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Good Morning Readers—

In January, I had the special opportunity to attend Paris Wine Company’s “Wine Weekend” in Burgundy.

I must have tasted 150+ wines in two days—very productive to say the least. 

I walked away with a handful of new wines and producers that have begun to emerge in the store including the wines of Pierre-Henri Rougeot (Meursault), Beaujoalis’ freshest: Elisa Guerin, insane value from Montfrin, and so many others.

Also in attendance was Raphaelle Saint Cyr:

This guy is the best. 

A jolly, good-hearted kid, doing honest and organic farming in Beaujolais.

His wines are unpretentious, fairly-priced, and delicious. 

I remember when Mitch and I first tasted with Raph at a small bistro in Lyon circa 2018 and Mitch turned to me and said,“We gotta have these.”

Hard to believe but since then, his wines have steadily gotten even better with every coming harvest. 

Raphaelle plows his vineyards exclusively by horse. 

In his stable you would find Bretons: “El Segundo”, “Simba”, and his latest addition, “I love you”. 

Today, I have something new from Raph: 

2022 Domaine Saint Cyr “Melo”

(1/3 Gamay, 1/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Chardonnay)

This is absolutely, positively stunning red wine. 

“Meli Melo” basically means “a blend”. 

Considering this is red wine, you might be curious about the addition of Chardonnay to this blend. 

Though the taste is virtually undiscernible—it does lend a little extra minerality, and levity, and a touch of tree fruit which you won’t always find in vin rouge. 

The fruit is sourced from 40-year-old vines planted on limestone in the general vicinity of Morgon. 

All 3 varieties are co-fermented using indigenous yeast. 

The 1/3 inclusion of white grapes instills it with a special versatility at the table that is especially well-adapted to the Thanksgiving meal. 

When I consider the whole ensemble: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce—I can’t think of practically any other wine that is better qualified. 

I’ll also add: although I am not, if you are exposed to any liability that the kitchen might be sending dry meat to the table—you’re definitely going to want to have Melo in your corner. This is the antidote. 

Certified Organic. 

Little or no sulphur added. 

250 cases produced annually. 

There are just 100 bottles for the state of CT. 

First come, first served.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Codey Foster, Wine Director  

My Notes Read: Though this is red wine, the inclusion of Chardonnay serves to take an already crushable wine and enhance it seemingly exponentially. A vibrant amalgamation of forraged red berries, apples, black tea, and a finely woven fabric of crushed stone mark just a few high points in an incredibly complex drinking experience. For the Burgundy drinkers. For the Beaujoalis drinkers. Singular. Sophisticated. And lively. This is also exceptionally versatile for food pairing. 40 minutes in the fridge and this wine is ready to party. 12.5%

Regular: $39.99

Sale: $34.99

6 Bottles: $32.99

12 Bottles: $30.99

P.S. 2023 Beaujolais Nouveau has landed. We’ve curated a small selection in all three locations from the greatest hits, to niche independent, and wholesome & handmade.

2023 Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrive!​

Shop HERE

The Annual Thanksgiving Sale is Live! 

CLICK HERE to Shop

12% off our Thanksgiving Picks: Bubbly, Whites, Reds, Rose, “Enders”, and alternate alc alternatives--regardless of quantity. 

The approach here is the same as it always has been: to feature great drinks that we’ll be putting on our own Thanksgiving table.

You will notice a distinct focus on the wholesome types: Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural. 

And there is an added bonus this year: 

A totally unprecedented 10% off All CT Beers!

CLICK HERE

Annex Event:

"A Night With Mike Carleton Of

Transatlantic Bubbles"

"An informative and celebratory seminar on farmer-made Champagne"

Thursday 12/7 6:30pm at the Ancona's Annex

$35/person

Seats are limited, CLICK HERE to learn more and to reserve your spot! 

Pre-Thanksgiving In-Store Tasting Schedule:

Starting This Saturday!

Saturday 11/18 2-5pm

BRANCHVILLE

Artisan Wines Represented by Jim Morrison

San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Le Battistelle Soave Classico Montesei

Les Brebis Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 

DaCapo Ruche

WILTON

Worldwide Wines Represented by Kyle Martinez  (including a taste from Bar Hill Distillery)

Pol Roger Champagne

Vigneron de Buxy Aligote

Southern Right Pinotage

Bar Hill Gin

Bar Hill Tomcat Gin

RIDGEFIELD - Governor Street

Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant Represented by Tony Lombardozzi 

Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi "Colleleva"

Elvio Tintero Vino Rosato 

Jean-Paul et Charly Thevenet Morgon "Vieilles Vignes" 

Guillemot Savigny Les Beaune

Wednesday 11/22 3-6pm

BRANCHVILLE

 Mark Ancona of Golden Vines

Daniel Reverdy Sancerre 

Domaine Piaugier Sablet Rose

Les Haut de Riquets Le Mignon Cote du Duras Rouge

Lechauve Haut Cote de Beaune Rouge

Tim Malone Gamay

WILTON

Anthony Jones of Skurnik Wines

 A.J. Adam Trocken Riesling

Domaine de Fa Beaujolais 

Anthill North Coast Pinot Noir

Joseph Swan Russian River Pinot Noir

RIDGEFIELD - Governor Street

Watson Farmhouse Brewery Represented by John Watson

Based On A True Story IPA

Keep It Nice IPA

Most High Helles Bock

Not Those Pils Pilsner

Woodlot English Style Barleywine Ale

We hope to see you there!

Dinastia Real Extra Anejo Botella Negra Tequila (1L)

Price: $169.99

Sale Price: $129.99

"Soft aroma and flavor with notes of chocolate, vanilla, wood, cooked agave, almonds, and walnuts with sweet agave. Powerful cooked agave on the finish."

Shop HERE

Lawson's Sip Of Sunshine IPA (4-pack 16oz cans)

Price: $16.99

Sale Price: $13.99

"Packed with juicy tropical fruit character, bright floral aromas and delectable layers of hop flavor."

Shop HERE

Kin Euphorics Spritz (4-pack 8oz cans)

Price: $16.99

Sale Price: $13.99

"Non-alcoholic and gently caffeinated Kin Spritz is infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanics like Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and Gaba to elevate your mood, smooth out stress, and offer a boost of energy."

Shop HERE