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Did you get these newsletters? If not, then why not signup for our email list?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 true 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 16 Year ($62.99). 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 2000 Dom Perignon ($149.99). 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 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundy Tasting this Saturday!
Join us this Saturday December 12th from 1:00-5:00 as we welcome back Mr. Philippe Marchal of Maison Louis Jadot. Philippe will be sampling a selection of Burgundies from the 2006 Louis Jadot portfolio. If you missed Philippe back at our November Tasting, here is your chance to taste some of the fine wines of Louis Jadot. 2006 was an especially fine year for Burgundy. We recently cornered the market on the wines from this excellent vintage produced by world famous Louis Jadot. Find out more about these wines by following the 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundy link on our Home Page. You can also view our most recent New York Times advertisement featuring the 2006 Louis Jadot wines we have on sale. Mixed Cases Now AvailableThinking of giving a Mixed Case of wine as a Holiday Gift, but don't know the wines to choose? You can have someone on the Francos Staff make the selection for you. Simply choose from several different price point catagories, and we put the gift together for you! You can look at the Mixed Case options at our web site. Mixed cases are listed at their high-end price, but are adjusted to the actual price of the bottles in the case before your order is processed and your credit card is charged. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon!
The Franco Family Francos December Specials & Holiday Gift Ideas
The Holidays are upon us and the Francos Staff has chosen some extraordinary wines as our Cellar Specials, perfect for the celebrations in the coming weeks! The delightful Roederer Estate Brut ($17.99) from California's Anderson Valley is a delicious sparkling wine made in the world-renowned tradition of Louis Roederer Champagne. A unique blend of estate grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, as well as oak-aged reserve wines, create a particularly complex and dry sparkling wine. The 2008 Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse ($19.99) is one of the most well known and beloved wines from Burgundy's Maconnais region. Its bright citrus fruit and crisp, dry finish is coupled with an underlying hint of creamy vanilla. This is the perfect wine to serve alongside fish or light chicken dishes. Last but most decidedly not least, we present the 2008 Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir ($24.99). A remarkable example of California Pinot Noir, this delicious red wine is made by the masterful winemakers of Caymus fame, and their expertise shines through. Flush with bright cherry fruit notes leading to a seductively long finish. An excellent wine to pair with grilled or roast meats, as well as chicken or salmon dishes. Please also visit our web site to see more about our Veuve Clicquot Special and upcoming Wine Tastings - as well as excellent gift items such as our Single Malt Scotch collection and our 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundy acquisition. You can also view a PDF of our most recent New York Times advertisement featuring our Louis Jadot Burgundies. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Holiday Gift Giving
While we are still trying to figure out creative ways to use our Thanksgiving leftovers, it's hard to believe that the Holiday season is now upon us! But the staff at Francos Wine Merchants has been working hard to make Holiday Gift Giving as easy as possible this year.
While we will be suggesting many gift giving ideas in the coming weeks, we did want to mention that we will be offering our most popular gift giving idea from last year. A one bottle gift package of Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label – can be sent as a gift anywhere in the United States via FedEx Ground for $49.99 – Tax and shipping included. It's a great way to let friends and colleagues know you are thinking about them over the Holiday. We would also like to take this opportunity to mention that as the Holiday's get closer, the last dates to order an item for guaranteed gift delivery in time for December 25th are the following: December 16th for Guaranteed Ground Shipping Orders must be received by 12PM on the dates specified for guaranteed delivery. Orders that come in later may still arrive in time, but are not guaranteed. Please look for our Holiday Specials online in the coming weeks – and remember that if you are in a quandary for a gift giving idea, the Francos Staff is ready to help! It can be as simple as just telling us how much you'd like to spend and then let one of the staff put the gift together for you – or we can help you along with your choices. Either way please don't hesitate to ask us for assistance! We hope to see you online or in our store soon!
The Franco Family Happy Thanksgiving from Francos Wine Merchants!
We here at Francos Wine Merchants just want to let you know that we are here to help you with your last minute Thanksgiving choices. Just a reminder that we have the 2007 Belle Glos "Clark & Telephone" and "Las Alturas" Pinot Noir, both on sale for $40.99, as well as the Newton "Red Label" Chardonnay for $17.99. You can find all of these wines as well as other choices for your Thanksgiving table on our Home Page. We would also like to mention that we did receive a shipment of 2006 Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, on sale for $24.99. Our wide selection of Single Malt Scotch is also on sale. Our 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundy tasting was a great success, but if you were unable to join us, there is still time to take advantage of our special sale of these amazing wines. Please be aware that we will be open our regular store hours of 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Wednesday November 25th, but we will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon, and we wish you the very best for your Thanksgiving Holiday.
The Franco Family 2006 Louis Jadot Grand Cru Wine Tasting!
This Saturday, November 21st from 1:00-5:00 our host, Mr. Philippe Marchal of Maison Louis Jadot will be conducting an extraordinary tasting of 2006 Grand Cru Burdundies here in our store. The Grand Cru wines to be tasted for Red Burgundies include the 2006 Jadot Clos Vougeot ($101.99), 2006 Jadot Chapelle Chambertin ($128.99), and 2006 Jadot Corton Greves ($82.99). And in Grand Cru White Burgundy, we have the 2006 Jadot Batard Montrachet ($198.99) and 2006 Jadot Corton Charlemange ($114.99).
Other Burgundies from the 2006 Jadot Portfolio to be tasted include the 2006 Jadot Chassagne Montrachet "Morgeot" ($56.99) for White Burgundy, and for Red Burgundy include the 2006 Jadot Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Boudots" ($64.99) and the 2006 Jadot Beaune "Clos des Ursules" ($45.99). Please make time to stop by and meet Philippe Marchal, samples his wines, and hear him talk about this legendary vineyard. Those of you unable to make our tasting on Saturday can view and order all of our 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundies on our website. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon!
The Franco Family November Specials!
Things have been busy here at Francos Wine Merchants — we've had much excitement with our 2006 Louis Jadot Arrival. But we wanted to also let you know about our November Specials, just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday! We have an array of Wines, Ports & Single Malts on sale, as well as some exciting Wine Tastings coming up, and we'd like to take a minute to tell you about them. There are so many good choices for the Thanksgiving meal that it was hard to narrow them down. But if serving Pinot Noir at your Thanksgiving table comes to mind, Francos has three exciting ones to choose from! From California, the Wagner Family of Caymus fame bring us the 2007 Belle Glos "Clark & Telephone" and the 2007 Belle Glos "Las Alturas", both on sale for $40.99. And from Oregon's Willamette Valley, the 2007 Argyle Pinot Noir announces its presence with a bright garnet color and nose of red fruit and cranberry. On sale for $22.99.
Lastly, if a full flavored California Cabernet is on your list, the 2007 Caymus Cabernet with its deep flavors of cassis, chocolate and vanilla definitely fulfills those requirements. On sale for $64.99. 2006 Louis Jadot Grand Cru Burgundy Tasting! — This Saturday, November 21st, between 1:00 and 5:00pm, Philippe Marchal of Maison Louis Jadot will be on hand to sample some of 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundies that have recently arrived. Please make time to stop by to sample some of these fabulous wines. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon!
The Franco Family Francos Corners 2006 Burgundy Market
Francos Wine Merchants has just purchased and accepted delivery of every case of 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundy in the United States. This was one of the largest tranactions for Burgundy in the United States and certainly the largest for us. While Francos Wine Merchants was one of the few retailers who honored their commitment on our original order of 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundy, the current economy over the past year left a large quantity of wine unsold from restaurateurs and retailers who cancelled their orders. Realizing the excellent value and quality of the 2006 Burgundies, Francos stepped up to the plate and made this amazing purchase. Represented is a cross section of Village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines. Some have a fairly deep inventory and others are very limited. The wines are arriving in two large shipments. We have received our first shipment and the second is scheduled to arrive by December 1st or shortly thereafter. All the wines are listed on our website here; wines that are in stock will show prices; those that aren't yet here will not have prices. While the wines that have yet to arrived cannot be purchased immediately, you can create a "Wish List" to help you remember them, and order them more easily after they come in.
Please follow this 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundy link to view the entire list, or this link to see only those in stock now. Highlighting our list are the 2006 Louis Jadot Beaune Clos Ursules, the 2006 Clos Vougeot, and the 2006 Savigny-les-Beaune Clos des Guettes. These three wines are a good representation of wines that you might either want to "drink now" or cellar. But, truthfully, the entire lot - without exception - are at the sharpest prices you will ever see for these extraordinary wines. All these wines will be featured in our upcoming November ad, but as subscribers to our Email Newsletter, you are the first to see them. We will be conducting an In-Store Tasting of some of the 2006 Louis Jadot Burgundies, so please be sure to stop by the store both this Saturday, November 14th as well as next Saturday November 21st – between 1:00-5:00pm - to sample some of these fabulous wines. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon!
The Franco Family Single Malt Scotch Specials!
Nothing takes the chill off these Autumn nights like a nice Single Malt Scotch. As the temperature drop, so do the prices on our Single Malts. Francos Wine Merchants are proud to offer the following on sale! The Glenmorangie 10 yr ($34.99), referred to as The Original Glenmorangie, is a Highland single malt matured in bourbon casks. This process adds layers of complexity to an already elegant whisky. The Springbank 10 yr ($59.99), with its golden color and bouquet reminiscent of a soft sea breeze, is a delightful malt that is softly peated and smooth. Its particularly long finish makes this an excellent choice for classic scotch lovers. Dewar's own Aberfeldy 12 yr ($36.99) is a Highland malt with a warm golden color. The full and lively palate leads into a lingering finish. Finally, the Oban 14 yr ($49.99) from the West Highlands is elegant and glowing, marrying a sea air character to a richly fruited style. Learn more about these and many other excellent whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link on our Home Page. There are still a couple of openings left for our Caymus Dinner this Wednesday, November 4th 6:30pm at Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant. If you are interested, please call Cava at 203-966-6946 for reservations. You can view the Caymus Dinner Menu at the Cava Restaurant website. 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 Caymus Wine Dinner
If you have not made your reservations for the Caymus Wine Dinner being held at Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant, please don’t delay; the dinner is almost sold out. The event is Wednesday, November 4th and our guest speaker that evening will be Mr. George Louis, Sales Director of Caymus Vineyards. Should you be unable to attend our event you can find the featured wines from the dinner on the Wine Tasting link on our Home Page – all available for online ordering.
Featured wines include the 2006 Mer Soleil "Silver" Chardonnay, 2007 Mer Soleil "Barrel Fermented" Chardonnay and the much anticipated and newly released 2007 Belle Glos Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs — the "Clark & Telephone" and the "Las Alturas". Also featured will be the 2007 Caymus Napa Cabernet. This event is filling up quickly – please make your reservations now. Reservations must be made thru Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant at 203-966-6946.
The Franco Family New Italian Arrivals!
Autumn has arrived in force, and we here at Francos Wine Merchants are proud to offer a selection of excellent Italian wines for the season. This fall sees the return of the ever-popular 2008 Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio ($14.99). A delightful wine, this fine example of Italy's signature white varietal is extremely flavorful. Its enticingly mineral bouquet and dry palate makes this the ideal wine to serve as an aperitif or pair alongside seafood dinners, as well as poultry and white meat dishes. From Tuscany we are pleased to present the 2007 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina ($17.99), a remarkable red wine with a complexity and depth characteristic of the Sangiovese grape. Rich with fruit notes leading into an elegantly lingering finish ensure this Chianti is the perfect accompaniment for hearty pasta dishes and robust red meats. Finally we offer Piedmont's 2008 Vietti Tre Vigne Dolcetto d'Alba ($19.99). Harvested from select vineyards throughout Barolo, this enticing red wine perfectly balances a rich allotment of dark red fruit with a velvety texture and long finish. Dolcetto is an excellent choice to serve alongside grilled vegetables and light pasta dishes. Find out more about these and many other excellent wines by following the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. In Store Tasting this Saturday, October 24th between 1:00 and 5:00 PM when we will be tasting both the 2007 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina and the 2008 Vietti Tre Vigne Dolcetto d'Alba. Please stop by. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Rake in the October Savings!
Francos Wine Merchants invites you to our 75th Annual Fall Sale. We have a wide selection of wines for your autumn menus, as well some Single Malt Scotch, all on sale. Featured this month from Sonoma we have the 2007 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, $16.99. This superb cabernet sauvignon from the Wetzel Family shows off the talents of Maggie and Harry Wetzel. A perfect choice for your fall menu as the temperature starts to drop. Also from California, we are proud to offer the 2006 Mer Soleil "Silver" Chardonnay from Monterey, $24.99. An elegantly styled chardonnay, this wine is fermented in both stainless steel and cement barrels. An excellent choice if you are looking for a clean, pure chardonnay. As roasted chicken, duck, and salmon start to make their way back to the table, you might to consider the 2006 Maréchal Chorey Les Beaune, $29.99. Catherine & Claude Marechal have worked hard on their land producing a wine in "natural" fashion without the use of chemicals. If you have yet to sample any of their wines, the Chorey Les Beaune is an excellent place to start. Lastly, from Piedmont in Italy we have the 2007 Cascina Degli Ulivi Gavi, $15.99, from Stefano & Zita Bellotti. This versatile white wine made from the Cortese grape would be our choice for your fish or fowl menus. You can find all these wines on our Home Page as well as the other wines we are featuring on sale. You can also view a PDF of our current print ad if you wish. Also check out our "Wine Tasting" link for our upcoming events. While our Veuve Clicquot Dinner has sold out, reservations are being taken for the Caymus Dinner coming in early November. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Italian Wine Tasting
This Saturday, October 10th from 1:00 – Donna will be pouring two wines from the Italian Estate of Galarej, the 2004 Galarej Barolo and the 2006 Galarej Barbera D'Alba. The 2004 Galarej Barolo (on sale $38.99) is 100% Nebbiolo grape aged for two years in oak casks followed by another twelve months in the bottle. This lengthy ageing results in a robust, well-bodied wine, packed with structure. Perfect pairing for your Autumn menus. The 2006 Galarej Barbera D'Alba (on sale $13.99) is 100% Barbera grape, is fermented in stainless steel and then aged in oak casks. This produces a wine with deep, ruby-red color accompanied with an intense nose of wood, spice and hint of vanilla. Dry and velvety, this wine is an excellent paring with full-flavored meats and cheeses. So please join us this coming Saturday, October 10rd, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM, as we offer a taste of these delectable wines from Galarej. Unable to join us? No worries, you can find both of these wines by clicking here or on the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. Also, don't forget our upcoming Veuve Clicquot Wine Dinner hosted by Cyril Brun, Winemaker of Veuve Clicquot, on Monday October 19th. The menu is now posted at Cava Wine & Restaurant. Please make your reservation by calling Cava at 203-966-6946. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Chateau Ksara Tasting
We are always on the lookout for unique wines here at Francos Wine Merchants, and thus we are extremely pleased to offer two wines from highly regarded Chateau Ksara. Join us this Saturday afternoon, October 3rd, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM for a special tasting of these exemplary wines. Chateau Ksara overlooks the picturesque Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, one of the world’s oldest and most prolific vinicultural regions, with thousands of years of rich history. Both of the Ksara wines we are showcasing reflect this long history and innovative winemaking. The 2008 Chateau Ksara Blanc de Blancs (on sale for $14.99) is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and equal parts Chardonnay and Semillon. Extremely versatile, the wine is medium-bodied and displays an excellent balance of fruit, soft creamy oak, and a bright acidity. The Blanc de Blancs pairs remarkably well with a wide variety of fish and chicken dishes. The 2005 Chateau Ksara Red (on sale for $21.99) is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), and a touch of Petit Verdot to round out the wine an introduce a further layer of balance and complexity. Its weight and full flavor make it the ideal wine to accompany any autumn beef menu. Please join us this coming Saturday, October 3rd, between 1:00 and 5:00 PM as we offer a taste of these delectable wines from Chateau Ksara. Unable to join us? No worries, you can find both of these wines by clicking here or on the New Arrivals link on our Home Page. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Veuve Clicquot Champagne Dinner, October 19th
Francos Wine Merchants and Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant are pleased to announce the first Wine Dinner of the Fall Season On Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm Champagne Veuve Clicquot will be in house to taste Champagne from the Veuve Clicquot portfolio. Mr. Cyril Brun, Winemaker at Champagne Veuve Clicquot will be our host. Champagne to be tasted include the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label ($39.99), Veuve Clicquot Rosé NV ($49.99), Veuve Clicquot Vintage 1998 ($59.99), and Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec ($51.99). For reservations and more information, please contact:
Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant Don't miss this fabulous event; we hope to see you there! All of these wines are on sale, so you might want to try out a bottle even if you can't make the tasting.
The Franco Family Pure Malt Scotch from Compass Box
We are particularly proud of our expansive selection of Single Malt Scotches here at Francos Wine Merchants, and so would like to showcase a selection of Pure Malts from acclaimed producer Compass Box. Single Malt Scotch is made through a process that ensures all of the malt in a particular batch, and subsequently barrel and bottle, originates in a single distillery. Comparatively, Pure Malts are blends of different malts, often from completely different regions of Scotland entirely. This unique process serves to add layers of complexity and balance to the whisky. The Asyla ($35.99) is a delicate and soft whisky that is sweet and smooth on the palate with subtle flavors of vanilla cream and apple. A blending of unpeated malt whiskies from Linkwood, Glen Elgin, and Teaninich masterfully combined with delicious grain whisky from Cameron Bridge makes Asyla a delicious and refreshing Scotch. The Oak Cross ($37.99), a blend of 10 and 12 year old Highland single malts from Teaninich, Brora, and Carron, is aged in new oak American casks and French first-fill Bourbon barrels. This process instills a distinct clove and vanilla accent to the sweetly malted whisky. Finally, the aptly named Peat Monster ($44.99) is a particularly robust whisky. A blend of Islay malts from Port Askaig, and combined with the world famous Ardmore, the Peat Monster is rich and loaded with smokiness and hints of fruit and spice leading to a particularly long finish of echoing peat and smoke. Find out more about these and many other excellent malt 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. Upcoming Wine Dinner: Mr. Cyril Brun, winemaker of Champagne Veuve Clicquot, will be hosting a Wine Dinner at Cava Wine Bar & Restaurant on Monday, October 19th. Menu pairings are being developed; please check back for details. For those of you who want to make reservations early, please do so by calling Cava at 203-966-6946. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Everyday French Reds!
From Corbières in the Languedoc we present the 2007 Trillol Cuvée Fruitée ($10.99). A blend of the Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes native to the region, this expressively rich wine is earthy and particularly flavorful, making it an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats. The Loire Valley, most well known for their crisp white wines, have long had a history of producing charming reds such as the 2007 Wild Pig Pinot Noir ($11.99). Characterizing the mineral and earth notes of the Cévennes Mountains, this excellent Pinot Noir maintains lively hints of bright red fruit. The Wild Pig pairs beautifully with roast meats and game, as well as lighter fare such as grilled chicken or salmon dishes. Last but most decidedly not least is the 2008 Domaine Paul Autard Côtes du Rhône ($12.99). A masterful blending of the Rhône's Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, and Cinsault grapes, this delicious wine is sure to impress. Rich and full-bodied, it is sure to complement a wide variety of grilled meats and hearty stews. Find out more about these excellent wines by clicking on the wine names or images in this newsletter, or follow the New Arrivals link on our Home Page for these and other newly in stock wines. 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 Francos September Specials: Exemplary!
From Austria we present the 2008 Felsner Grüner Veltliner ($12.99). A delicious example of Austria's signature white varietal, this wine offers lovely fruit flavor and a bright freshness that makes it an easy drinking and particularly food-friendly wine. The 2007 Thomas-Labaille Sancerre Chavignol Les Monts Damnés ($22.99) from the Loire Valley is a superb Sauvignon Blanc, layered and subtle with a surprisingly rich and rounded palate. This is the ideal wine to pair with seafood and shellfish dishes. Another fine and distinctive offering from the Loire is the 2007 Olivier Lemasson Les Vins Contés Gama-Sutra ($24.99). A distinctly styled, bright and flavorful wine exemplifying Gamay's often under-appreciated complexity, Gama-Sutra is flush with cherry and plum notes and a sharp freshness. Finally, from Burgundy we are pleased to present the 2006 Maréchal Chorey-les-Beaune ($29.99). A masterful effort from the husband and wife team of Catherine and Claude Maréchal, this naturally produced wine displays Pinot Noir's most enticing characteristics while maintaining a bright and lively fruit profile. This is the perfect wine to pair alongside roast and grilled meat dishes. Find out more about these fantastic wines 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. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family Happy Labor Day!
This last weekend of summer will still give you a chance to enjoy one more barbecue, and hopefully the weather where you are will provide the perfect opportunity. What better way to add to it than to consider some of our best choices for the backyard! Spain's exquisite 2008 Don Pedro de Soutomaior Albariño ($13.99) is a refreshingly crisp white wine with ample fruit notes that is perfect for seafood, and especially shellfish dishes. California's 2007 Bodan Roan Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) with its rich and smooth palate is ideal for any meat you might be throwing on the grill. Finally, France's 2006 Pierre André Bourgogne ($15.99) is a prime example of delicate, subtle Pinot Noir that is the quintessential red wine for the season. Learn more about these delicious wines by clicking the links 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. Just a reminder: Liquor stores are closed on Labor Day in Connecticut, so shop early! We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon!
The Franco Family Single Malt ScotchWe are especially proud of our vast selection of Single Malt Scotch here at Francos Wine Merchants, and here are a few choices we are showcasing for August and are on Sale! The Tamdhu 10yr ($21.99) is a delicate and smooth Highland malt, with soft creamy flavors and a distinctly peaty finish. 
Speyside's delightful Cragganmore 12yr ($40.99) is a sophisticated, complex whisky. Astonishingly fragrant, it offers a distinctly malted smokiness and long finish. The Dalwhinnie 15yr ($43.99) is the classic Highland malt. Smooth and subtle, this fine whisky is mellow and honeyed, with a distinct delicacy and depth yielding flavors of creamy vanilla and sweet heather. The smoky finish is surprisingly intense. Find out more about these and many other excellent whiskies by following the Single Malt Scotches link off of 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 August Specials: Astonishing!
France's extraordinary 2006 Michelot Bourgogne Chardonnay ($21.99), with its soft acidity, creamy fruit notes, and almost imperceptibly subtle hint of oak, is a wonderful white wine that is crisp and refreshing. This is the ideal pairing for seafood dinners, and especially sea bass and salmon dishes. From Italy we present the 2005 Badiolo Chianti Riserva ($10.99), a delightful wine with its brilliant ruby color and distinctive bouquet of rich red fruit. A clean, lively palate makes it the ideal wine to accompany roast game dishes and grilled meats. The 2008 Domaine de la Pépière Cuvée Granit ($14.99) from France's Loire-Atlantique is a remarkable red wine. A masterful blending of Gamay, Côt, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot makes for an enticingly smooth, elegant offering. A distinct purple in color, this delightful wine displays an aromatic bouquet of bell pepper and spice, leading to a flavorful palate that is soft and refreshing, with a beautifully long finish that makes this a wonderful accompaniment to sweet Italian sausage and grilled chicken meals. And finally, we are pleased to present the exemplary 2006 Domaine Rossignol-Trapet Gevrey-Chambertin ($29.99). A shining example of Burgundy's signature Pinot Noir grape, this delightful Gevrey-Chambertin's enticingly soft ruby color and earthy bouquet of red fruit and floral notes promises a complex palate rich in black cherry and berry, with a hint of toasty oak leading into a particularly long and lingering finish. This is the perfect wine to serve alongside grilled red meats, and especially lamb dishes. Find out more about these excellent wines 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. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
Wines Under $15: Great for your Summer Get-a-way!
The 2008 Muga Rioja Vino Blanco ($14.99) is a delicious and refreshing white wine from Spain with a flavorful richness balanced by a long and crisp finish. A rare blend of white varietals native to Rioja, the wine offers a distinctly complex style with a pronounced elegance making it the ideal wine to serve alongside seafood, white meats, or grilled chicken dishes. From France's prestigious Loire Valley we present the 2007 Francois Cazin Le Petit Chambord Cour-Cheverny ($14.99). A shining example of little-known Romorantin, a grape so rare it is only grown in the village of Cour-Cheverny, this delectable white wine displays a distinctly herbal bouquet followed by an explosion of flavor, at once concentrated and broad, and a razor sharp acidity at the finish. This is the perfect wine to serve with seafood, especially shellfish. The 2006 Cantele Primitivo ($10.99) from Puglia in Italy is a rich red wine with a bright bouquet of berry fruit and bell pepper, and a succulent and fruitful palate. Primitivo has long been a great accompaniment to rich summer fare. California's 2007 Bodan Roan Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast. This lends the hearty red wine an unmitigated elegance and concentrated fruit, rounded by subtle pepper and a velvet texture. The delightfully long and smooth finish lends this wine brilliantly to grilled meat dishes. Consider also some other enticing wines perfect for the weather, such as the 2007 Rosemount Estate Shiraz ($8.99), the Marietta Old Vine Red Lot Number 49 ($12.99), the 2008 Chateau du Donjon Minervois Rosé ($12.99), the 2007 Clos des Briords Cuvée Vielles Vignes Muscadet ($12.99), the 2007 Felsner Grüner Veltliner Lössterrassen ($13.99), the 2007 Xarmant Txakoli Arabako Txakolina de Alva ($13.99), the 2006 Norton Ridge Chardonnay ($14.99), or the 2007 You Are So Nice ($14.99). To find out more about these and many other excellent wines, by clicking here or on the Under $15 Wines 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. We look forward to seeing you online and in our store again soon.
The Franco Family
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Greeting wines and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:30 and we would like to have everyone seated by 7:30.
