Learn about wine

Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

The Queen of Beaujolais

While everyone else is talking about the (pretty bad) Beaujolais Nouveau this November, let’s talk about Fleurie instead! She’s known the Queen of Beaujolais. Here’s why…

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Thanksgiving Wine

Finding the right Thanksgiving wine can feel overwhelming, but you have plenty of options. When in doubt, just don’t run out, whatever you’re serving.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day!

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! Today is a big day for bad wine in France. What to know about the 2023 Beaujolais Nouveau.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Millésime

Laurent-Perrier has only made a Champagne Millésimé 30 times since the 1950s. Why they chose to make a vintage Champagne in 2012, plus, where I got this rare beauty for less than the cost of a typical bottle of non-vintage Veuve Clicquot.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Hidden Potential

This is not a wine. :) It’s a terrific book by Adam Grant about achieving greater things, and truly captures why I started Francey Not Fancy.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Veuve Clicquot: Widow Clicquot

La Grand Dame: Veuve Clicquot. Why the popular yellow label Champagne isn’t just a nice bottle to pour at a party. It’s the story of France’s first businesswoman.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

So much Sangiovese

You’ll hear a whole lot about Sangiovese if you go to Tuscany. But don’t believe the hype that you have to spend a lot to get a great Brunello.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris

I don’t like Pinot Grigio, but I’m a huge fan of Pinot Gris. What makes them so different…

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

8 Years in the Desert

8 Years in the Desert is Dave Phinney’s triumphant return to Zinfandel after selling The Prisoner. The 2022 is out now and definitely worth a swig.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Drops of God

I have a love/hate relationship with the show, Drops of God. What it teaches us about wine, where it goes wrong, plus the one wine in the show you have to try.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Bordeaux Bargains

These were two of the best bargains at the 2020 Bordeaux tasting in NYC this year. Both are still available online at great prices.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

British Bubbly

British sparkling wine is making a splash thanks to climate change and because it’s really good. This one has a special connection to the Judgement of Paris.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Que Syrah, Sirah

This is a delicious Saint-Joseph I had at Bistrot Paul Bert in Paris. Saint Joseph is Syrah. But is Syrah the same grape as Petite Sirah or Shiraz?

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

They’re Gr-r-reat!

The night Francey Not Fancey launched a dear friend texted to ask what pairs best with Frosted Flakes. She called it a “serious inquiry.” Milk was my first answer. Here are some other ideas…

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Three Stags A Leapin’

There are three different Stags Leap spellings. Find out how an apostrophe can make all the difference in the world, or at least all the difference in California.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Beaujolais is not bad.

Beaujolais is not bad wine, but it’s also not the Beaujolais Nouveau you hear so much about every November. What the differences are, and why you should consider a Beaujolais with your next meal.

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Rosé, Rosado, Rosato...

A rosé by any other name. What’s the difference between rosé, rosato, and rosado?

Read More
Alison Morris Roslyn Alison Morris Roslyn

Chaaa-kooo-leee

This beautiful Basque Country wine is such a fun alternative to your everyday white. Keep reading to find out how to say Txakoli, plus what makes it so delicious.

Read More

Learn even more about wine