Food & Drink

Brunch Bunch

Your sip tip of the month.

Whether brightening up a cold January weekend or helping you recover from New Year's Eve, brunch is a decadent way to spend a morning. But the secret to brunch is having a little something to drink; it implies that the day's schedule is not set and that you are free to do as you please. Here are three wines with the right combination of versatility and character to complement this most relaxing meal.


—Photography by David Colwell. Wine courtesy of Wine Works.

Bagrationi Extra Dry Sparkling Wine
$14, Georgian Wine House
This festive sparkler comes to us from the country of Georgia, where it is used to kick off feasts both fanciful and humble. Three native varieties—Mtsvane, Tsitska, and Chinebuli—make for the tastiest sparkling wine you’ve never heard of. It certainly pairs well with eggs and sausages, but has enough sweetness around the edges to complement pastries and even maple syrup. Best of all, it’s affordable enough for mimosa makings, too.

Montinore Estate Borealis 2012
$13, Prestige Beverage Group
Montinore Estate crafts elegant, flavorful wines from certified organically grown grapes in Oregon. Their “Borealis” white is a blend assembled from Riesling, Pinot Gris, Müller-Thurgau, and Gewürztraminer. The result is a deftly light, ever-so-slightly sweet white wine that was practically born to brunch. Serve chilled, it will easily wash down whatever you’re having.

Paul Autard Côtes du Rhône 2013
$16, The Country Vintner
Red wine can be tough to tackle for brunch. Easy options include softies like Pinot Noir or the French grape Gamay, most famously grown in Beaujolais. For something equally versatile, but with a bit more punch, consider a wine made from Grenache. With this wine, all it takes is a little tomato in that omelet to transform the experience into a Southern French affair. It also pairs well with deli meats, pâté, and cheeses.