What Wines to Order at Francie

It’s really, really tough for new restaurants to stand out in Williamsburg. And yet, despite opening a block from both Peter Luger and Diner, Francie has managed to do just that. This brasserie toes the line between fancy and approachable unlike (and better) than any other place in the neighborhood. It’s a loud, constantly-packed space with exposed brick walls and a relatively casual bar area, and yet the tables are topped with dishes like soufflé cakes with caviar, housemade ravioli with lobster and saffron, and dry-aged duck served on a bed of flowers with a side of soppressata jam. That food, which has already earned Francie a Michelin Star, is offered alongside a wine list that you can treat as casually or extravagantly as the restaurant itself. No matter how you approach dinner here, you’ll be happy with the wines we’ve highlighted below.

Menu

What to order when you want...

Crisp White Wine.

2019 Txomin Etxaniz "Getaria" Basque, Spain

When you can’t decide between Champagne, white wine, or a G&T to start things off, go with Txakolina. It has a light spritz, and intensely salty, refreshing citrus flavors.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Bengoetxe, Getariako Txakolina 2019

Beaujolais.

Jean Foillard Beaujolais Village

This time of year, it’s understandable to want to go straight to red. At the same time, you might not want a big wine that’ll overpower your starters. Your answer is Beaujolais. It’s refreshing enough to be your first wine of the night, and when it’s made by a master like Foillard, it’s hearty and earthy as well.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Jean Foillard, 'Côte du Py' Morgon 2019

Red Burgundy.

2016 Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge

Red Burgundy is a solid choice whenever you want something that’s crowd-pleasing but still sophisticated. It also happens to be exceptionally versatile, which is useful when the menu is as all over the place as Francie’s.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Domaine Bachelet-Monnot, 'Vieilles Vignes' Maranges Rouge 2019

Italian Red Wine.

2011 Calabretta IGT “Vigne Vecchie”

Pastas occupy a big portion of Francie’s menu, with flavors ranging from lobster with saffron to duck bolognese. For an Italian red that works with all of these flavors, go with an aged Etna Rosso. It has plenty of body, but with less bite and more brightness than Barolo and Brunello.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Romeo del Castello, 'Allegracore' Etna Rosso 2019

Northern Rhone Syrah.

2019 Faury Collines Rhodaniennes

If you’re getting the dry-aged duck, then you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a great dinner. Take things to the next level by pairing it with this Northern Rhone syrah. Good duck is all about the combination of savory, rich, and gamey flavors. Good Northern Rhone syrah is too. It’s like pinot noir, but with a little more kick.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Domaine de l'Iserand, 'Lou Taïssou' Saint-Joseph 2019

A Really Nice Super Tuscan.

2000 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri

Francie’s menu has influences from both France and Italy. Sassicaia, a Tuscan Red wine made from Bordeaux grapes, does too. With a couple decades of age, this one has rich, herbaceous flavors that will pair with your bucatini amatriciana and your cote de boeuf.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Isole e Olena, 'Cepparello' 1983

Natural Wine.

Bertin-Delatte 2018 Vin de France Vingt-Neuf

A natural style of chenin blanc is one of the few white wines that can flatter vegetables, raw fish, spicy foods, and meat - all of which you could have on your table at Francie. This one from the Loire Valley is like a more zesty and lively White Burgundy.

If you like it, then you’ll love this: Clos des Plantes, 'Poïèsis' Chenin 2019