Tag: France

Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015
We toast June 2015 with Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 thanks to Chef and Partner Michael Serpa from Select Oyster Bar in Boston’s Back Bay.

Since the opening of this neighborhood spot back in April, we’ve enjoyed many glasses of sparkling wine with our meals and afternoon snacks at the Select bar. We picked one and then another as a possible wine to celebrate the arrival of June, but couldn’t decide. We finally asked Chef Serpa if he would choose for us and he agreed.

We slipped out onto the patio at Select while lunch customers were finishing up their meals to photograph this wine.

One of the first things we learned was that, in addition to having a sparkler to enjoy on June 1st, our newest wine mentor was offering us another importer to add to our list of great resources. He loves the wines from Vintage 59 and offers a number of selections from their portfolio on his current list.

Chef Serpa calls Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736, “Balanced.” We agree and love that he has picked so many wines like this that match perfectly with his food. As to this one, he pointed out, “Champagne is the ultimate food wine!”

You’ll notice that the glasses used for this tasting (which was generously shared with us) are not flutes.

Serpa has great reasons for his sparkling wine glass choice, “Any nicer sparkling wine, I think, just works much better in a standard kind of wine glass rather than a flute, just because you get the aroma…” “When you’re drinking great wine,” he said, “I think it should be in a proper glass where you’re going to get the full experience of the wine.”

He recognizes the celebratory feel of a flute and you’ll find flutes on hand at Select, but you may be offered the choice of a flute or a wine glass with a particular wine.

Between lunch and dinner service, we moved inside to the large table by the window to talk more about wine.

Wine Temperature

You may also have noticed that he did not put this bottle in a wine chiller. We often suggest drinking a great wine, like this one, through a range of temperatures. We were delighted that he agrees, “As it warms up, you taste a little bit more of the wine.” He explained that with the lower alcohol levels in many sparkling wines, you won’t experience that hot taste of alcohol as the wine warms, the way you might in a 15% ABV wine. You just enjoy more of the full flavor the wine has to offer.

A Toast for June

We asked Chef Serpa what he’ll be toasting on June 1st as he joins us in welcoming a Happy New Month! He has great reason to celebrate because he’ll be toasting his 30th birthday on June 2nd. He said, “I think it’s going to be a good year!” We agreed and wished him a good decade. He responded that the first 30 were good!

Click over to twitter @michaelserpa, (where he claims the title of, “Handyman @selectboston in Boston’s Back Bay,”) and wish him a Happy Birthday on June 2nd. Or post a birthday greeting on the Select Facebook page. He certainly has our best wishes for a happy and successful third decade of life.

A Big Thank You to Chef Serpa!

Thank you for the time you took out of a busy afternoon to share this wonderful wine with us and our readers. And, thanks for starting a new BostonZest tradition of letting people we trust select our sparkler of the month, from time to time.

About This Wine
- Name: Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736
- Type of wine: Champagne
- Year or N/V: N/V but based on 2008 harvest
- Blend: 53% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir, and 18% Pinot Meunier with reserve wines from 2007 and 2006 harvests (34%)
- Country of origin: Dizy, France
- Alcohol by Volume: 12%
- Importer: Vintage 59
- Distributor: Ruby Wines
- Price per bottle in the restaurant: $98.
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Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

The Food Lover’s Guide to Wine

The New Wine Lover’s Companion

The Wine Bible

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino
June 1, 2015
A Puppy Girl Named Joe!

Sunday Dogs come in all sizes and shapes, but never any cuter than Joe. Because of her stunningly white coat, we saw this puppy coming from quite a distance.

And, when she came closer to investigate the three of us, we couldn’t stop staring at her beauty.

At two months old, Joe is already the size of a full-grown Westy. Make friends now, Poppy, because this gorgeous Boxer will soon look a lot different – but, we have to believe she’ll be just as sweet.

Joe was born in France and has just arrived state-side. As she explores Boston and gets to know her new setting, we’re looking forward to seeing her around town. And, I’m sure we’ll be posting more Sunday Dog photos as she develops into a strong, healthy adult.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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Celebrating October with Gérard Bertrand Crémant, a Sparkler Jefferson Would Have Loved
We’re ringing in a new month with a bottle of Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Brut 2012.

It’s hard to miss the likeness of Thomas Jefferson that’s pictured on the front label of this cuvee as a tribute from winemaker Gerard Bertrand to our third president whom he called, “Limoux’s greatest admirer,” claiming that, “wine from Limoux was the only sparkling wine to be found in his [Jefferson’s] personal wine cellar.”

Much has been written about Jefferson’s love of wine including his, “preference for the lighter French and Italian wines.” So, after enjoying this cremant ourselves, we’d have to guess that he’d have been quite pleased with this sparkler.

Penny thought it was softer and fruitier than many Cremants with a good bit of apple taste. It was full-flavored yet not acidic, balanced, and food-friendly – pairing well with a Honeycrisp and some pretzels.

That first sip brings a burst of flavor that’s fruity with a tart note that slides underneath and makes you want to go back for more.

Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux is a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Chenin Blanc, 10% Mauzac, and 5% Pinot Noir. (12.5% ABV)

The winemaker attributes this sparkler’s texture and balance to its Chenin and Chardonnay grapes:
- Color: "a beautiful, golden yellow robe"
- "Complex, aromatic nose" with "hints of white flower … honey, green apple and toast."
- "Crisp, elegant structure on the palate … texture of the bubbles complements the wine’s natural vivacity …"
Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Brut 2012 is produced 15 miles outside of Carcassonne in southern France from some of the highest vineyards in the Languedoc.

We found our bottle at Bauer Wine & Spirits on the south side of Newbury Street in Boston not far from sea level.

Here’s to October and, of course, to Thomas Jefferson. Salute!

Read More about Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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October 1, 2014
Here’s Our Wine Pick for New Year’s Eve 2013

This year, our New Year's Eve wine selection is the Paul Bara Grand Rosé from the Champagne region of France. Specifically, this champagne comes from the village of Bouzy and is 100% Grand Cru.

We bought this bottle a while back at Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors. (A special thank you to our longtime friends Peter and David for prodding us to get there for an outstanding selection of sparkling wines.)

While a very knowledgeable staff member recommended this rosé (after learning of our preference for champagnes with a strong Pinot Noir leaning), it was the Kermit Lynch label on the back of the bottle that sealed the deal. Kermit Lynch is one of our favorite importers.

Here's what the good folks at Kermit Lynch have to say about Paul Bara.

"The village of Bouzy and Champagne Paul Bara are practically synonymous. As the published village historian, Paul is indelibly linked to the lore of his hometown. Many argue that he is their most renowned producer, being one of the rare récoltants-manipulants in a region inundated with the mass-produced wines of the large, corporate champagne houses. These récoltants-manipulants, or R.M.s as they are known, are of the few that still grow their own grapes and make their own wines. Champagne Paul Bara is the quintessential example, where everything is done with a personalized touch."

The technical specs for this wine say it's a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. We can't wait to try it and will share our impression early in the new year.

More about Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a thank you gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

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December 31, 2013
Here’s Our Wine Pick for New Year’s Eve 2013

This year, our New Year's Eve wine selection is the Paul Bara Grand Rosé from the Champagne region of France. Specifically, this champagne comes from the village of Bouzy and is 100% Grand Cru.

We bought this bottle a while back at Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors. (A special thank you to our longtime friends Peter and David for prodding us to get there for an outstanding selection of sparkling wines.)

While a very knowledgeable staff member recommended this rosé (after learning of our preference for champagnes with a strong Pinot Noir leaning), it was the Kermit Lynch label on the back of the bottle that sealed the deal. Kermit Lynch is one of our favorite importers.

Here's what the good folks at Kermit Lynch have to say about Paul Bara.

"The village of Bouzy and Champagne Paul Bara are practically synonymous. As the published village historian, Paul is indelibly linked to the lore of his hometown. Many argue that he is their most renowned producer, being one of the rare récoltants-manipulants in a region inundated with the mass-produced wines of the large, corporate champagne houses. These récoltants-manipulants, or R.M.s as they are known, are of the few that still grow their own grapes and make their own wines. Champagne Paul Bara is the quintessential example, where everything is done with a personalized touch."

The technical specs for this wine say it's a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. We can't wait to try it and will share our impression early in the new year.

More about Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a thank you gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Nigl Brut de Brut – A Gruner with Bubbles!

Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2013 in Boston

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December 31, 2013
Here’s Our Wine Pick for New Year’s Eve 2013

This year, our New Year's Eve wine selection is the Paul Bara Grand Rosé from the Champagne region of France. Specifically, this champagne comes from the village of Bouzy and is 100% Grand Cru.

We bought this bottle a while back at Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors. (A special thank you to our longtime friends Peter and David for prodding us to get there for an outstanding selection of sparkling wines.)

While a very knowledgeable staff member recommended this rosé (after learning of our preference for champagnes with a strong Pinot Noir leaning), it was the Kermit Lynch label on the back of the bottle that sealed the deal. Kermit Lynch is one of our favorite importers.

Here's what the good folks at Kermit Lynch have to say about Paul Bara.

"The village of Bouzy and Champagne Paul Bara are practically synonymous. As the published village historian, Paul is indelibly linked to the lore of his hometown. Many argue that he is their most renowned producer, being one of the rare récoltants-manipulants in a region inundated with the mass-produced wines of the large, corporate champagne houses. These récoltants-manipulants, or R.M.s as they are known, are of the few that still grow their own grapes and make their own wines. Champagne Paul Bara is the quintessential example, where everything is done with a personalized touch."

The technical specs for this wine say it's a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. We can't wait to try it and will share our impression early in the new year.

More about Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a thank you gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Nigl Brut de Brut – A Gruner with Bubbles!

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December 31, 2013
Discovering November Bubbles! Canard-Duchêne Comes to U.S.
One sip of Canard-Duchêne Authentic Brut and we knew we had discovered a special Champagne. Toast on the nose and luscious Pinot fruit on the palate – not overwhelming, just right.

The blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay captured our attention and never let go. Canard-Duchêne Cellar Master Laurent Fédou puts it best with the words “intensity … complexity … and balance” to describe their Champagnes.

He characterizes the Authentic Brut as having …
- “A straw-yellow appearance and delicate mousse."
- "Intense aromas of fresh fruit typical of the Pinot varietals."
- "Fruity flavours [that] jostle with pastry notes, a sign of excellent maturity.”
We always like to taste through the temperatures of our first glass of wine. In this case, moving from the initial chilled sip to that warmer last splash brought out more of the Chardonnay.

After lingering over the rest of the bottle, our only question was, “Why haven’t we heard about this Champagne before?” Well, it hasn’t been readily available in the U.S. until recently, but has been well-known and respected for more than a century in other parts of the world.

We found our bottle of Canard-Duchêne for $38 at The Urban Grape, South End

Clinking glasses to toast each new month has never been more enjoyable – à votre santé!

Watch for a few extra wine posts this month. We'll be telling you about some of our favorite value sparklers that are perfect for holdiay entertaining or as great value gifts.

Here's more about Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
November 1, 2013
Discovering November Bubbles! Canard-Duchêne Comes to U.S.
One sip of Canard-Duchêne Authentic Brut and we knew we had discovered a special Champagne. Toast on the nose and luscious Pinot fruit on the palate – not overwhelming, just right.

The blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay captured our attention and never let go. Canard-Duchêne Cellar Master Laurent Fédou puts it best with the words “intensity … complexity … and balance” to describe their Champagnes.

He characterizes the Authentic Brut as having …
- “A straw-yellow appearance and delicate mousse."
- "Intense aromas of fresh fruit typical of the Pinot varietals."
- "Fruity flavours [that] jostle with pastry notes, a sign of excellent maturity.”
We always like to taste through the temperatures of our first glass of wine. In this case, moving from the initial chilled sip to that warmer last splash brought out more of the Chardonnay.

After lingering over the rest of the bottle, our only question was, “Why haven’t we heard about this Champagne before?” Well, it hasn’t been readily available in the U.S. until recently, but has been well-known and respected for more than a century in other parts of the world.

We found our bottle of Canard-Duchêne for $38 at The Urban Grape, South End

Clinking glasses to toast each new month has never been more enjoyable – à votre santé!

Watch for a few extra wine posts this month. We'll be telling you about some of our favorite value sparklers that are perfect for holdiay entertaining or as great value gifts.

Here's more about Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
November 1, 2013
Discovering November Bubbles! Canard-Duchêne Comes to U.S.
One sip of Canard-Duchêne Authentic Brut and we knew we had discovered a special Champagne. Toast on the nose and luscious Pinot fruit on the palate – not overwhelming, just right.

The blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay captured our attention and never let go. Canard-Duchêne Cellar Master Laurent Fédou puts it best with the words “intensity … complexity … and balance” to describe their Champagnes.

He characterizes the Authentic Brut as having …
- “A straw-yellow appearance and delicate mousse."
- "Intense aromas of fresh fruit typical of the Pinot varietals."
- "Fruity flavours [that] jostle with pastry notes, a sign of excellent maturity.”
We always like to taste through the temperatures of our first glass of wine. In this case, moving from the initial chilled sip to that warmer last splash brought out more of the Chardonnay.

After lingering over the rest of the bottle, our only question was, “Why haven’t we heard about this Champagne before?” Well, it hasn’t been readily available in the U.S. until recently, but has been well-known and respected for more than a century in other parts of the world.

We found our bottle of Canard-Duchêne for $38 at The Urban Grape, South End

Clinking glasses to toast each new month has never been more enjoyable – à votre santé!

Watch for a few extra wine posts this month. We'll be telling you about some of our favorite value sparklers that are perfect for holdiay entertaining or as great value gifts.

Here's more about Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
November 1, 2013
February Sparkles with a Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé

What better way to greet February than with the lovely sparkle of a Crémant de Bourgogne. Whether you’re celebrating love, welcoming a new month, or toasting the promise of an early spring, this gorgeous bottle of bubbles from La Maison du Crémant in eastern France will make you happy.

We selected this Brut Rosé at Bauer Wine & Spirits where they describe the wine as having, “aromas and flavors of sweet strawberries, bread dough, red currants, and a hint of lavender.” The Pinot Noir, Chardonnay blend is “refreshing, bright, fruity, and fresh.”

We enjoyed this sparkler even more as it warmed in our glasses, while we shared an outstanding cheddar, a favorite baguette, and one of Penny's homemade apple/raisin crostatas.

It’s a Crémant that would be comfortable in most any setting – with a meal, hors d’oeuvres, or for simply a toast and conversation. “For the money ($15.99) you won't be disappointed.” A sweetheart of a February sparkler!

And, if you're choosing a special wine for Valentine's Day, here are some of our recommendations.

Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentines' Day

Share Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

The New Wine Lover's Companion

The Wine Bible



Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

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February 1, 2013