The Cave de Lugny Brut Blanc de Blancs Crémant de Bourgogne ($22.95; 11.5% alc./vol.) is 100% Chardonnay and priced at a fraction of its high-end counterparts. It boasts a harmonious blend of citrus-lemon notes and a subtle essence of wet stone, delivering a crisp mineral finish, which makes it the perfect aperitif-style sparkling wine. Find it here.
Moving to Bordeaux’s Haut-Médoc is the Château Picourneau 2020 ($19.95; 13.5% alc./vol.). Wines from this region are usually Cabernet Sauvignon, the Picourneau surprises with a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. It’s a deep shade of red, with scents of black and red berries, complemented by enticing roasted notes. As VintageAssessments.com hails it, it’s a “fresh, ripe, very approachable Haut-Médoc that offers wide appeal at a great price.” Find it right here.
Wherever you find yourself this weekend, we should always cheers to discovery.