Maison Marcel launched French Velvet, a merlot wine featuring flavors of ripe plum, cherry and a hint of chocolate, it says. Packaged in a 750-ml bottle, French Velvet is available for a suggested retail price of $18.99 for a bottle. Created by Xavier Vignon, one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s winemakers, French Velvet is a unique expression of South Rhône, it says. The low-sulfite, no–added-sugar wine brand also is available in Ocean Bound Sauvignon Blanc, and still and sparkling Rosés.

Maison Marcel, New York
Telephone: 917/215-3894
Internet: www.maison-marcel.com
Distribution: Select markets