Francos Wine Merchants will be open regular hours on Saturday June 25th, but FRANCOS WILL BE CLOSED Sunday June 26th.

The warm weather is here and rosé season has started offering a respite on hot summer evenings. Today we are going to focus on a rosé from Domaines Ott, the 2021 Domaines Ott Château de Selle Côtes de Provence ($49.99). This particular estate was acquired by Marcel Ott in 1912 and the soil is a mix of gypsum, red clay, dolomite, and sandstone all in gravel and stone. The estate enjoys a microclimate of mild winters, early springs and warm, dry summers with plenty of sunshine. The growing conditions combined with the various grape varieties are what bring the magic to this highly rated rosé. At this Saturday's tasting, we pour the 2020 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir ($22.99) and a Burgundian white, the 2019 William Fevre Saint Bris ($19.99). Pictured, the 2021 Domaines Ott Château de Selle Côtes de Provence ($49.99) ... (read more)

Francos is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, as well as Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. We are closed Monday.

In addition to in store shopping and pickup, we offer Free Local Delivery, and FedEx Delivery.

If this is your first time ordering from us, please click to read the details on all of our services ... (read more)

Christian Moueix has an unparalleled record producing wine spanning decades and continents. This week we visit his Dominus Napanook, at the foothills of the Maracamas Mountains, where he produces the 2019 Dominus Napanook ($89.99). Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with about 10% Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Dominus Napanook ($89.99) first greets you with punctuated notes of marjoram and candied orange peel that rise from the glass. Once in the mouth, flavors of earth and dark tobacco take root, and the deep red fruit flavors are the perfect segue into the wine's chewy tannins which carry you directly to the finish. Fans of full-bodied California Cabernets won't want to miss this, or the 2019 Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($349.99). Both have limited availability so don't miss out! This Saturday we pour the 2019 Colli di Lapio Irpinia Campi Taurasini ($22.99) and the 2019 William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux ($29.99). Pictured, the 2019 Dominus Napanook ($89.99) ... (read more)

Memorial Day weekend is here, and we're back in Sancerre to bring you the 2021 Bourgeois Sancerre Rosé Les Jeunes Vignes ($19.99). One hunfred percent Pinot Noir grapes, and exacting production methods bring you this stunning Rosé. First greeting you with its brilliant pink color and nuances of red berry, this wine treats the tastebuds to a delicate balance of salinity and minerality, leading to a dry, crisp finish. The 2021 Bourgeois Sancerre Rosé Les Jeunes Vignes ($19.99) is the wine to help whisk away the summer heat. Saturday, we pour the 2021 Bourgeois Sancerre Rosé Les Jeunes Vignes ($19.99) as well a a delicious Sanit Emilion red, the 2016 Château Haut Plaisance ($18.99). Pictured, the 2021 Bourgeois Sancerre Rosé Les Jeunes Vignes ($19.99) ... (read more)

Chuck Wagner founded Caymus Vineyards almost 50 years ago; in that time the Wagner family has produced some of the most celebrated wines in Napa. Their most recent release, the 2020 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.99) continues the legacy. This Cabernet Sauvignon is produced with special harvesting technique which, along with the climate and soil of Napa, come together to produce a deep red wine with layers of flavors consisting of cocoa, cassis and ripe berry. Our limited inventory will go quickly. Saturday we're tasting the 2018 Château Fongaban ($17.99) and the 2020 Ragotiere Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine ($13.99). Pictured, the 2020 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($79.99) ... (read more)

This week's featured wine, the 2019 Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre Rouge ($29.99), comes from the Sancerre region in the Loire. Domaine Riverdy produces this 100% Pinot Noir from vines with an average age of 30 years, giving us a bright and inviting cherry red wine that pulls us in with flavors of vibrant red fruit and eases into a gentle finish. Saturday, in addition to the 2019 Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre Rouge ($29.99), we'll also be tasting the 2019 William Fevre Saint Bris ($19.99), a delicious French Sauvignon Blanc. Pictured, the 2019 Hippolyte Reverdy Sancerre Rouge ($29.99) ... (read more)

This week we're featuring white wines produced by Dominique Lafon in the Mâonnais district of Burgundy. First, the 2020 Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Prisse ($32.99) has a fleshy, bright flavor. Next, the 2020 Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Saint Véran ($42.99) showcases a well balanced flavor of fruit and terroir, coming from vines no younger than 25 years. Finally, the 2020 Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Pouilly Fuisse en Chatenay ($54.99) comes from 50+ year old vines deliver an elegant and textured, full-bodied wine. Saturday we taste the 2018 Château La Vielle Cure ($34.99) and the 2019 William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux ($29.99). Pictured, the 2020 Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Macon Prisse ($32.99) ... (read more)

This week we will celebbate the return of our Saturday Wine Tastings with a visit to Southern Italy, specifically the vineyard of Colli di Lapio in the region of Campania. We'll have two wines open, the 2020 Colli di Lapio Fiano di Avellino ($19.99) and the 2019 Colli di Lapio Irpinia Campi Taurasini ($22.99). The 2020 Colli di Lapio Fiano di Avellino ($19.99) would make a great pairing for almost any seafood dish as well as many of your white meat recipes and is a perfect choice for an Italian white. The 2019 Colli di Lapio Irpinia Campi Taurasini ($22.99) is a full-bodied red wine and pairs well with rich meats with a high fat content such as a traditional beef braciola dinner. If you are fan of earth-driven, rustic Italian wines, this is the wine you want to try. Pictured, the 2020 Colli di Lapio Fiano di Avellino ($19.99) ... (read more)

Our featured wine this week is the 2018 Paul Hobbs River Valley Chardonnay ($53.99). This vineyard site is bordered by the Pacific ocean on one side and the Mayacamas Mountain range on the other side. This means that all day long the grapes soak up the heat and the sunshine; then at night they enjoy a gentle cooldown as the fog and the coastal breeze moves in. This unique micro-climate helps produce a Chardonnay that is bright and vibrant in the glass with lush flavors of white peach and with notes of almond and herbs on the nose. This wine's silky palate also enjoys a balanced, natural acidity that leads you directly into a long, lingering finish. The 2018 Paul Hobbs River Valley Chardonnay ($53.99) is the perfect wine as we start to transition from our winter to spring menus. Pictured, the 2018 Paul Hobbs River Valley Chardonnay ($53.99) ... (read more)

South of San Francisco in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, we find the home of Domaine Eden. Purchased by Mount Eden Estates in 2007, the vineyards of Domaine Eden were founded and built by the late Tom Mudd in 1983 when it was the former Cinnabar Winery. Now under the Domaine Eden label, this winery has a major focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This week our featured wines are the 2017 Domaine Eden Chardonnay ($28.99), perfect paired with roast chicken or grilled swordfish, and the 2017 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir ($39.99), perfect with steak. Pictured, the 2017 Domaine Eden Chardonnay ($28.99) ... (read more)

Moulin Aux Moines is located in the heart of the Cote de Beaune, specifically in the village of Auxey Duresses. Owned by the Abbey of Cluny in the 10th century, this domaine was purchased by the Andrieu Family in 2008. Since purchasing the domain, the Andrieu family's focus has been on restoring the ancestral values of these legendary wines by returning to the organic and biodynamic principles on which the domaine was founded. This brings us to our featured wine, the 2019 Clos du Moulin Aux Moines Bourgogne Aux Seurrets ($28.99). The Aux Seurrets is from a vineyard in the village of Pommard from vines planted 50 years ago. The age of these vines is what helps produce the earthy undertones found in this Bourgogne. As you pour this wine into the glass, aromas of red cherry fruit and notes of cocoa rise up to greet your olfactory senses. And don't let the modest price fool you; this wine drinks well above its price point and is perfect for so many of your winter night menus. Pictured, the 2019 Clos du Moulin Aux Moines Bourgogne Aux Seurrets ($28.99) ... (read more)

This week we are featuring the Sono 1420 BBN Bourbon ($59.99), a whiskey from a small craft distillary right in our own backyard. While technically not a bourbon because the mash bill includes 10% milled hemp seed, the balance of this whiskey is a classic 75% Corn and 15% Rye. This unusual blend produces a whiskey with a very unexpected light and floral nose with nuances of honeysuckle and dried fruit, especially cherry. On the palate, all the classic bourbon flavors of vanilla, cinnamon and honey are present. But instead of trailing off to the usual butterscotch/caramel finish, the flavor journey takes a turn towards an interesting nutty flavor. Pictured, the Sono 1420 BBN Bourbon ($59.99) ... (read more)

January is here and time for comfort foods and casual wines to take center stage as we slip into the cold, snowy nights of winter. While classic comfort foods come from many regions, we can all agree that many of our favorites are from Italy, so why not pair your favorite pasta and tomato dishes with an equally comfortable Italian wine. The 2019 Cantina Sociale de Gattinara Vino Rosso ($19.99), our featured wine this week, is comprised exclusively of grapes grown in the Alto Piedmont, and is predominantly Nebbiolo grape blended with other local, indigenous grapes. You can pair it with any classic Italian meal. Pictured, the 2019 Cantina Sociale de Gattinara Vino Rosso ($19.99) ... (read more)

If you still are in need of Champagne to ring in the New Year, Francos Wine Merchants has your selection at hand. If you want to ring in 2022 in style, then the 2010 Dom Perignon ($229.99) is how to do it. The 2010 vintage garnered a 92 point rating from Robert Parker and is ready to enjoy now. Other Champagne selections include the Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut ($84.99), the Ruinart Rosé ($99.99) and the Pol Roger Reserve Brut Champagne ($56.99), our biggest seller of the season for a non-vintage champagne. Pictured, the 2010 Dom Perignon ($229.99) ... (read more)

December 25th is just over a week away and the clock is ticking. For those of you still looking to knock off the last few items on your gift list, Francos has a few suggestions. If you have red wine lovers on your list, we recommend two wines from the west coast: the 2018 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($119.99) from California and the 2018 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir ($89.99) from Oregon. If you are shopping for a serious collector of wine, we have several of the BOND Estate vineyard sites: Melbury, >Pluribus, Quella, St. Eden, and Vecina. We also have a good selection of Bourbon, Rye and Single Malt Scotches. Pictured, the 2018 Far Niente Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($119.99) ... (read more)

Our feature wine this week is the 2016 Il Poggione Brunello Di Montalcino ($84.99). This star wine from the Tenuta Il Poggione is produced exclusively from Sangiovese grapes picked by hand from the vineyards' oldest vines. While ready to enjoy now, the warm, well-balanced flavor is home to firm and youthful tannins that will mellow out with aging for those of you patient enough to wait. This wine is tailor made for red meats and even game meats as well as mature cheeses. And, if there is a lover of classic Italian wines on your holiday gift list, the 2016 Il Poggione Brunello Di Montalcino ($84.99) will put a smile on their face. Pictured, the 2016 Il Poggione Brunello Di Montalcino ($84.99) ... (read more)

As your Thanksgiving menu comes together, you may want to consider making room for something special. The Champagne House of Louis Roederer has been making champagne since 1833 and his Cuvées have been sought after ever since. Our featured wine, the 2013 Louis Roederer Cristal ($249.99) is the pinnacle of the Louis Roederer portfolio. The 2013 Vintage has set a new standard, receiving a 98 point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and we could not help but purchase all the remaining stock available in Connecticut! The aroma of clear honey and crisp, green orchard fruit are your first introduction to this amazing vintage. It's a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and winemaker Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has once again outdone himself. The broad, textural and muscular style of this champagne is ready to stand up to any celebration from Thanksgiving through the holiday season. Pictured, the 2013 Louis Roederer Cristal ($249.99) ... (read more)

Traveling to Bordeaux we land on the right bank of the Gironde River. Adjacent to the regions of Saint Emilion and Pomerol we find the appellation of Fronsac, the home of our featured wine and the first of our suggestions for your holiday table: the 2018 Château La Vielle Cure ($34.99). The vines are an average of 40+ years old and thrive in the heavy limestone soil. The wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it a solid 92+ rating; try a bottle and you will see why. Pictured, the 2018 Château La Vielle Cure ($34.99) ... (read more)

Autumn and Burgundy seem to go hand in hand as fall is the time that wines are released from this historic French region. This week we are featuring the wines of Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard: the 2019 Domaine Fontaine Gagnard Bourgogne Rouge ($31.99) and the 2019 Domaine Fontaine Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet Rouge ($59.99), both red wines, and the 2019 Domaine Fontaine Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet Blanc ($73.99) and the 2019 Domaine Fontaine Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet Les Vergers 1er ($97.99), both white wines. Pictured, the 2019 Domaine Fontaine Gagnard Bourgogne Rouge ($31.99) ... (read more)

While Bordeaux often conjures up thoughts of higher end wines from the many famous regions and chateaux of France, there are plenty of modest wines that we can enjoy as we explore the region, such as the 2016 Château Mayne Vieil ($15.99), 2018 Château Fongaban ($17.99), 2016 Château Haut Plaisance ($18.99), and the 2018 Château de Parenchère ($16.99). Pictured, the 2016 Château Mayne Vieil ($15.99) ... (read more)

This week's featured wine is the 2019 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay ($45.99), from the southern tip of Napa Valley. The Chardonnay vines grow in the estate's American Canyon and Carneros vineyards near San Pablo Bay. The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen, producing complex flavors and a natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer climates. The wine displays ripe peach, mango and tropical flavors. A note of minerality means this wine can be enjoyed with fresh seafood as well as chicken and grilled pork. So while the days are still warm, and the nights have a pleasant crispness in the air, our suggestion is to have a bottle of the 2019 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay ($45.99) on hand for those mid-September evenings on the patio. Pictured, the 2019 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay ($45.99) ... (read more)

Labor Day Weekend is here and while the calendar says summer is winding down you can easily extend it. We here at Francos Wine Merchants talked about some fabulous wines over the past couple of months, so let us recap the highlights which will be perfect for your Labor Day Weekend. Pictured, the 2020 Domaines Ott Château de Selle Côtes de Provence ($49.99) ... (read more)

This week's featured wine is the 2020 Jean Paul Brun L'Ancien Beaujolais ($16.99). Made from 100% Gamay grape, this wine is a "Vielles Vignes" which translates as "old vines" as these vines range from 40 to 60 years old and produce flavors that are unique to vines of this age. One of the best features of the Gamay grape is that on a hot, summer day you can put a slight chill on the wine (about 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator) without muting the true flavor of this grape. The 2020 Jean Paul Brun L'Ancien Beaujolais ($16.99) is also very versatile, so regardless of whether it's some herb marinated chicken, a simple burger on the grill, or a well-marbled steak from the butcher, this fantastic effort from Jean-Paul Brun will not disappoint. Pictured, the 2020 Jean Paul Brun L'Ancien Beaujolais ($16.99) ... (read more)

One of our favorite wines for the season is Vinho Verde: the delicious white wine from Portugal tailor-made for summer weather. This week we are featuring the Broadbent Vinho Verde ($9.99) which you can pair with monkfish, sea bass, fresh cod or even many basic shrimp salad recipes. Pictured, the Broadbent Vinho Verde ($9.99) ... (read more)