors. The distillery is amongst the oldest in Scotland, founded in 1816 by John Johnston, and the whisky receives the slowest distillation of the Islay malts. This allows Lagavulin to be at once heartily forward and elegant. Here is a whisky that takes out the fire, but leaves in the warmth.
Speyside's remarkable Glenfarclas 25yr ($129.99) is the product of master distillers with 170 years of experience under their belts. Glenfarclas was established in 1836, and has remained in the Grant family ever since. Six generations later, we have a beautiful malt whisky, complex and perfectly structured and suited to any occasion. Find out more about these and many other great whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link on our Home Page. Note: Should you want to use the Search box on the site to retrieve single malt scotches from any page, you must now type in single malt; scotch will retrieve all scotch including blended. Also consider looking into our Port for the Holiday and 2008 Burgundy as well as Wines for Christmas links on our Home Page for more gift ideas. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Holiday Gift Ideas from Francos Wine Merchants!
The holidays are upon us, and with all of the other things to consider, why not let us here at Francos Wine Merchants help you pick out your gifts?
Champagne is always an excellent choice, and while we are big fans of the great houses, we are also always happy to find some of the smaller properties of the region. The wines of Larmandier-Bernier are amongst the finest available, produced by the wife and husband team of Sophie and Pierre Larmandier. The Larmandier-Bernier Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru ($49.99) is a remarkable sparkling wine, at once vibrant and crisp, with a delightful creaminess. Its low dosage, four grams of sugar per liter, makes it particularly dry. The Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Premier Cru ($54.99) is completely non-dosage, making it about as dry a Champagne as one can find. Its remarkable mineral character, coupled by a distinct richness, makes it especially memorable and a fresh treat for any lover of Champagne. Find out more about these and many other sparkling wines by following the Champagne link on our Home Page.
A fine choice would also be a wine from California, such as the 2007 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir ($22.99). Hailing from one of California's most reputable properties, Saintsbury offers all of the ripe cherry and earth notes for which Pinot Noir is most famed, while maintaining an unsurpassed elegance. Here is a wine that is sure to please any palate. Find out more about these remarkable wines, and many other great gift ideas, by following the Wines for Christmas link on our Home Page. Also consider looking into our Port for the Holiday and 2008 Burgundy lists, which are full of great suggestions and ideas. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Krug Grande Cuvée Champagne Tasting!
Join us this Saturday, December 11th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we sample the seminal Krug Grand Cuvée - Wine Spectator's #1 Champagne of the season - with our host, Mr. Franck Girard, Northeast Branch Manager for Krug Champagne. The Krug Grande Cuvée ($131.99) is one of the great wines of Champagne. Like liquid gold in the glass, it is immediately recognizable by nutty aromas of toasty vanilla oak, betraying racy and elegant flavors. Its astonishingly long finish further cements Krug's well-earned status and reputation. We have also recently acquired an exceptional wine from Bordeaux for the season. The 2001 Château Lanessan Haut-Médoc ($24.99) is a lush and exuberant red wine. Its dark ruby color, coupled with aromas of ripe red fruit and earth notes, betray a precise and perfectly balanced palate. Its age has allowed the wine's natural tannic structure to settle, unleashing subtle and intricate notes of dark fruit and spice and leading to a long, open finish. Find out more about Lanessan by clicking on the wine link above, or by following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our special showing of the Krug Grand Cuvée Champagne this Saturday between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. Even if you are unable to join us for a tasting, you can find out more about the wines featured – and order them - by following the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Our 77th Holiday Sale!
First, we have Wine Spectator's #1 Champagne of the season – Krug Grande Cuvée ($131.99) . If you want to ring in the holiday in “Grand” style, this is the champagne to do it with. Toasty notes of vanilla cream spark the tastebuds and along with its golden color, will make the holidays something to remember! From Italy we have the 2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino ($52.99) from one of the finest estates in Tuscany. Flavors of spice, licorice and blackfruits along with its impressive length, depth and texture make it the perfect match if you have ham or lamb on your menu. You will not find a better buy out of Tuscany. The wines of Caymus Vineyards never cease to amaze the palate and the 2008 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($64.99) is no exception. Boasting a profile of rich, lush complexity along with spice, plum and licorice flavors makes it the perfect wine for that empty spot in your cellar. If wine with big personality is what you are looking for, then winemaker David Phinney has created his 2010 The Prisoner ($39.99) just for you! A cepage of 51% Zinfandel, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 7% Petite Syrah, 3% Charbono and 1% Grenache makes it a massive effort; at this price, you won't find a better buy from Napa Valley's esteemed Huneeus family.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
2008 Louis Jadot Burgundy Tasting & Holiday Stroll Weekend
Friday, December 3rd, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM we kick off the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll Weekend with a Champagne Veuve Clicquot Party, tasting the Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99). All the shops in town will be open late for an opportunity to start your holiday Shopping, so if you are in the area, definitely make plans come into town!
Saturday, December 4th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, we welcome Mr. Philippe Marchale as he samples the 2008 Vintage of Maison Louis Jadot. 2008 proved to be a very good year in Burgundy, and nowhere is this better reflected than in the wines of Maison Louis Jadot. The whites are bright and lively, with great precision and character. The reds are equally charming, being dense and full and portraying an abundance of inviting fruit notes.
Amongst others, we'll be showcasing the 2008 Jadot Puligny-Montrachet ($47.99), exemplary of that highly regarded appellation, and displaying a font of tropical fruit notes with subtle hints of almond and toasty vanilla. The 2008 Jadot Meursault Genevrières ($66.99) is sure to please, with its fullness and round flavors prominently on display and balanced by an elegantly mineral finish. The 2008 Jadot Corton-Charlemagne ($106.99), one of the highlights of the vintage, is from one of Maison Louis Jadot's oldest properties and consistently shows to be one of the finest white wines in the world.
We'll also be sampling the red Burgundy, among them the 2008 Jadot Côte de Nuits Villages Le Vaucrain ($21.99), which is an excellent example of Burgundian Pinot Noir, displaying round and full fruit notes met by a distinct and unmistakable earthiness. The 2008 Jadot Nuits-Saint-Georges ($39.99) is at once full and nuanced, with a delicate structure juxtaposed by a wellspring of ripe, round fruit flavors. The 2008 Jadot Pommard Clos de la Commaraine ($46.99) is rich and deep, and proudly displays intense notes of black cherry at the forefront, leading to a seductively long finish. If you are unable to join us, you can find out more about these upcoming events – or order these wines - by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Great Wines for Thanksgiving!
The 2009 Dr. Crusius Traiser Riesling ($16.99) is a delicious white wine from Germany. Riesling is one of the most versatile and friendliest food wines, and the wines of Dr. Crusius are no exception. The Traiser Riesling is soft and elegant, with ample and forward bright fruit notes balanced by a crisp and surprisingly dry finish. The 2008 William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis ($19.99) is a remarkable wine from one of Burgundy's smallest appellations. Floral aromas of white fruit and wet stone lead to enveloping flavors that are refreshingly crisp and bright. Its precision and structure are well met by its soft texture, while the gripping finish seductively lingers.
The 2008 Jadot Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuisse ($29.99) exemplifies all of that appellation's unique characteristics. Now owned by Maison Louis Jadot, Domaine Ferret is a clean and delicate white wine, bursting with fruit and balanced by a bright and lively acidity. You can find out more by following the 2008 Burgundy link on our Home Page. The 2011 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau ($8.99) is a fun and lively red wine. As the first wine of the new vintage, it makes for a fun way to celebrate any occasion. Orin Swift's 2010 The Prisoner ($39.99) is a full and robust wine from California. Comprised primarily of Zinfandel, it is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Charbono, and Grenache. This blending gives the wine an astonishing breadth of character balanced by a precise focus. Its forward dark berry notes lead to a long and earthy finish. Find out more about these excellent wines by following the Wines for Thanksgiving link on our Home Page. Thanksgiving Hours: We will be open our regular hours all week – 8:00AM-8:00PM – including Wednesday. Please be aware that we will be Closed on Thanksgiving Day per Connecticut Liquor Laws. Please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting, which takes place every Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store soon. The Franco Family
Francos November Specials – Come Taste for Yourself!
Join us this Saturday, November 20th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling some of the great wines of Maison Louis Jadot, with Mr. Lars Guy of Kobrand Corporation as our host. The 2010 Jadot Mâcon-Villages ($12.99) is a fine example of Maconnaise Chardonnay. The Mâcon region in southern Burgundy consistently presents excellent wines, and Louis Jadot's offering is among the very best. It is a dry and easy drinking wine, with ample charm and grace thanks to a marriage of subtle floral aromas and forward white fruit notes. It is an excellent wine to serve alongside grilled fish and chicken dishes. The 2008 Jadot Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuisse ($29.99) is a terrific white wine. Maison Louis Jadot bought this excellent domaine, nestled in the heart of Pouilly-Fuisse, from the Ferret family in 2008. Domaine Ferret has a well-earned reputation for excellence, and was instrumental in the rise in popularity in wines from this appellation. This is a tremendous offering, with delicate fruit notes balanced by a bracing acidity and long finish. Try it alongside veal piccata for a delicious treat. The 2010 Jadot Beaujolais-Villages ($11.99) is a delightful offering of Beaujolais' native Gamay grape. Its bright ruby color and aromas of red fruit and dark cherry lead to a balanced palate flush with berry notes and peppery hints at the finish. It is an ideal wine to serve alongside light grilled meat dishes. The 2009 Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent ($19.99) is an exceptional red wine from the village considered by many to be "The King of Beaujolais." The Chateau des Jacques was purchased by Maison Louis Jadot in 1996, and its quality and recognition have only grown since. The wine is a full and robust Beaujolais, with a lush texture and particularly long finish. Its perfect structure and balance allows the dark fruit notes to shine through, making this the perfect accompaniment to red meat or game dishes. If you are unable to join us, you can always find out more about these delicious wines — and order them — by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. Otherwise, we hope you can join us this Saturday afternoon, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store soon. The Franco Family
German Wine Tasting this Thursday!
The 2009 Diehl Spätburgunder ($13.99) is a classically styled Pinot Noir, displaying the distinctly mineral qualities so closely associated with German wines. Dark fruit notes mingle with a subtle earthiness and are balanced by a long, dry finish. It is an excellent pairing for veal dishes. Another wine Eric will be showcasing will be the 2008 Diehl Pfalz Kabinett Gewürztraminer ($11.99) which is a bright and lively white wine. The grapes were harvested early in the season for this wine, giving it an uncommonly dry character that nonetheless allows the grape’s characteristic floral notes and distinctive aroma of lychee to shine through. Its racy acidity and long, clean finish is perfect for smoked salmon dishes. The wines of Dr. Crusius are particularly well regarded for their elegant character. A small property, just shy of 20 acres, of excellent terrain and elevation ensures Riesling of the highest caliber. The 2009 Dr. Crusius Traiser Riesling ($16.99) is dry and crisp, yet retains all of the grape’s signature bright and rich fruit notes and bracing acidity. The 2009 Dr. Crusius Traiser Rotenfels Riesling Kabinett ($19.99) displays floral hints of apricot, and a sharp minerality allows the finish to linger seductively. They are both perfectly suited to serving alongside roast pork. The 2009 Domdechant Werner Hocheimer Hölle Riesling Kabinett ($19.99) is harmonious and precise, with round fruit flavors and a bright acidity. It is an excellent choice to serve alongside roast game bird dishes. We invite you to try the wines out for yourself by joining us this Thursday evening between 6:00 and 8:00 PM - No Fee charged, No Reservations needed, No Pressure – just come, taste, learn, and enjoy. If you are unable to join us, you can always find out more about these delicious German wines – and order them - by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Arrival of The Prisoner!
Orin Swift's 2010 The Prisoner ($39.99) is an exceptional red wine from Napa Valley, California. Though it is comprised primarily of the Zinfandel grape, it sees a masterful blending of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Sirah, with trace amounts of Charbono and Grenache. This complexity gives the wine a unique character, at once allowing each element to shine through while maintaining a distinct wholeness. Full and smooth, with earth and spice notes balanced by bright and lively berry flavors, this is a wine as delicious as it is paradoxical. Enjoy it with heartier fare such as red meats and pastas, but it seems to be almost tailor made for Thanksgiving dinner. Join us this Saturday, November 13th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly in-store wine tasting and try The Prisoner for yourself. We'll also be sampling the seminal 2008 Michel Briday Rully La Pucelle ($32.99), a delightful white Burgundy from one of the region's least well-known villages. Its more forward fruit notes and floral character make it an excellent choice for any autumn menus. Find out more about these excellent wines by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we taste The Prisoner and the Briday Rully La Pucelle. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
An Evening in Burgundy!
We'll be offering some incredible wines from some of Burgundy's most highly regarded vineyards. The event will be conducted by Jerome Hasenpflug, National Sales Director of Esprit du Vin, who is a world-renown and highly respected expert on the wines of Burgundy. No Reservations required, no Fee charged, no pressure to buy… just come, learn, and enjoy… The 2008 Coffinet-Duvernay Chassagne-Montrachet Les Blanchots Dessous ($48.99) is an exceptional white wine, with delicate and elegant character balanced by bright and forward fruit notes and a long, crisp finish.
The 2008 Michel Briday Rully ($26.99) and 2008 Michel Briday Rully La Pucelle ($32.99) are white wines that are exemplary of Rully's more forward and brightly fruited style.
The 2008 Antonin Guyon Meursault-Charmes Les Charmes Dessus ($84.99) is rich and full, flush with white fruit notes and an invigorating acidity. The 2008 Antonin Guyon Aloxe-Corton Les Fournières ($52.99) and the 2008 Antonin Guyon Gevrey-Chambertin La Justice ($53.99) are indicative of the Guyon family's expertise, with ample bright fruit notes married to Burgundy's distinctively gamey character of subtle earth notes and spice. The 2008 Dominique Guyon Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Dames de Vergy ($18.99) is soft and elegant, with lively fruit notes and a long, smooth finish. Come join us this Thursday evening, between 6:00 and 9:00 PM, when we will be sampling these astonishing Burgundy wines along with our host, Jerome Hasenpflug. It promises to be a delightful evening, with good company, good food, and great wine. If you are unable to join us, you can always read more about these wines as well as order them online by following the 2 Nights in Burgundy link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Happy Yelloween!
Halloween was great fun when we were all young, but there's nothing says we can't enjoy it now, right? And there's no better way to celebrate the night of spooks and spirits than with Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99), France's foremost sparkling wine. So plan a party, dress up and put on your dancing shoes, and come on down for a bit of bubbly!
It's also a great time to take advantage of our "Spooktacular Savings" Sale. Cellar Specials for October include the 2009 Domaine de la Pepière Muscadet Sur Lie ($13.99) - a great treat, with its crisp and dry character prefaced by lively fruit notes making it perfect for seafood dishes. And make sure to try out the 2006 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne ($35.99) which is a stunning example of Piedmont's signature Nebbiolo grape, whose fullness of body and lush fruit notes make it ideal for hearty pastas and roast red meats. Find out more about these great wines on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, October 30th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our annual Yelloween Tasting with Champagne Veuve Clicquot! We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Flowers Tasting Tomorrow!
This week we'll be sampling the wines from the acclaimed Flowers Vineyards, and believe me when I tell you this is not an event you'll want to miss! The 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($39.99) is a truly exceptional white wine. Its essence lies in its apricot laden bouquet and delicious flavors of white fruit and citrus. It displays a classic balance of richness and minerality, and delivers a sweeping complexity. It is the perfect match for a wide variety of dishes, from seafood to poultry and white meats. The 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($39.99) is one of California's highest profile red wines. Its deep garnet color and floral aromas betray flavors of cherry and spice, with a gentle earthiness leading to a seductively gripping finish. It is an ideal choice to serve alongside any autumn menus, especially wild game bird dishes. Find out more about the Flowers wines on our Home Page, and please join us this Saturday, October 23rd, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM as we sample these incredible wines from one of California's most highly respected and sought after vineyards. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Burgundy Wine Tasting this Thursday!
Join us this Thursday evening as we sample some remarkable wines from Burgundy. Come and meet the importers, talk about the wines, and most importantly, taste them for yourself! We will be sampling the wines of William Fèvre and Bouchard Père & Fils. There is no fee for this event and no reservations needed. You're welcome to stay as long as you wish. So find yourself with some time and stop on by for a taste! Domaine William Fèvre has been renowned for exceptional Chablis since Fèvre's first harvest in 1959. His reputation as a defender of historic vineyards has established him as a true master, and certainly ranks him amongst the elite in Burgundy. Though wines from Chablis are rightfully famed, and have been for hundreds of years, they prove to be a particularly limited commodity, an understanding of which William Fèvre takes full advantage. His wines are uniformly known for their unique mineral character, as well as the subtle variations in the great Chablis crus. The unique Kimmeridgian soil and elevation further influence the vines and grapes, culminating in a crisp and clean effort. We will be tasting the 2008 William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis ($19.99). Bouchard Père & Fils have been producing fine expressions of Burgundy since 1731. Their longevity and expertise is matched only by their versatility. With their wide variety of Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Village level wines, and constantly expanding their properties, the Bouchard family demonstrates exactly why they have been at the forefront of winemaking for so long. Their penchant for combining innovation with tradition ensures the Bouchard wines will never go out of style. Please join us this Thursday, October 21st, between 6:00 and 9:00 PM for this very special wine tasting. And in keeping with this structure, we've invited Burgundy authority Jerome Hasenpflug to share his expertise at a second Burgundy tasting on the evening of Thursday, November 4th. Find out more about these upcoming events by following the 2 Nights in Burgundy link here or on our home page. Specific wines will be listed, once they have all arrived at the store. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch!
The Balvenie Distillery was established in 1892 in Banffshire, Scotland, and since that time the whisky produced there has adhered to tradition. Though the extra maturation in different casks seen in some of their whiskies is revolutionary, the scotch is still produced the same way it has always been. The Balvenie is one of the few distilleries that still grow its own barley and malts its own traditional floor maltings, and they employ coopers and coppersmiths to tend to their casks and stills. It is this devotion to their craft that make The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whiskies such a special treat. The Balvenie 12yr DoubleWood ($48.99) is extra matured in sherry oak casks, as well as the traditional whisky casks, and it is from this process that it attains its rich and smooth taste. Its gentle layers of vanilla and spice are balanced by honeyed notes and a structured complexity. Its long finish offers a soft smokiness that is sure to be memorable. The Balvenie 14yr Caribbean Cask ($57.99) is, like the DoubleWood, matured first in the traditional whisky oak casks. However, the extra maturation takes place using Caribbean rum casks, which impart to the whisky a unique spiciness in the aromatics. Once again, the unmistakable Balvenie whisky is prevalent with its unique vanilla notes and refined smooth character, but the hints of spice and smoke make this an altogether different, though no less elegant, whisky. The Balvenie 15yr Single Barrel ($67.99) is a masterfully made single malt. Due to its nature, with the contents of each bottle coming from a single barrel as opposed to the more common practice of bottling from an entire batch of barrels of the same age, the yield on this whisky is very low. Each bottle is hand-numbered, and no more than 350 bottles are available from any single cask. The result is a rich and complex scotch, with honeyed malt flavors and hints of spice and vanilla leading to a long, warming finish. Find out more about The Balvenie by following the Single Malt Scotches link here or on our Home Page, where you will also find our broad and varied range of whiskies. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Francos October Specials and Upcoming Tastings!
The 2009 Domaine de la Pepière Muscadet Sur Lie ($13.99) is a delicious white wine from one of the Loire Valley's most esteemed winemakers, Marc Ollivier. Muscadet is France's traditional seafood and shellfish wine, and Domaine de la Pepière is exemplary, with its bright fruit notes and long, elegant finish. Its crispness, balanced by a lively acidity, makes it a truly memorable wine. The 2006 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne ($35.99) is a shining example of Piedmont's most famous wine. Comprised entirely of the native Nebbiolo grape, Lecinquevigne, whose name is indicative of the five vineyards from which it is made, is a stunning, full-flavored red wine. Its dark fruit notes and distinctly earthy character, coupled with its gripping finish, makes this the ideal wine to serve alongside heartier fare such as grilled red meats or roast game.
The offerings from the esteemed Flowers Vineyards are not to be missed. The 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($39.99) is an elegant and flavorful white wine, with unique hints of apricot and classic white fruit and citrus notes. The 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($39.99) further demonstrates why the Flowers wines are so well regarded, with bright flavors of cherry and floral notes balanced by soft hints of earth and a long finish. Find out more about these incredible wines on our Home Page. And please bear in mind our upcoming Wine Tastings. Besides our weekly, in-store tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, and this week featuring both the 2009 Château Calissanne Blanc ($12.99) and the 2006 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne ($35.99), we have a few more treats in store. Join us Thursday October 21st, between 6:00 and 9:00 PM, as we sample the Burgundy wines of William Fevre and Bouchard Pere & Fils. And mark your calendars for Thursday November 4th, between 6:00 and 9:00 PM, when the renowned authority on Burgundy, Jerome Hasenpflug, will join us in sampling some of his favorite wines. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Columbus Day Weekend Tasting!
Join us this Saturday, October 9th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample two delicious Italian wines in honor of Columbus Day. The 2009 Vietti Roero Arneis ($19.99) is a delicious white wine. Ranging from the Roero hills around Alba in Piedmont, the wine is dry and full, with distinct flavors of white fruit and subtle notes of apricot and almond. Arneis literally translates as "little rascal," and is so called because it is a particularly difficult grape to grow. The extra care and attention winemakers like Vietti's Alfredo Currado must give, however, shines through in a flavorful and versatile wine. Its round structure and bright acidity makes it an excellent wine to serve alongside a wide variety of dishes, from seafood and salads to chicken and pork. Try it with saltimbocca alla romana for a real treat. The 2008 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico ($19.99) is a remarkable red wine from Tuscany. This traditionally styled Chianti demonstrates the versatility of Tuscany's signature Sangiovese grape, and sees a small percentage of Canaiolo to add structure and balance to the wine. Its robust flavors and distinct earthiness is coupled by soft, elegant hints of bright red fruit. As such, it is particularly well suited to pairing with heartier fare such as pastas in a red meat sauce, or chicken parmigiana. Also in time for the Columbus Day weekend, we have just re-ordered two of the wines from Flowers Vineyard & Winery – the 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($39.99) as well as the 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($39.99). You can read more about these wines on our Home Page. Also, with the autumn chill in the air, it might be a good time to check out our Sale on Single Malt Scotch for October. So, there are plenty of reasons to stop by Francos Wine Merchants this weekend. If you are unable to join us for the tasting, you can order these wines through our Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. Please note that we will be open our regular store hours, 8:00AM-8:00PM on Columbus Day. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
2009 Marcel Lapierre Morgon – Limited Supply
The 2010 Lapierre Morgon ($24.99) is an astonishing red wine from Beaujolais. Lapierre is most well known and respected for his dedication to traditional winemaking values. And with a vintage being as remarkable as this, winemakers like Lapierre, who emphasize quality first and foremost, truly allow their wines to shine. Lapierre's Morgon offering is soft and elegant, with a seductive ruby red color and aromas of berry and subtle earth notes leading to enticing flavors of red fruit with a hint of spice. It is the ideal wine to serve alongside roast duck. We only have a limited supply, so get this wine while you can!
As a special treat, we will be tasting both of these wines at our Saturday Wine Tasting this week - Saturday, October 2nd, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. If you are unable to join us this week, you may find out more about these two fantastic wines or order them by following Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Felsner Grüner Veltliner Returns!
Manfred Felsner's vineyards are located in the Kremstal region of Austria, overlooking the Danube River. The Felsner wines that are most well known and acclaimed are made from Austria's signature Grüner Veltliner grape. Grüner Veltliner produces a crisp and dry white wine famous for its adaptability as complement to a wide variety of menus. The grape has been native to Austria for hundreds of years, though it was not until after the Second World War that the grape began to be recognized as more than a simple dry table wine. Since 1985, Austria's winemakers have truly strived to produce high quality wines, and Manfred Felsner has been at the front lines since he took over as head winemaker of the Felsner Vineyards in 1990. His focus on excellent single-vineyard wines has helped push this little-known grape into the spotlight. The 2009 Felsner Grüner Veltliner ($12.99) is as delicious as it is visually striking in its liter-sized bottle and crown cap. Crisp and refreshing, it offers a dazzling display of white fruit notes, with hints of apple and pear mingling neatly with its bright, fresh minerality. It is an excellent complement to a wide variety of meals, from light salads and roast vegetables to grilled chicken and heartier fare like grilled pork chops.
And please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample the 2010 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay ($19.99) and the 2010 Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99). Also, the 2008 William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis ($19.99) that proved so popular at last week's tasting is back in stock today! We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Médoc & Chablis — A French Wine Tasting!
Come join us this Saturday, September 18th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample two classic wines from France, here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2008 William Fevre Champs Royaux Chablis ($19.99) is a remarkable white wine from one of Burgundy's most esteemed and respected winemakers. The unique soil of Chablis imparts the Chardonnay grape with a distinct and unmistakable minerality leading to a wine famed for its crisp, dry, and lingering finish. Champs Royaux is blended from a selection of William Fevre's Chablis vineyards, making it a complex and elegantly structured wine. It is the perfect complement to any shellfish and seafood menus. The 2006 Château Greysac Médoc ($15.99) is a delightful red Bordeaux wine that showcases all of Médoc's signature earth notes and subtle must character. Greysac is composed primarily of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, though trace amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot instill the wine with aromas of soft pepper and hints of spice in the palate. This full-bodied red is the ideal pairing when serving hearty red meat dishes, especially grilled beef and lamb. If for some reason you are unable to join us, you may read more about these wines — or order them — thru the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Last of the Summer Rosé!
Summer is now winding down, but it's not over yet! And we have some delicious rosé wines for the remaining warm sunny days, here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2009 Muga Rioja Rosado ($11.99) is an excellent Spanish wine. A blend of Grenache, Viuda, and Tempranillo, it is a more richly styled rosé that remains refreshingly dry. Its salmon color and aromas of fresh fruit betray lively flavors of apple and red berries leading to a delightfully long finish. It is the ideal pairing for a wide variety of dishes, from seafood to spicy grilled sausage and paella. The 2009 Clos d'Alari Rosé ($13.99) is a remarkable wine from Provence. This classically styled rosé displays all of the soft fruit notes and lively, bright character for which the region is most well known. Its long, crisp, dry finish makes it an excellent choice to serve alongside seafood and shellfish dishes, though it pairs just as well alongside heartier fare such as grilled chicken and pastas. The 2009 Château Calissanne Rosé ($14.99) is a further example of Provence rosé's range and versatility. The addition of trace amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine a unique range of citrus notes balanced by classic flavors of red berry and white fruit. It is the perfect complement to grilled fish and vegetable dishes, and red meats. Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the Summer Wines link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, September 11th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week we'll be showcasing the 2009 Vietti Roero Arneis ($19.99) and the 2008 Rosso di Casanova di Neri ($19.99). Read more on our Wine Tasting page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Francos September Specials & Labor Day Weekend Tasting!
Summer is coming to a close, but why not close it in style! The weather is still fabulous and beckons to fire up the grill for those last few summer barbecues! And just in time, Francos Wine Merchants is featuring the perfect wines to celebrate the Labor Day Weekend. We have some phenomenal wines showcased as our Cellar Specials this month, and they are sure to please – taking you from France, to Spain, to California with the pop of a cork! The 2009 Louis Max Beaucharme Chardonnay Bourgogne ($10.99) is a refreshing wine exemplary of Burgundy's signature white varietal. It offers a unique blend of creamy white fruit notes and crisp, bright acidity, making it lush and refreshing all at once. This is the perfect wine to serve alongside any seafood or shellfish menus, or grilled chicken and white meat dishes.
The 2008 Louis Max Beaucharme Pinot Noir Bourgogne ($10.99) is a remarkable red wine, and a further credit to the acclaimed vineyards of Louis Max. Soft and lively, it presents all of the subtle game and earth notes for which red Burgundy is most well regarded, white maintaining an expressive character of bright red fruit. Its long finish makes it the ideal pairing for any casual dishes.
The 2003 Señorio de Villarrica Reserva Rioja ($17.99) is a shining example of Spain's signature Tempranillo grape. Ranging from reputable Rioja, this reserve wine displays all of that region's famed dark fruit and earth notes balanced by a mature floral character and long, elegant finish. This is an excellent choice for serving alongside hearty red meat dishes. The 2007 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir ($22.99) is a sophisticated red wine from California. Carneros is nestled between Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, and wines from there are infused with a striking combination of lively red cherry notes and a distinct minerality. Its long, intricate finish makes this the ideal complement to a wide variety of dishes, from lighter fare such as grilled salmon and poultry to heartier fare such as beef and lamb. Find out more about these delicious wines on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, September 7th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM for our Labor Day Weekend Tasting. We'll be sampling the 2007 Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir ($22.99) as well as the exceptional 2008 Botani Moscatel Seco ($14.99), a refreshing and dry white wine from Màlaga in Spain that offers a perfect balance of crisp acidity and bright fruit. Read more on our Wine Tasting page. Labor Day Hours: We will be open our regular hours on Friday (8:00 AM-8:00PM) as well as Saturday (8:00AM-7:00PM) – but please be aware that according to Connecticut State Law, Liquor Stores will be closed on Sunday and Monday. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Food Friendly Spanish Wines!
Spanish wines are famed and respected for their propensity for pairing alongside a wide variety of dishes, and we have some delicious suggestions for your summer menus here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2008 Botani Moscatel Seco ($14.99) is a delicious white wine from Sierras de Màlaga. Màlaga's location in the southeast of Spain, in the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean Sea, provides a unique climate for winemaking. The intense heat means that most of the Moscatel planted in the region is used for desert wines. However, Jorge Ordoñez' Botani is typically harvested in the beginning of summer, much earlier than is usual, to ensure the wine is crisp and dry. It retains Moscatel's bright natural fruit, but is not sweet in the least thanks to a lively acidity and long, refreshing finish. It is an excellent choice to serve alongside all kinds of seafood dishes, though it is perfect with any summertime meal. Try it alongside seafood paella for a fun twist on a classic pairing. The 2003 Señorio de Villarrica Reserva Rioja ($17.99) is an exceptional red wine, and a shining example of Rioja's signature Tempranillo grape. Founded in 1940 by Florentino Fernàndez, the Señorio de Villarrica vineyards have consistently developed some of Rioja's finest wines. The 2003 Reserva is no exception, with round and sultry flavors of dark fruit and earth leading to a long and complex finish. It is an excellent wine to serve alongside heartier fare such as grilled red meat or lamb dishes. Try it with grilled chorizo to accentuate the wine's robust flavors and balance the sausage's spiciness. Find out more about these excellent wines by following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, August 28th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM as we sample the 2008 Château Bertinerie Bordeaux Blanc ($13.99) and the 2007 Rock.Face North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99) at our weekly, in-store wine tasting. Find out more about these wines by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Great French Wines for August!
The Dog Days of August are upon us, and the warm weather calls for refreshing and fun wines. How convenient, then, that we have you covered here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2009 Château Calissanne Blanc ($12.99) is one of the rare few white wines from Provence. Though the region is most well known for their rosé wines, Calissanne serves as a beacon of quality for the Provence whites. A blending of grapes native to the region, Calissanne offers a unique tasting experience. Its crisp white fruit notes are complemented by a bright and lively acidity leading to a sharp and dry finish gripped with lingering hints of citrus. Like its rosé cousins in Provence, Calissanne is ideally suited to serving alongside a wide variety of dishes, from light pastas and salads to seafood and shellfish, and even heartier fare such as roast chicken and white meats. For a real treat, try pairing it with steamed mussels stuffed with pistou. Sommelier Olivier Lemasson has a passion for natural wines, and his Les Vins Contés best reflect this zeal. His negociant business, in which he buys grapes from other growers and vinifies them himself, allows him an unprecedented amount of control over the winemaking process. The 2007 Olivier Lemasson Les Vins Contés Gama-Sutra ($14.99) is exemplary, comprised entirely of Beaujolais' signature Gamay grape. Its soft palate is balanced by bright and expressive fruit notes leading to a lively finish. Its lighter style and rich fruit flavors make it a versatile wine to serve alongside lighter fare such as salads and light pastas, or poultry dishes. Try it with a slight chill and paired with coq au vin. Find out more about these and many other delicious wines by following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday, August 21st, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week we'll be sampling the 2008 Diehl Pfalz Kabinett Gewürztraminer ($11.99) and the 2009 Tenuta Sant'Antonio Scaia Corvina ($10.99). Find out more about these wines by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Louis Max Beaucharme!
Great everyday wines from Louis Max have arrived, and we'll be tasting them this Saturday, August 14, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM here at Francos Wine Merchants. The Louis Max Company was founded in 1859 in the esteemed commune of Nuits-Saint-Georges at the heart of Burgundy. To this day, the wines are produced by the Louis Max family, now in its fourth generation of winemakers. Their Beaucharme Bourgogne wines are exceptional, especially for more casual summer fare. The 2009 Louis Max Beaucharme Chardonnay Bourgogne ($10.99) is a remarkable white wine. Its forward fruit notes are balanced by a creamy texture and bright acidity, leading to a crisp and refreshing finish. It is an ideal pairing for seafood and poultry dishes, salads and light pastas, or even as a thirst-quenching treat on a warm summer day. Not to be outdone, the 2008 Louis Max Beaucharme Pinot Noir Bourgogne ($10.99) is a delicious red wine. An inviting soft ruby in color, the wine presents aromas of cherry and red fruit, with subtle notes of earth and spice. Seductive flavors lead to a surprisingly long finish, making this the ideal wine to serve alongside a wide variety of dishes, from grilled salmon and tuna to roast chicken and lamb, as well as any casual meal on the barbecue. Find out more about these delicious wines by following the Wine Tastings link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample the phenomenal wines of Louis Max. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Francos Sizzles with August Specials!
August is here! As people start getting ready for their Summer Holiday, Francos Wine Merchants has an excellent selection of wines to take along as you head to the shore, mountains or where ever your vacation takes you! The 2009 Domaine de la Pepière Muscadet Sur Lie ($13.99) is characteristic of classic Muscadet. Ranging from the westernmost region of the Loire Valley along the Nantes River, the wine is especially lively and flavorful. Its pale color and nose of soft citrus and white fruit lead to crisp flavors emphasized by a bright acidity and balanced by an especially dry finish. It is easy to see why Muscadet is considered the perfect wine for oysters. The 2010 Pepiere Muscadet sur Lie Clos des Briords ($14.99) also ranges from Marc Olivier's Domaine de la Pepière vineyard, but it is substantially different in style. The old vines and particular soil ensure the grapes present a more mineral quality, allowing for a more concentrated Muscadet that sees a beautiful gripping finish. As the classic wine to serve alongside seafood and shellfish, Clos des Briords is especially well suited to a wide variety of dishes.
The 2009 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé ($24.99) is a shining example of one of Burgundy's newest appellations. The Viré-Clessé appellation was created in 1999 in order to differentiate between the specific style of wine produced in the villages of Viré, Clessé, Laizé, and Montbellet and the wines from the greater Mâconnaise region. Domaine de Roally is intensely flavored, with bright, subtly honeyed fruit notes leading to a long, crisp, and lively finish. It is ideally suited to pairing alongside hearty seafood dishes such as grilled salmon or swordfish.
The 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Côte de Brouilly ($19.99) is exemplary of Beaujolais' grace and elegance. More robust than its cousin, the Côte de Brouilly's darker color and gamey nose betray flavors of dark cherry with hints of earth leading to a long, gripping finish. Served lightly chilled so as to concentrate the flavors, it is well suited to pairing with a variety of dishes, from light fare such as grilled salmon and chicken, to rack of lamb.
We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Louis/Dressner Wines Redux!
By popular demand we're once again sampling the wines from importer Louis/Dressner, here at your friendly neighborhood Francos Wine Merchants! Join us this Saturday, July 31st, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we taste a selection of fine French wines that are perfect for the summer, and especially for a trip to the shore. Muscadet is the traditional French shellfish and seafood wine, and acclaimed winemaker Marc Olivier is an indisputable master of the art. He is patient and careful in his craft, hand harvesting the grapes, using natural yeast, and bottling with very light filtration. The Sur Lie process he employs ensures the wines have lees contact until bottling, emphasizing crispness and texture. His 2009 Domaine de la Pepière Muscadet Sur Lie ($13.99) is bright and refreshing. The wine is flush with lively fruit notes, leading to a particularly long and invitingly dry finish. Olivier also produces a Muscadet from particularly old vines, the 2010 Pepiere Muscadet sur Lie Clos des Briords ($14.99). Made from the first vines on the property, planted in 1930, it is a remarkable white wine. It is more forward than his other Muscadet, the older vines concentrating the flavor, yet sees a deliciously mineral character. Muscadet is the perfect wine to serve with oysters, and is excellent with any seafood dish, be it lobster, shrimp, or fish.
White Burgundies are reputed as amongst the finest and most versatile wines in the world. That versatility stems from Chardonnay's natural pliability. Here is a grape that is heavily influenced, perhaps more than any other, by terrain, climate, and elevation. This is what makes the 2009 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé ($24.99) such an exciting and delightful wine. Ranging from the Maconnaise AOC of Viré-Clessé, the wine is more rich and flavorful than many of the wines from the region, but true its roots, it remains sharp and dry. Its wealth of honeyed flavors of white fruit and soft citrus, and especially its seductively long finish, make this the perfect wine for hearty seafood dishes, as well as grilled chicken and white meats.
Find out more about these wines by following the Wine Tasting link on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM as we sample these delicious wines, sure to be a hit at the beach. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
New Arrivals from Louis/Dressner!
New wines from esteemed importer Louis/Dressner have arrived here at Francos Wine Merchants, and we are anxious to share them with you! We also invite you to join us this Saturday, July 24th, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample these delicious French wines. The wife and husband team of Denyse Louis and Joe Dressner insist on the wine they import be produced following biodynamic, sustainable, or organic practices. As such, these wines are exemplary of their unique appellations and styles. The 2009 Domaine de la Pepière Muscadet Sur Lie ($13.99) is a delicious white wine from the Loire Valley. Comprised of the rare Melon de Bourgogne grape, Muscadet is France's traditional seafood and shellfish wine. Its crisp, dry character and refreshingly bright acidity make it ideal for serving as an aperitif, or alongside shrimp cocktails or clams on the half shell. The 2010 Pepiere Muscadet sur Lie Clos des Briords ($14.99) is a delightful white wine harvested from sixty-year-old vines. It presents a distinct minerality balanced by complex and structured fruit notes, making it the perfect wine for lobster bakes or for pairing with pasta in a white clam sauce.
The 2009 Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé ($24.99) is produced from the finest terroirs in Viré and Clessé in the Maconnaise District of Burgundy. An exciting example of Burgundy's signature Chardonnay grape, Domaine de Roally is a dry wine with ample notes of honey balanced by a crisp minerality and lively acidity. It is especially well suited to pairing with hearty grilled fish such as tuna or salmon.
The 2010 Jean-Paul Brun Côte de Brouilly ($19.99) is a fine red wine from Beaujolais. Firm yet soft, with supple red fruit notes and a long, lively finish, this is a wine best served slightly chilled and alongside grilled salmon or chicken dishes. So please join us this Saturday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we sample these excellent French wines from Louis/Dressner. If you are unable to stop by on Saturday, you can order this wines right thru the Wine Tastings link here or on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch!
Though we are best known for our wide selection of fine wines, we here at Francos Wine Merchants are especially proud of our Single Malt Scotch, and are anxious to share some of our favorites. The Black Bottle ($22.99) is a delightful and unique whisky. Black Bottle is a blend of each of the distilleries on Islay, and its sharply smoked and peated character shows this prestigious pedigree in full. The whisky prominently displays lush smoky flavors balanced by subtle honeyed notes, leading to a long, warm finish. The Tobermory 10yr ($41.99) is an excellent Single Malt Scotch. Tobermory is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull, and the whisky displays a fresh and light peat with soft smoke and a clean finish.
The Cardhu 12yr ($36.99) hails from Speyside in the Scottish Highlands. Cardhu makes its return after a decade-long absence, and is now aged for 12 years rather than the previous 10. The resulting whisky is truly remarkable, displaying a fount of peat and smoke balanced by honeyed fruit and leading to a pleasantly long finish. Find out more about these and many other whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link here or on our Home Page. And as always, please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Note: This is the first of our "Scotch" newsletters. You are receiving this because you signed up for our scotch emails. We will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. If you know anyone else who is a scotch lover, and may not know about our scotch email list, please let them know they can sign up using our regular newsletter signup and checking the "Scotch" box. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Sidewalk Sale Tasting!
It's hard to believe that it's the middle of July already, but for those of you familiar with some of the New Canaan Traditions you know that the third Saturday of July is the Sidewalk Sale & Village Fair and Francos Wine Merchants will be sampling some delicious summer wines during our Weekly Saturday Tasting from 1:00-5:00PM. The 2009 Fuzelo Vinho Verde ($5.99) is a fun and refreshing white wine from Portugal. Ranging from the Minho region in the north of Portugal, the wine derives its name, which means Green Wine, from its youthfulness. Fuzelo presents a subtle effervescence and bright acidity coupled with lively fruit notes, all aspects that are emphasized in the wine's youth. This is a great wine to serve on a hot day. The 2009 Muga Rioja Rosado ($11.99) is a delicious rosé wine from Spain. A blend of Garnacha, Viuda, and Tempranillo, the wine displays a soft salmon color that hints at aromas and flavors of soft fruit and spice. Its dry finish and refreshing character make this the ideal wine to serve on a warm afternoon, especially with seafood and grilled chicken dishes.
If you are unable to stop by on Saturday, you can order this wines right thru the Wine Tastings link here, or on the Wine Tastings icon on our Home Page. Also, Please remember that Elm Street will be closed to vehicular traffic as merchants and vendors will have their wares out on the street. Please come and join in the fun! Reminder: Are you or a loved one a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
July Specials Sizzle at Francos!
Francos Wine Merchants July Cellar Specials are here! With Summer in full swing it's the perfect time to look over our selection of wines that would be an excellent match for your summer menus. The 2009 Château Calissanne Rosé ($14.99) is a phenomenal wine from Provence in France. Its rose petal color and intense aromas of bright fruit lead to a crisp, dry mouth-feel with hints of citrus fruit and strawberry. Its precise acidity and balance culminates in a lingering finish, making this the ideal wine to serve on a hot afternoon, either as a refreshing aperitif or alongside lighter fare such as seafood, grilled chickens, or salads and light pastas. The 2007 Orogeny Pinot Noir ($19.99) is a truly remarkable red wine from California. With vineyards nestled in the diminutive sub-appellation Green Valley of the Russian River Valley, Orogeny displays a unique and distinctive character. Its aromas of bright cherry and dark earth, and soft flavors leading to a round finish, make this a particularly versatile wine. It is the perfect match for grilled salmon or roast beef dishes, and anything in between.
The 2007 Flowers Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($42.99) is a shining example of the winery's dedication to Chardonnay, and representative of the Sonoma Coast character. Its golden straw color promises aromas of white tropical fruit and citrus notes balanced by a distinct minerality. Flavors of white fruit and apricot with soft hints of toasty oak and spice lead to a long, elegant finish. This is the quintessential complement to grilled chicken or white meats such as pork roast or veal. The 2008 Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($39.99) is the winery's signature varietal, and with good reason. Its bright red color and aromas of cherry and plum lead to alluring flavors balanced neatly by firm, supple tannins and a soft acidity. Its particularly long finish makes this the perfect wine to serve along rack of lamb. Find out more about these delicious wines on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Reminder: Are you or a loved one a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Happy 4th of July from Francos Wine Merchants!
Our Summer Wines list on our Home Page is the easy way to buy wine for your summer gatherings. Here you can choose from a variety of wines to go with your warm weather menus. Two interesting wines which we would like to highlight include the Domaine Begude Rosé and the Rock.Face Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 Domaine Begude Pinot Rosé ($12.99) is a delicious Rosé wine comprised entirely of Pinot Noir. Ranging from the Pays d'Oc in Southern France, Begude is an elegant and refreshing wine. Its salmon color betrays a particularly dry style, making this the ideal wine to serve on a warm day. The 2007 Rock.Face North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99) is a remarkable red wine from California. Rock.Face is sourced from vineyards ranging from Sonoma to Napa, hence the unique North Coast appellation. This process allows the wine to be uniquely representative of California grapes, with ample black currant notes and hints of earth and spice leading to a long, smooth finish. This is the perfect wine to serve with grilled meats.
Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the Summer Wines link on our Home Page. Saturday Tasting: Please join us this Saturday afternoon, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, as we sample the 2007 Rock.Face North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99), as well as the 2008 Botani Moscatel Seco ($14.99) and the 2010 Nieto Senetiner Reserva Pinot Noir ($10.99). Holiday Hours: We will be open our regular hours this weekend — which are Friday, 8:00AM-8:00PM and Saturday 8:00AM-7:00PM. Please be aware that July 4th is a Sunday and we will be closed — and since the Federal Holiday is being Observed Monday, we must be closed July 5th as well, according to Connecticut State Law. Please plan accordingly! We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
The Return of Orogeny Pinot Noir!
Always a welcome sight, the Orogeny Pinot Noir has returned, and we are pleased to offer it, on sale, here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2007 Orogeny Pinot Noir ($19.99) is an astonishing red wine. Hailing from California's Russian River Valley, Orogeny gets its name from the process by which mountains are formed. The wine is a unique Pinot Noir, a notoriously difficult grape that strongly reflects where it is grown, displaying distinctly floral aromas and flavors of dark cherry and precise berry fruit. A heartiness of character and soft tannic structure make this delightful wine a treat to serve alongside a wide variety of dishes, from grilled salmon to roast red meats. Along with Orogeny, we are also pleased to offer two deliciously refreshing white wines that are perfect for the hot summer days that lay ahead. The 2009 Fuzelo Vinho Verde ($5.99) is a wonderful offering from Portugal, and one of the quintessential summer wines. This crisp, dry wine displays a wellspring of invitingly bright fruit, balanced neatly by the subtle effervescence for which Vinho Verde is most well regarded. This is the ideal wine to serve as an aperitif on a warm summer day. The 2010 Bodegas Eidosela Albariño ($11.99) is a brilliant example of Spain's signature white varietal. Ranging from the majestic Rias Baixas, Eidosela presents vivid, lively aromas of white fruit and crisp minerality, leading to rich flavors and a particularly long, dry finish. This is the perfect wine to complement seafood and shellfish dishes. We will be pouring all three of these wines at our weekly Saturday Wine Tasting — June 26th from 1:00 — 5:00 PM, so please plan on stopping by for a taste! Reminder: Are you or a loved one a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Veuve Clicquot Tasting!
Join us this Friday, June 18th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM as we sample the world famous Veuve Clicquot Champagne here at Francos Wine Merchants! The esteemed Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($44.99) is one of the most well-known and reputable wines from Champagne. Instantly recognizable, Clicquot has been a champion of Champagne for over 200 years, and their flagship wine demonstrates exactly why this is the case. This is the quintessential French sparkling wine, worthy of its heritage, with forward and elegant flavors leading to a particularly crisp, dry finish. Please join us this Friday evening, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM, as we taste this delicious sparkling wine.
And please join us on Saturday, June 19th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM as we sample the 2011 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99), the 2007 Jacques & Nathalie Saumaize Pouilly-Fuissé ($21.99), and the 2006 Château Patache d'Aux Médoc ($17.99). Don't forget Father's Day is this weekend! If you missed our "Father's Day Email" be sure to check it out for gift ideas for Dad! Reminder: Are you or a loved one a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Great Gifts for Father's Day!
Father's Day is just around the corner, and we have some great gift ideas for the occasion here at Francos Wine Merchants! Consider some of our Summer Red Wines, such as Rock.Face or Gama-Sutra, which are perfect for an afternoon by the grill.
The 2007 Rock.Face North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99) is a delicious red wine from the North Coast of California. Comprised primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, Rock.Face features trace amounts of Merlot (8%), Cabernet Franc (5%), and Petit Verdot (1%) to add a distinct roundness and supple texture. The grapes are sourced from vineyards throughout Napa and Sonoma, making Rock.Face exemplary of California's distinct style. This rich, full-bodied wine is perfect with hearty red meat dishes. The 2007 Olivier Lemasson Les Vins Contés Gama-Sutra ($14.99) is a remarkable red wine from France's Loire Valley. This fine example of the soft Gamay grape is bright and flavorful. Lemasson is adamant about ensuring his wines are made by hand and as naturally as possible. The result is a light-bodied yet forward red wine that is lively and refreshing.
The Glenfiddich 12yr ($39.99) is an excellent whisky from the Scottish Highlands. Glenfiddich presents complex flavors of peat and smoke balanced by elegant notes of toasty oak. The Aberfeldy 12yr ($35.99) represents the finest whisky made by Dewar's. As the heart of Dewar's White Label, Aberfeldy is a smooth and sophisticated malt, with a light air of fruit to balance the soft peat flavors.Find out more about these and many other great wines and whiskies by following the Summer Wines and Single Malt Scotches links on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Reminder: Are you or a loved one a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Duckhorn Decoy Tasting!
Join us this Saturday, June 12th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM for our weekly, in-store wine tasting. This week, we are featuring the Duckhorn Decoy Wines as presented by Alex Meier-Tomkins, Wine Director for Slocum & Sons. The Duckhorn Decoy wines have been produced for over 20 years, and have evolved from being a single wine from Duckhorn Vineyards, to an entire line in the Duckhorn Wine Portfolio. These are exceptional wines meant to drink early, showing the full range of the varietals' complexity in their youth, and made with the same care and dedication for which Duckhorn is most famous. The 2009 Duckhorn Decoy Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99) is a delicious white wine. Its pale straw color and floral aromas of citrus and white fruit betray lively flavors and a precise acidity. A particularly long, dry finish lends this wine to serving as a refreshing aperitif, or pairing alongside light fare such as grilled tilapia or light salads. The 2009 Duckhorn Decoy Merlot ($21.99), as its dark purple color implies, is a rich and full-bodied red wine. Aromas of bright red fruit and plum lead to intense flavors with hints of earth and spice. Its smooth finish and soft, balanced acidity makes this the ideal wine to serve alongside a variety of dishes, such as chorizo or spicy Italian sausage, and hearty pastas. The 2010 Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99) is an exciting and full flavored red wine. A dark ruby red in color, the wine offers intense aromas of black currant and soft earth notes, leading to ample dark fruit flavors and a particularly gripping finish. This intense and hearty wine is tailor made for steak on the grill. Find out more about these and many other delicious wines by following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. Reminder: Are you a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Francos June Specials!
Summer is right around the corner, and we are showcasing the perfect wines for the season as our Cellar Specials here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2011 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($24.99) is New Zealand's most well known wine. Founded in 1985, Cloudy Bay was and has been instrumental in attaining Marlborough's prestige, and this Sauvignon Blanc shows exactly why this is the case. This is a wine that displays all of the citrus and grapefruit notes for which the varietal is most well regarded, and maintains a distinct minerality and bright acidity that makes it refreshing and lively. Cloudy Bay is the ideal wine to serve alongside seafood and shellfish, or white meat and poultry dishes. The 2007 Jacques & Nathalie Saumaize Pouilly-Fuissé ($21.99) is a shining example of white Burgundy. The Saumaize family has been making wine for several generations, and a lifelong dedication to the craft is evident in every bottle and glass. The Pouilly-Fuissé is a particular joy, an alluring golden straw color in the glass, with floral aromas of white fruit and hints of clean minerality betraying soft flavors and a long, crisp finish. This is a wine especially well suited to complement a wide variety of dishes, from grilled chicken to steamed mussels and anything in between. The 2003 Señorio de Villarrica Reserva Rioja ($17.99) is a delicious example of Spain's signature Tempranillo grape. Bottled from the vineyard's best wines of the vintage aging in the Villarrica cellars, this astonishing Rioja offers deep, dark fruit notes along with hints of coffee and spice. These rich flavors lead to an especially long finish, making this the perfect wine to serve alongside roast and grilled red meats such as lamb and beef, or with sausage. The 2010 Chateau de Lancyre Pic Saint-Loup Rosé ($16.99) is a remarkable rosé wine from France's Languedoc region. A blend of Syrah and Grenache, with small amounts of Cinsault, Lancyre is the quintessential summer wine. Its rich, bright fruit flavors and long, dry finish make it the ideal complement to seafood or white meat dishes, and it is especially suited to serve as an aperitif.
Find out more about these excellent wines on our Home Page.
Saturday In-Store Tasting
Reminder: Are you a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
2007 Justin Isosceles Tasting!
We are very pleased to have Mr. Stephen Greenwood — Northeast Manager of the San Francisco Wine Exchange — hosting our In Store Tasting this Saturday, May 29, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Please join us as we sample wines from the San Francisco Wine Exchange Portfolio. The 2007 Justin Isosceles ($60.99) from Paso Robles in California is the vintage everyone has been waiting for — and here is your chance to sample this terrific wine from this exceptional vintage. Comprised primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has blended into it trace amounts of Cabernet Franc (8%) and Merlot (4%) to add structure and balance. Its dark, dense color and alluring aromas of blueberry and black fruit, with hints of oak and spice, betray intense, full flavors balanced by its long finish. Isosceles is a brilliant example of one of California's great vintages, and is ideal with hearty beef and steak dishes. The 2009 David Bruce Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($24.99) is a remarkable red wine from California. The David Bruce Vineyards have long held a well-earned reputation for excellence, and have mastered the production of Pinot Noir. Their Sonoma Coast offering displays the varietal's characteristically floral aromas of cherry and earth, leading to richly enticing flavors of dark fruit with hints of vanilla. The perfectly balanced acidity and structured tannins give the wine an impressive and captivating finish. This is the perfect wine to complement a wide variety of menus, from lighter fare such as salmon, white meats, and game bird, to heartier fare such as lamb or roast red meats. So please make time to stop by and meet Stephen Greenwood as we sample these delicious offerings from the San Francisco Wine Exchange, this Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Reminder: Are you a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
Three Countries, Three Wines - This Saturday!
Join us this Saturday May 22 between 1:00 and 5:00 PM when we will be sampling a selection of wines from Spain, France and California that you will definitely want to consider for your upcoming Summer menus. The 2009 Henri Bourgeois Les Bonnes Bouches Sancerre ($20.99) is a delicious offering from France. This delightful Sauvignon Blanc offers all of Sancerre's lively fruit and crisp minerality, with distinct hints of richness and a bright acidity that is refreshing and invigorating. This is the perfect wine to serve on a warm afternoon as an aperitif or alongside seafood and shellfish, and is particularly well suited to pairing with poultry and white meat dishes. The 2003 Señorio de Villarrica Reserva Rioja ($17.99) is a stellar example of Spain's most well known red wine. Showcasing Rioja's signature Tempranillo grape, Villarrica proudly displays all of the varietal's tenacity and richness of fruit. Its dark ruby color and inviting aromas of black cherry with hints of coffee and earth promise flavors of dark fruit with excellent balance and texture, and an especially long, smooth finish. Villarrica is the perfect wine to complement grilled meats, and especially lamb, chorizo, and hearty paella. The 2008 Crosby Cabernet Sauvignon ($9.99) from California is a flavorful and hearty red wine. Full-bodied, but with ample bright red fruit notes and a smooth finish, Crosby is ideal with hamburgers and hotdogs. We certainly hope you can join us on Saturday, but if not you can order these wines online by clicking on the wine names or images above, or following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. Reminder: Are you a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. Hope to see you online or in our store soon! The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch Specials for May
We have some spectacular Classic Malts on sale this month here at Francos Wine Merchants. The Oban 14yr ($59.99) is the definitive West Highland Single Malt Scotch. The town of Oban is the Gateway to the Isles, and was founded around Oban Distillery, which was built in 1794. The distillery only has two pot stills, making it among the smallest in Scotland, and the care and precision taken to make this phenomenal whisky is evident in every glass. Thanks to its unique coastal location, Oban strikes the perfect balance between the dry and smoky style of the Isles and the lighter, sweeter Highland malts. The Lagavulin 16yr ($68.99), is perhaps the most well known and esteemed of the Islay whiskies. The distillery was founded in 1816 in the town of the same name, and has had a long history of excellence. Its distinctly peated style and warm flavors make for a remarkable and unmistakable experience. Find out more about these and our many other whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link here or on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Reminder: If you are you a single malt scotch lover and want to keep getting emails like this one about our scotch specials and new arrivals, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon. The Franco Family
New Arrivals for Spring!
Spring weather calls for spring wines, and there have been some new arrivals here at Francos Wine Merchants. The 2009 Finca Venta de Don Quijote Blanco ($6.99) is a crisp, refreshing white wine from Spain. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Macabeo, it displays bright fruit notes and hints of citrus, making it ideal for a lazy afternoon by the grill. The 2007 Plume Bleue ($11.99), a blend of Grenache and Syrah, is a delicious French wine. This medium-bodied red shows ample dark fruit and earth notes balanced by a long, dry finish. It is perfect alongside hearty grilled and roast meat dishes. Finally, the 2008 Crosby Cabernet Sauvignon ($9.99) from California is a remarkable red wine. Its bright aromas of dark cherry and black currant lead to intense, concentrated flavors and a long, smooth finish. This is the perfect wine for steak on the grill. Find out more about these delicious wines by following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Reminder: Are you a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. Hope to see you online or in our store soon! The Franco Family
Francos May Specials!
We have some extraordinary Cellar Specials to share with you this month here at Francos Wine Merchants! The 2009 Chateau de Fontenille Entre-Deux-Mers ($11.99) is a delicious white Bordeaux wine. An intricate blend of Sauvignon Blanc (35%), Sauvignon Gris (15%), and equal parts Muscadelle and Semillon, this incredible white wine is refreshing and intriguing. Its fresh aromas of citrus and grapefruit, followed by crisp flavors with hints of peach, make for an exemplary food wine. Fontenille is particularly well served for pairing with seafood, and especially shellfish. The 2009 Vietti Roero Arneis ($19.99) is a delightful white wine from Piedmont in Italy. The Arneis grape is especially rare, but has recently seen a resurgence of interest thanks in no small part to winemaker Alfredo Curnado, who has been growing this unique varietal in Roero for some few years now. The wine is crisp and lively, with a long dry finish laced with subtle hints of almond and citrus fruit. This Arneis is versatile and flavorful, making it an ideal match for seafood and poultry dishes, as well as heartier fare such as pork or veal.
Last but most emphatically not least, we are pleased to present the 2007 Justin Isosceles ($54.99). Ranging from esteemed Paso Robles in California, this intricate blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot is an astonishing red wine. Its intense and precise flavors of dark fruit and earth notes are balanced by excellent structure and memorable texture. Soft, well-integrated tannins and a long finish make Isosceles the perfect wine to serve alongside any grilled steak or roast beef menu. Find out more about these excellent wines on our Home Page, and please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Are you a single malt scotch lover? Do you want to keep getting emails about our scotch specials and new arrivals? If so, please let us know that by signing up again for our newsletter (here), or simply reply to this email saying, "Yes, please send me scotch emails" and we'll take care of it for you. In the future, we won't send every scotch email to our entire list, but only to those of you who indicate that you are a scotch lover. We may wait a few weeks before implementing this new policy, until enough of you have updated your signups. Once we start using the "scotch" indicator, we will usually send you one scotch email a week, in addition to our regular weekly wine newsletter. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Thursday Night Wine Tasting & 2nd Annual Design District Benefit
This Thursday, April 29, marks the second annual New Canaan Design District Benefit. Last year's Design District event was a great success and this year should prove to be just as exciting. So, if you are in town, please stop by from 6:00 to 8:00 PM to sample two extraordinary wines we will have open. The 2009 Château Calissanne Rosé ($14.99) is a delicious spring and summer wine from the Provence in France. It offers aromas of bright, inviting fruit with soft floral hints, followed by lively flavors of cherry and strawberry. Calissanne is a crisp and refreshing dry wine that is ideal as an aperitif or when served alongside seafood dishes, and especially shellfish. The 2006 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico ($16.99) from Italy is a shining example of Tuscany's signature Sangiovese varietal. Aromas of ripe cherry and violet notes lead to rich flavors of dark berry, with hints of toasted oak. Its long finish makes this the perfect wine to serve with grilled meats and chicken dishes.
Be sure to join us this Thursday, April 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM as we sample these delicious wines. And as always, if you are unable to attend, you can find these wines by clicking on the wine names above, or on the links on our Home Page.
And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. This week we will be featuring a selection of delicious Argentine Malbec.
We hope to see you online or in our store soon.
The Franco Family
Spring Wines Under $15
As grilling season starts up, we here at Francos Wine Merchants like to keep an eye out for excellent, affordable wines for the season, and we're pleased to offer some of our favorites! The 2008 Edna Valley Chardonnay ($9.99) is a delightful white wine from California. Its soft oak and layered, buttery character are neatly balanced by bright fruit and a crisp finish. Edna Valley is an excellent choice to serve alongside fresh seafood, grilled chicken, or roast pork dishes. The 2008 Virginie Taunt Sauvignon Blanc ($12.99) is a fine example of New Zealand's signature white varietal. This refreshing wine from Marlborough displays the characteristic aromas and flavors of bright citrus and grapefruit, while the finish is enticingly dry and mineral. This is the perfect complement to any seafood or shellfish meal.
The 2008 Block Nine Caiden's Vineyards Pinot Noir ($11.99) hails from California. Its soft ruby red color and gamey aromas of bright cherry and earth betray lush flavors of dark fruit and spice, leading to a long and dry finish. This delicious, light-bodied wine pairs well alongside grilled meat dishes, as well as lighter fare such as poultry or salmon. The 2006 Vista TN Reserva ($11.99) is a full-bodied red wine from Portugal. This is a powerful and richly flavored wine, with ample dark fruit notes and a long, earthy finish. The Touriga Nacional, Portugal's finest varietal typically reserved for Port wine, is an ideal choice to serve alongside hearty grilled and roast meat dishes. Find out more about these excellent wines by following the New Arrivals link here or on our Home Page. And please remember our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, this week featuring the 2008 Virginie Taunt Sauvignon Blanc, the 2007 Alexander Valley Vineyards Sin Zin, and the 2007 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch!
April 16, 2010 — We are proud of our vast selection of Single Malt Scotch here at Francos Wine Merchants, and we are pleased to share some of our favorites with you. Single Malt Scotch needs to age in cask for at least 8 years before being bottled. Because the whisky will change and mature the longer it ages, many distillers will let their batches sit for longer, with most single malts being bottled after 12 years. However, some of the finest whiskies are the more rare 18-year-olds, and the extra care and effort involved in aging these further helps to develop some truly spectacular scotch. The Talisker 18yr Single Malt Scotch ($67.99) is the only whisky from the Isle of Skye. Talisker is an alluringly sweet and full-bodied whisky, with rich aromas and a distinctly smoked character.
The Glenlivet 18yr Single Malt Scotch ($72.99) is an elegant and rich Speyside whisky. The Glenlivet is a perfectly balanced malt, with concentrated fruit and spice notes leading to an especially long, warming finish.
The Glenmorangie 18yr Single Malt Scotch ($89.99) is an astonishing whisky from the Scottish Highlands. Its rich bouquet and full, rounded flavor lend to it the elegance and poise that makes for a truly memorable experience. Find out more about these and many other excellent whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link here or on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Malbec Mania!
Malbec Mania has arrived at Francos Wine Merchants, and we have three Argentinean Malbecs that fit the bill! The Malbec grape originates in Bordeaux in France, and has long been used as one of the six classic grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. However, it is perhaps most well known as an Argentine varietal. Introduced to Argentina in the 19th century, the grape found its foothold in Mendoza and has been used to make remarkable wine ever since. The 2007 Mil Piedras Malbec ($9.99) is a classic example of Argentine Malbec. Rich and full-bodied, the wine offers delicious dark fruit notes complemented by a supple texture and a surprising and enticingly long finish. Mil Piedras is ideal alongside grilled meats and poultry. The 2008 Ben Marco Malbec ($15.99) is fiercely vibrant and flavorful. Unique in that it features a blending of trace amounts of the rare Bonarda—better known as Charbono—grape, the wine is well-rounded and perfectly balanced, with the length to stand up to the heartiest of meals yet a distinct liveliness of fruit making it equally complementary to lighter fare. The 2007 Catena Malbec ($17.99) is the flagship wine of Catena Zapata, a family of masterful winemakers who have been practicing and perfecting their craft in Mendoza for the better part of four generations. This delicious wine is intricately complex, with ample raspberry and cherry notes leading into a distinct earthiness. Its fullness of body is balanced by bright fruit, making this the perfect wine to pair with grilled meats and sausage, roast chicken, or lamb. Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the New Arrivals link here or on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting, which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Francos April Specials!
Spring has arrived here at Francos Wine Merchants and so have our Cellar Specials for April. We are presenting some astonishing wines this month for our Cellar Specials and we encourage you to take a look! The 2007 Ferrari-Carano Alexander Valley Chardonnay ($19.99) is a remarkable white wine, and a prime example of California's signature white varietal. Masterfully produced, it offers bright aromas of tropical pineapple and mango with hints of apple and pear. Perfectly balanced flavors of white fruit and a soft minerality are held together by a backbone of soft toasty oak. Ferrari-Carano once more provides an exceptionally complex wine that perfectly complements a variety of meals such as shellfish, poultry, white meats, and pasta dishes. The 2006 Clos du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99) is a phenomenal red wine. Comprised primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), its structure is rounded by traces of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The wine displays intense aromas of black currant with hints of spice, leading to a rush of rich dark fruit flavors with firm tannins complementing the long finish. Its weight and roundness makes this the ideal wine to serve alongside hearty steaks and roasts.
Burgundy's 2006 Maréchal Savigny-les-Beaune ($32.99) is a wonderful offering from the wife and husband team of Catherine and Claude Maréchal. This truly outstanding Pinot Noir shows distinct earth notes beneath flavors of dark red fruit. Its inviting softness and lingering finish make this the perfect wine to pair alongside salmon dinners.
Find out more about these excellent wines on our Home Page, and please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Wetzel Family Estate presents Alexander Valley Vineyards!
We are proud to showcase some of the excellent wines from Alexander Valley Vineyards here at Francos Wine Merchants, and we have two of them featured on sale this month. California's Alexander Valley is famed for the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon grown there, but this has not always been the case. Until 1962, this pristine valley in Sonoma County was mostly prune orchards and pastures. That year, Harry and Maggie Wetzel purchased the nineteenth century homestead of Cyrus Alexander, after whom the valley is named. The Wetzel family took a cue from neighboring Napa Valley and began to plant a number of grape varietals, and produced Alexander Valley Vineyards' first wine in 1975. And the rest, as it were, is history. The 2007 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99) is a truly remarkable wine, and a signature example not only of Alexander Valley Cabernet, but also of the Wetzel Family Estate's mastery of the art of vinification. Characterized by its richness of color and precise, concentrated flavors, this is the perfect wine to serve alongside hearty grilled red meats. The 2007 Sin Zin ($16.99) is Alexander Valley Vineyards' deliciously decadent Zinfandel. This robust red wine proudly displays the expressive aromas of bright red fruit and spice, leading to intense flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and black pepper. The label depicts Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, engaging in his favorite pastime, and no wine would better do the image justice. This is an ideal complement to a wide variety of dishes, from poultry to game to roast beef dinners. Find out more about these and many other wonderful wines by following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. And please remember our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
New Offering from Italy
We are excited to have just received a remarkable red wine here at Francos Wine Merchants. Piedmont in the north of Italy has a long vinicultural history. Barbera itself, a grape native to the region, has been made into wine since the thirteenth century. Inviting and food-friendly, Piedmontese wines are always a delightful treat. The Damilano Winery was founded in 1890 by Giacomo Damilano, and is one of the oldest wineries in Piedmont. The 2008 Damilano Barbera d'Asti ($14.99) is a stunning showing from this prestigious family. The 2008 is the first vintage from Damilano's vineyards in Asti, having previously been produced in the neighboring town of Alba, and the move has afforded a favorable shift in the wine. This delicious Barbera shows richly concentrated flavors of bright dark cherry and raspberry, with lush hints of spice of soft earth. A perfectly balanced, lively acidity and especially lingering finish make this an excellent wine to serve alongside a very wide variety of dishes, from hearty pastas and rich roast meats to chicken and veal parmigiana. Find out more about this and many other exceptional wines by following the New Arrivals link here or on our Home Page. And please join us this Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM for our weekly, in-store wine tasting, when we will be sampling the extraordinary 2008 Damilano Barbera d'Asti. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Francos March Specials
Roaring in like a Lion — Francos Wine Merchants has a selection of featured wines to help wash away the last bit of remaining snow and to clear way for spring! From Italy we present the 2006 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico ($16.99). This phenomenal Tuscan wine presents the bright aromas and flavors characteristic of Chianti's signature Sangiovese grape. Bright red cherry notes lead to dark fruit and a distinct earthiness, with a long finish that makes this wine ideal for pairing with chicken or veal parmigiana, hearty pastas, and roast red meat dishes. France offers the 2006 Château Patache d'Aux Médoc ($19.99). An impressive display of Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, this vibrant red wine is at once elegant and bold. A fullness of body and rich, dark flavors are perfect for serving alongside robust red meat dinners.
The 2006 Ramey Claret ($29.99) is a masterful blending of Cabernet Sauvignon rounded by trace amounts of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This bright and flavorful red wine is delightfully fruit-forward and lively, with a backbone of dark cherry and blackberry with earthy hints of spice. Its masterful balance and structure, tempered by a notably long finish, are sure to make this wine a model complement to a wide variety of dishes. The 2007 Ramey Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($29.99) is an amazing offering, with a richness of fruit and texture that is as inviting as it is delightful. This fine white wine displays an aromatic bouquet flush with white tropical fruit and warm earth notes, while creamy flavors flood the palate, leaving a lingering finish of toasty oak and vanilla. This is the quintessential wine to complete with white meat, fish, and poultry menus. Find out more about these fantastic wines on our Home Page, and please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Reminder: Jacques Lardière Wine Dinner
Just a reminder regarding our Wine Dinner with Mr. Jacques Lardière, Winemaker for Maison Louis Jadot on Tuesday March 9th, at Cava Restaurant. We are very fortunate to have Mr. Lardière able to stop here on his visit to the United States and host our wine dinner. Mr. Lardière is a pre-eminent spokesman for France's Burgundy region, and this event should prove to be particularly insightful for those who have taken positions in the Jadot portfolio as well as for those interested in learning more about the Jadot wines or the Burgundy region.
The price for this extraordinary event is $89.00 per person, plus tax & gratuity. You can view the menu at the Cava Restaurant website and reservations must be made through Cava at 203-966-6946. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch!
Here at Francos Wine Merchants we are especially proud of our vast selection of Single Malt Scotch, and we are pleased to present a rare and delightful offering! Belgian wine-maker Michel Couvreur makes his home in Bouze-les-Beaune in Burgundy, where he has been making fine wine for many years, but his false passion has always been for Single Malt Scotch. Since the 1970s, Couvreur has been making whisky in the Scottish Highlands. After aging for the requisite three years and one day, he moves his Scotch to his cellar in Burgundy, where the whisky is then aged in specially selected sherry casks to age for the next nine years. The result is a selection of truly impressive whiskies that are as unique as they are rare. The Michel Couvreur 12 year-old Malt Scotch Whisky ($64.99) is a dark golden amber in color. Invitingly smoky aromas of dried flower and almond lead to firm spicy flavors and a particularly long finish. The Michel Couvreur 12 year-old Pale Single-Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($89.99) is a Single Malt Scotch bottled from a single cask. A honeyed gold in color, this fine malt offers floral aromas of delicate fruit and spice, while rich and smooth flavors of sweet fruit flood the palate, leaving a long and warm finish. To find learn more about these and many other excellent whiskies, please follow the Single Malt Scotches link here or on our Home Page. And we ask that you please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Burgundy Wine Dinner Hosted by Jacques Lardière
Our Wine Dinner Series continues as we welcome Mr. Jacques Lardière, Winemaker for Maison Louis Jadot. We feel very fortunate to have Jacques Lardière, pre-eminent spokesman for France's Burgundy region, conducting a wine dinner here in New Canaan. This event should prove to be particularly insightful for those who have taken positions in the Jadot portfolio as well as for those interested in learning more about the Jadot wines.
The price for this extraordinary event is $89.00 per person, plus tax & gratuity. You can view the menu at the Cava Restaurant website and reservations must be made through Cava at 203-966-6946. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Franco Family
Marietta Old Vine Red Returns!
The venerable favorite, Marietta Old Vine Red, has returned to Francos Wine Merchants, and we could not be more excited to see it again! Marietta Cellars has been family owned and operated since 1978, when Chris Bilbro, who now runs the vineyards with his sons Jack and Scot, founded it. Though the first vineyard was opened in Dry Creek Valley, over the years Marietta Cellars has expanded their winery into Sonoma County's Alexander Valley. The Marietta Old Vine Red Lot Number 51 - On Sale for $12.99 - is a delicious red wine. Old Vine Red is always a Zinfandel based wine, but Gamey Syrah and spicy Carignan round out the wine, and give it a distinctive dark purple and ruby color. Intense aromas lead to flavors of bright fruit with solid structure and a long finish, making this the ideal wine to serve alongside a variety of dishes such as grilled or stewed red meat, roast chicken, or hearty pasta. Find out more about this and many other excellent wines by following the New Arrivals link here or on our Home Page. Thanks to all who came out to the Roagna Wine Dinner this week. If you weren't able to attend you can still view/order these wines online or in our store. And as always, we remind you to please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Champagne for Valentine's Day and February Specials
Valentine's Day weekend is upon us and those of you planning a special evening will want a bottle of Champagne on hand to insure a romantic evening. For Valentine's Day we have a variety of Champagne on sale including the Veuve Clicquot "Yellow Label" for $39.99, the 2000 Dom Perignon for $149.99 and the 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal on sale for $249.99. Visit our Home Page for a complete list of Champagne and Sparkling Wines. You might also want to check out our February Cellar Specials:
Finally, California's fantastic 2008 Newton Red Label Chardonnay ($18.99) is an astonishing blending of Chardonnay from Napa County and Sonoma County. Distinctly mineral, this white wine nonetheless displays the buttery oak flavors for which California Chardonnay is known. Visit our Home Page to find out more about these Specials. Don't forget our weekly in-store wine tastings which take place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00-5:00pm. We look forward to seeing you online or in our store again soon!
The Franco Family
Luca Roagna Wine Dinner PostponedSadly, because of the impending snow storm, the Luca Roagna Wine Dinner at Aloi Restaurant has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 16th. Please call Aloi At 203 966 4345 to reconfirm your reservations. Likewise, if you had been unable to attend because of unavailability on the original date of the dinner, please call Aloi Restaurant, as postponement of the event will most likely create some availability to this previously sold out event. 
Luca will have returned to Italy by then, so the speaker that evening will be Kevin McKenna of Louis/Dressner/McKenna, Luca's importers here in the U.S. Kevin is a very fascinating individual and we can still guarantee a very interesting and informative event.
I hope everyone can still attend as Margerhita is planning a fabulous evening.
The Franco Family A Fine New Offering from Bordeaux!
Bordeaux has long been considered one of the world's premier winemaking regions, with many long-lived and influential vineyards. We here at Francos Wine Merchants are pleased to present a fantastic offering from prestigious Bordeaux! The 2006 Château Haut-Beauséjour Saint-Estèphe ($22.99) is a truly remarkable wine. Jean-Claude Rouzaud, president of Champagne Louis Roederer, founded the vineyard in 1992 after he acquired and combined the acclaimed vineyards of Château Picard and Château Beauséjour. The resulting wine is a beautiful example of Saint-Estèphe Bordeaux. Saint-Estèphe is one of the four major winegrowing appellations of the Médoc, and as such the wines from the region are comprised primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon balanced by Merlot. Saint-Estèphe wines, being from the West Bank, tend to be more full-bodied and robust than from the East Bank appellations such as Saint-Emilion & Pomerol. The Château Haut-Beauséjour is a rich, sustained red in color with a striking clarity. Delightful aromas of blackberry are intermingled with soft hints of tobacco. The wine is soft and rounded, with a touch of liveliness as it develops on the palate. Rich flavors of dark fruit lead to a long finish balanced by firm tannins. Haut-Beauséjour drinks well now, especially when paired with roast or grilled red meat dishes, though it could just as easily be cellared for the next five or six years. We'll be tasting the Château Haut-Beauséjour this Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM so please stop in if you are in town! Find out more about this delightful wine and our other specials on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Single Malt Scotch!
While fine wine is our forte, we here at Francos Wine Merchants are especially proud of our Single Malt Scotch selection, and this month we're anxious to share with you some of our favorites! The Black Bottle Scotch Whisky ($22.99) is an enigmatic pure malt. Smooth and well balanced, this carefully crafted blend combines fresh, honeyed aromas with delightfully smoky flavors and a long, warming finish. A unique blending of single malts from each of the distilleries in Scotland's most revered whisky producing island of Islay, the Black Bottle is a delightful treat for any lover of Scotch. The Oban 14 Year ($52.99) is a remarkable West Highland Malt, and one of the acclaimed Classic Malts. Distinctly smooth and flavorful, it is easy to see what makes Oban one of the most well loved of whiskies. Finally, we are pleased to present the Lagavulin 16yr ($68.99). The most famous of Islay's Single Malts, and another of Scotland's Classic Malts, Lagavulin is a truly remarkable scotch. Markedly peaty, with intense flavors a long, warm finish; this is the perfect whisky for a cold winter's night. To find out more about these and many other excellent whiskies, please follow the Single Malt Scotches link here or on our Home Page. And please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Rosso di Casanova di Neri Tasting this Saturday!
Join us this Saturday, January 30th, as we present a special tasting of the 2007 Rosso di Casanova di Neri ($23.99), here at Francos Wine Merchants! The Casanova di Neri Vineyard was founded in 1971 by acclaimed winemaker Giovanni Neri. Located in Montalcino in Brunello, the Casanova di Neri wines are shining examples of Tuscany's signature Sangiovese grape. The Rosso di Casanova di Neri is a masterful red wine. Expansive flavors of dark cherry and hints of smoke are balanced by outstanding depth and terrific balance. This is the perfect wine to serve alongside hearty pastas or red meat dishes. We invite you to join us this Saturday, January 30th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM as we sample this delicious wine. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Wine Dinner with Luca Roagna
Our 2010 Wine Dinner Series comes out of the blocks quickly with a wine dinner hosted by Luca Roagna — 5th generation winemaker of the Piedmont Estate that bears his family's name — on Wednesday, February 10th. Northern Italy has been home to the Roagna family, who have been winemakers in the village of Barbaresco since the mid 1800s. The Roagna family owns one of the most fascinating properties in Piedmont highlighted by small, but extremely choice plots in some of the region's best vineyards.
Once again, the date is Wednesday, February 10th at 7:00 pm. The cost is $80 per person, plus tax & tip. Reservations must be made through Aloi Restaurant at 203-966-4345. We hope you can join us for this incredible evening.
The Franco Family
Francos January Specials!
Please excuse our absence – sometimes it just takes us a few days to get our bearings straight once the rush of the holidays are over and done. But we are back, and the a new year calls for new wine choices - and we here at Francos Wine Merchants are proud to offer a particularly fine selection for this month's Cellar Specials. From France's Loire-Atlantique we present the delectable 2008 Domaine de la Pépière Cuvée Granit ($12.99). A unique blend of Gamay, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, this delicious red wine is soft bodied and particularly fruit forward, with a satisfyingly smooth finish. Also from the Loire Valley comes the 2007 François Cazin Le Petit Chambord Cour-Cheverny ($14.99). A fine example of the rare Romorantin grape, which is cultivated only in the village of Cour-Cheverny, this is an enticing and unique white wine. Rich in white fruit flavors and citric character, and with a dry and mineral finish that is crisp and refreshing, this is the perfect wine for chicken and seafood dishes.
Finally, we are pleased to present the magnificent 2007 Rosso di Casanova di Neri ($23.99). This is an incredible red wine from one of Tuscany's premier wine makers, and a shining example of the region's signature Sangiovese grape. Rich and expansive, with ample red and black fruit notes, this tantalizing wine is best paired with red meats and hearty pasta dishes. Find out more about these excellent wines on our Home Page, and please keep in mind our weekly, in-store wine tasting which takes place every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Happy New Year from Francos Wine Merchants!
New Year's Eve is fast approaching, and with no better way to celebrate than with some of the world's finest bubbles all available here at Francos Wine Merchants! The Roederer Estate ($17.99), produced by Louis Roederer in California's Anderson Valley, is a truly exemplary sparkling wine, with rich flavors of apple and citrus fruit blended liberally with notes of toasty oak and cream. The Gruet Blanc de Noirs ($16.99) and Gruet Brut ($16.99) are ideal choices. Made in the Champenoise style, with ample fruit notes and a crisp dry finish, one would never guess these to be produced in New Mexico!
France's Champagne region also offers the remarkable Larmandier-Bernier Blanc de Blancs ($49.99) and the Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus ($54.99). These delightful sparkling wines made by the wife and husband team of Sophie & Pierre Larmandier are superb examples of Champagne wine. The wines are strictly low-dosage or no-dosage, making them particularly dry and crisp in style. Finally, we are proud to present the 2002 Dom Perignon ($159.99). A wine known the world over, Dom Perignon is the quintessential Champagne wine. Masterful and elegant, bold and yet softly demure, this is the perfect wine with which to ring in 2010.
To find out more about these and our many other excellent sparkling wines, please click on the links in this email, or follow the Champagne link and the Other white sparkling link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store in 2010!
The Franco Family The Final Stretch!
Here we are – the final few shopping days are upon us- and while things might get a little harried, Francos Wine Merchants will be here to help you cross those last few items off your list. If you are in need of a some "price friendly" wines to pour for guests – may we suggest either the 2005 Badiolo Chianti Reserva on sale for $10.99, the 2008 Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio on sale for $14.99 or the 2007 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon on sale for $16.99.
Our store hours for this week remain mostly the same. We will be open from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. And on Thursday, Christmas Eve, we will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We will be closed Christmas Day. May we also take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers for your business over the past year, Best Wishes for 2010 and as always, Peace on Earth. We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family Great Wines for the Holidays!
We know the days are winding down, and if you're stuck for gift ideas or wines for the holidays, the Francos Staff is ready to help! An easy place to start is with the 2005 Chateau La Fleur Poitou ($16.99). A remarkable wine from one of Bordeaux's greatest vintages, and hailing from picturesque Saint-Emilion, this delightful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and flavorful.
Olivier Lemasson offers us the 2007 Les Vins Contés Pinoir de Soif ($22.99), a delicious Pinot Noir from France's Loire Valley. This naturally produced wine is fresh and delicious, with a light-bodied style that is ideal for a wide selection of meals, from salmon to lamb to heartier holiday fare. The 2007 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay is at an incredible price this month: $39.99. This is an impressive white wine with a layered, buttery style flush with notes of toasted coconut and caramel, and flavors of golden apple and toasty oak with hints of soft citrus fruit. Finally, we have the 2006 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia ($159.99). A perfect holiday gift, this truly breathtaking red wine is full and hearty and extremely memorable.
Give a "Mixed Case" as a Holiday GiftIs all this gift giving too much to think about? If so, let Francos Wine Merchants put something together for you! Simply choose from several different price point categories under our Mixed Case Options at our website. Mixed cases are listed at their high-end price, but are adjusted to the actual price of the bottles in your case before your order is processed. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family |
Greeting wines and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:30 and we would like to have everyone seated by 7:30.
