What’s so great about coffee? Besides the fact that many of us can’t start or survive the day without it, there has to be more to this all but magical drink than just the caffeine.
There’s the unmistakable aroma of fresh brewed coffee in the morning. The close your eyes, “mmm …” after that first sip. And, the shameless excuse it provides to take a much needed break anytime of day.
While all of that works for me, there’s also “the look” of coffee, especially as it’s being prepared. Tearing open a package of freshly roasted beans and watching those glistening nuggets of goodness cascade into the grinder bin is not to be dismissed lightly. I should explain.
In our home, we’ve been ordering coffee beans from the same company, Beanstock Coffee, for years. These guys roast their coffee, “… locally, in small batches and always to order.” Because we love robust, dark roast coffee, our favorite is the Black Fish Creek Blend that they describe best as, “… “Very dark and smooth without being burnt and finishing with subtle berry notes.”
After grinding, and before brewing, there’s another beauty shot moment of a fresh mound of tiny ground granules that’s quickly upstaged by its intoxicating fragrance.
Gorgeous coffee beans – that shouldn’t be overlooked – on their way to becoming an outstanding cup of joe.
What better way to shine some light on the month that needs it most than by popping the cork on this lively, frothy bottle of bubbles we found by chance.
Penny had stopped into Formaggio Kitchen South End looking for a specific sparkler that a friend said they carried and met Julie Cappellano, the store’s General Manager and Wine Buyer. While that particular wine was not in stock and Penny wanted something right away (preferably Pinot forward) to take on a trip, Julie was able to recommend something perfect for our taste – a bottle of 2013 Leitz Spätburgunder Weissherbst.
This sparkling Pinot noir rosé from Germany’s Rheingau region is 100% tank-fermented, lees-aged and, as the winemaker puts it, “is light and sprightly,” and “exudes cool, fresh fruit and lean minerality.”
Julie describes the dominant fruit as, “deliciously juicy grapefruit, making this a perfect wine to sip on its own before dinner, or with hors dʼ’oeuvres & salads.”
We went the sip-on-its-own route and opened our first bottle on a deck overlooking the ocean just before sunset. It was perfect. And, an ideal way to add some sparkle to the shadows of December on our way to the Winter Solstice.
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