Though we love Franciacorta sparkling wine from Italy and we agree it is a world-class sparkler, we’ve never been able to find a Franciacorta for our shelves. Non-vintage Franciacorta starts at $30-$35 even at discount stores. For that price, we find most people will go up a few dollars to get a good entry-level grower champagne – made in the same method as the Franciacorta with some of the same grapes but with a more pedigreed name.

But the economy makes things topsy-turvy. Recently Seth from the Manhattan wine store called us and said that there was a vintage 2002 Franciacorta at the peak of its flavors and aromas that because of a special deal could come onto our shelves and retail at $25. This would make the price to you less than the wine used to be offered to us wholesale! Though we trust Seth implicitly and have been the beneficiaries of his persnickety palate before (remember the Velich Tiglat he found 1/2 off?), we brought home a bottle just to see for ourselves. Gorgeous straw color in the glass with ripe pear fruit, full mousse of bubbles. The La Montina 2002 Franciacorta is another winner. And just in time for Valentine’s!

We only have 4 cases per store. To reserve in Manhattan, call (212) 406-9463. To reserve in Brooklyn, call (718) 797-9463. We’ll be opening a bottle on Saturday to taste with fondue in the Brooklyn store but since this was a special buy, once it’s out, it’s out. Enjoy!