Renegade Wines

 
It's Oscar weekend and we have a string of new winning wines that have made their way to center stage. From a Swiss Cider (with yuzu) to new wines from the two sisters at Brandini in Piedmont, Italy.
Read, Relax, Enjoy!
Zofinger Kellerei Petillant Naturel Yuzuhama Apple-Yuzu (Switzerland)
Zofinger Kellerei Petillant Naturel Yuzuhama Apple-Yuzu
(Switzerland)
$26

Perhaps the biggest (delightful) surprise of 2025 so far. While putting an order in with one of our wine importers we noticed this Swiss Cider was on close out; nearly 50% off. A Swiss apple cider co-fermented with yuzu. How can one pass that up?
The moment of truth arrived yesterday when we snapped open a chilled bottle and 'went to work' so to speak. We were bowled over. Fresh, effervescent bubbles, a heirloom apple touch expertly blended with the tart juice from yuzu fruit. It was, in a word, magnificent. We won't bore you with the record time it took to finish the bottle. We will tell you we popped open a second one later that evening. 
2021 Antoine Sanzay Saumur Les Salles Martin (France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur)
2021 Antoine Sanzay Saumur Blanc Les Salles Martin
(France, Loire Valley, Saumur)
$58

When it comes to Chenin Blanc Antoine Sanzay creates masterful works of wine (art). This one is lively, complex, dense but with energetic acidity to lift the wine above and beyond. Pear and peach notes, lovely flora aromas, mineral undertones that hold an edge of salinity. Having a pre-Oscar brunch on Sunday? Pair this with your eggs Benedict. 
2023 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis (Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Roero)
2023 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis
(Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Roero)
$46

Announcing the return of "The Giacosa Arneis". As you may know, Arneis translates as 'little rascal' (the polite translation). It is a notoriously difficult grape to grow and was almost extinct by the late 1970s. However, winemakers like Bruno Giacosa saw potential with Arneis as a dry white wine. Were they ever correct.
We still recall the lunch we had in Turin, Italy, at the Grand Cafe enjoying fresh egg noodles coated with sublime pesto and sipping glass after glass (after glass) of this wine. It's as great today as it was back then. 
2022 Domaine de Montille Puligny-Montrachet
An Epic Vintage for Etienne Montille!
2022 Domaine de Montille Puligny-Montrachet
$108

Some of you may know Etienne Montille from his Sta. Rita Hills project Racines. Others may know him by way of his stunning Chardonnays from Burgundy. 2022 was a gorgeous vintage for Etienne; this wine reflects the best of what a village-level wine has to offer. Intense, pure, aromatic, generous.
Also available:
2022 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Le Cailleret $275
&
2022 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières $225
. 
2021 Agricola Brandini Barbera d'Alba
2023 Agricola Brandini Langhe Arneis Le Marguerite
(Italy, Piedmont, Langhe)
 $30
2021 Agricola Brandini Barbera d'Alba
(Italy, Piedmont, Alba)
$30

There's something special about the two sisters who run their family's winery in Piedmont. If you attended our dinner last February with Giovanna Bagnasco you'll know.
Two new vintages of wines have arrived Friday; the first is their elegantly-styled Arneis. While Giacosa's Arneis (see above) has an abundance of texture and depth, Brandini's expression is of supreme elegance; all class if you will.
Start your evening with this one, perhaps a selection of cheeses or oysters on the half shell, then proceed to Giacosa's Arneis with your Julia Child's roast chicken. An evening to remember.

Brandini's second arrival is their Barbera from Alba; intense with exceptional structure, depth, and poise. With mouth-watering acidity it's perfect for pairing with Agnolotti al Plin, Brasato al Barolo, and of course porcini risotto.

We wish everyone a fantastic Oscar Weekend!