We don't know why, but

when we think of Weekend Brunch we always seem to gravitate to Champagne from Pol Roger. Perhaps it's the fanciful gift box, or the Champagne's classic style. Whatever it is, we are always excited when hearing that first cork go POP.

Pol Roger Champagne Brut Réserve
for all your weekend brunching needs.
$76/bottle

And you cannot forget about Rose

during your weekend. Anne Amalric creates one of our most beloved Rose wines from Corsica (or anywhere for that matter).

Here's what Kermit Lynch has to say about it:

"For starters, it performs a mesmerizing kind of trompe l’œuil: two red grapes, Sciaccarellu and a splash of Syrah, have produced a white wine? No, it’s a rosé, all right, but it has a nearly transparent hue because pressing the grapes very gently draws only the faintest hint of color. I haven’t tasted another vin gris that is so simultaneously weightless, ethereal, and full of character. A gentle wave of peach, melon, and spring flowers rolls over the palate and lingers long past your last sip. As is true every year, it’s a strong contender for Wine of the Summer."

2023 Domaine de Marquiliani Corse Rosé Gris $34

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And what about a Playful Red?

2022 Domaine Raphaël Chopin Beaujolais Lantignié Funambule (France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Beaujolais Lantignié)
$25

We call this one, the most fun you can have with Beaujolais.
Raphael Chopin once again captures the essence of Gamay in a jolly, playful way. Like the trapeze artist in the park across from Renegade Wines, this wine is having so much fun with itself yet retains a serious presence in the glass and on the palate. Truly remarkable.

White Burgundy for Your Consideration:

2021 Henri et Gilles Buisson Saint-Romain
Sous le Chateau Blanc
(France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Saint-Romain)
$92

Saint-Romain is having a renaissance these days. While vineyard prices are unbearable in most of the Côte de Beaune (think Meursault, Puligny, Chassagne) there are a few pockets that are affordable-ish. And the winemakers in Saint-Romain have stumbled upon a gem.
Saint-Romain has the highest elevation in the Cote which preserves fresh acidity and vibrant minerality. There are large swaths of limestone (think Chablis) and a will to bring out the best under the stewardship of this new generation of winemakers.
This Chardonnay from Henri Buisson begins shyly, as its aromas gentle peak out of the bottle to have a look around. Then a sudden rush of citrus, floral, and orchard fruit arrives. On the palate there is a gentle minerality, beautiful texture, and a delightful yet serious finish. The wine benefits well with a few more years of age or, as we did, have a glass, place it back in your cooler, then enjoy the heck out of it 24 hours later.

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And One Beautiful Red:

2021 Domaine Marie Berenice Bandol
(France, Provence, Bandol)
$46 (reg 55)

The Bandol wines from Damien Roux offer an expedition— a trip back in time— to Provence as captured in the black and white films of Marcel Pagnol. His farm is named Domaine Marie Bérénice, after his daughter, located on the outskirts of Le Castellet and on the other side of the walled Medieval town from our friends at the Domaine Tempier. Damien Roux comes from a long line of grape growers in Bandol, but historically his family sold their fruit to other wineries. After "retiring" Damien used this opportunity to begin making his own wines from his family’s old vines.

This is Bandol in the 'old style' as one might say. Though the blend includes 90% Mourvèdre the wine is softer, more approachable than many of the big guns from the region. A favorite with lamb, grilled meats, even duck. But if your host presents you with a wild mushroom risotto, also perfect!