Tag: bubbles

  • Elegant and Seductive, the Allure of Champagne Duval-LeRoy Rosé

    CHE_9936 - Version 22016-02-27-Duval-LeRoy-Rose-Prestige-premier-cru© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    While it might be the look of the bottle with its slender, decorative neck that first catches your eye, Champagne Duval-LeRoy Rosé is not just another pretty face. It’s what’s sealed within those delicate curves that make this premier cru wine such a special treat.

    CHE_9940 - Version 22016-02-27-Duval-LeRoy-Rose-Prestige-premier-cru© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    The Champagne House lovingly describes this Rosé’s salmon colored bubbles as “a string of fine pearls” escaping from the elegant bottle which owner Carol Duval-LeRoy created to reflect a certain femininity. Taking her lead, we chose to photograph the wine in a more feminine setting.

    CHE_9900 - Version 22016-02-27-Duval-LeRoy-Rose-Prestige-premier-cru© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    From its lovely aromas of “wild cherries, figs and even a hint of ginger,” to the balance of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and just 12 % ABV, this is a wine for us.

    We think it’s a party in a bottle! The tastes are more like a pastry with a bit of sugar on it but still having that lemon-curd tartness to it. There’s definitely a nice balance to this sparkler.

    CHE_9914 - Version 22016-02-27-Duval-LeRoy-Rose-Prestige-premier-cru© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    As this exquisite Champagne Rosé warmed in our glasses (from near 50 degrees to about 65 degrees) while we photographed the bottle, the depth of tastes and aromas continued to develop. This wine has been added to our Best Of list. Wow!

    IMG_9291 - Version 22016-02-27-Duval-LeRoy-Rose-Prestige-premier-cru© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    We purchased our bottle of Champagne Duval-Leroy Rosé premier cru more than a year ago at Brix Wine Shop in Boston for $51 as part of a mixed case. What a great way to celebrate the arrival of March. Cheers!

    Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post : Join Us as We Toast…

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

    Here are all the wines we've covered. Since this is a category this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

    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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Blason de Bourgogne Crémant: September’s Sparkler

    Sparkling wines don't have to be expensive to be fun! For example, we picked up this bottle of Blason de Bourgogne Crémant de Bourgogne at Trader Joe's for $11.99.

    CHE_8588 - Version 22015-08-28Blason-de-Bourgogne-Crémant-de-Bourgogne-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Last month we told you that we love sparklers that are rich with Pinot Noir flavor. This one, a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, comes from a family collection that includes variations for different tastes. We've tried the others in the past, but this is the one we come back to when we want an inexpensive, fun glass of fizz.

    Crémants hori

    (This photo courtesy of www.Blason.com) 

    You may find the brut, the rosé, or the reserve (which we have not found around here as of yet) more to your taste.

    CHE_8611 - Version 22015-08-28Blason-de-Bourgogne-Crémant-de-Bourgogne-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Sometimes your reason for buying a sparkling wine might not call for spending big bucks, but you still want good flavor and dependable bubbles. Blason delivers both. So sip it on a boat as you sail through September. Pack it for a picnic. Add it to a sangria base to create a sparkling sangria. Make mimosas for brunch or get creative with sparkling cocktails.

    We hope you'll join us in our resolution to start each month with a glass of sparkling wine. Toast to something you're looking forward to in the month ahead or were thankful for in the month past. 

    Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    What's on your Wine Lover's shopping list?

    In this post, you see Schott Champagne glasses, ice bucket, and mardi gras beads

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny  Cherubino 

  • Blason de Bourgogne Crémant: September’s Sparkler

    Sparkling wines don't have to be expensive to be fun! For example, we picked up this bottle of Blason de Bourgogne Crémant de Bourgogne at Trader Joe's for $11.99.

    CHE_8588 - Version 22015-08-28Blason-de-Bourgogne-Crémant-de-Bourgogne-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Last month we told you that we love sparklers that are rich with Pinot Noir flavor. This one, a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, comes from a family collection that includes variations for different tastes. We've tried the others in the past, but this is the one we come back to when we want an inexpensive, fun glass of fizz.

    Crémants hori

    (This photo courtesy of www.Blason.com) 

    You may find the brut, the rosé, or the reserve (which we have not found around here as of yet) more to your taste.

    CHE_8611 - Version 22015-08-28Blason-de-Bourgogne-Crémant-de-Bourgogne-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Sometimes your reason for buying a sparkling wine might not call for spending big bucks, but you still want good flavor and dependable bubbles. Blason delivers both. So sip it on a boat as you sail through September. Pack it for a picnic. Add it to a sangria base to create a sparkling sangria. Make mimosas for brunch or get creative with sparkling cocktails.

    We hope you'll join us in our resolution to start each month with a glass of sparkling wine. Toast to something you're looking forward to in the month ahead or were thankful for in the month past. 

    Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    What's on your Wine Lover's shopping list?

    In this post, you see Schott Champagne glasses, ice bucket, and mardi gras beads

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2015 Penny  Cherubino 

  • We Toast the Month of May with Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut

    This month, we’ll toast the start of another calendar page and say “Happy New Month” with a Faive Rosé Brut from the wonderful family at Nino Franco

    CHE_6996 - Version 22015-04-21-Faive-Rose-brut-nino-franco-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In reading some of the great reviews of this wine, we found someone who agrees with our sparkling wine philosophy.

    Charles Scicolone, a wine consultant that the New York Times called “The Maestro of Italian Wines,” includes Nino Franco Faive Rosé in a list of some of his favorite sparklers,

    “Most of us think of sparkling wine as something that should only be drunk on special occasions or at Christmas and New Years, but I don’t agree. Sparkling wine can be enjoyed all year round and I especially like it in the summer and always with food.”

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0773125970c-800wi

    Last October, we first tasted this sparkling wine along with others from the Nino Franco line at Brix Wine Shop. At the tasting, we added a couple of bottles to our order because we have friends who we suspect will love this wine and we wanted to have some on hand when they visit. 

    Then, we opened a bottle at home and had it with food and without sharing our attention with some of our all time favorite Proseccos. We discovered that we love this Nino Franco wine for a whole set of different reasons. We added a few bottles to our next order from Brix to be sure to have some for our pals despite dipping into the supply from time to time.

    Screen Shot 2015-04-21 at Tuesday, April 21, 20159.41.56 AM

    Rosé as a Rite of Spring

    We browsed our wine rack to pick a sparkler for May and remembered the strawberry notes and clean dry finish of the Faive. It seemed a perfect choice. Others agree.

    Wine & Spirits 2013: “More red than rosé, this has the dark flavor of pomegranate …. There’s something oddly refreshing in it, a quirky rosé to chill for the beach, to serve with grilled shellfish.” 

    Independent Wine Review: “This “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length. Drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour.”

    Sommelier’s Choice: “In many ways a wine that defies classification (not legally permitted to be labelled Prosecco, drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour and made differently to rosé Champagne) this “Faive” Rosé Spumante is defined by flavours of strawberries, wild raspberries and freshly picked nectarines. Almost completely dry and underpinned by an ever-present but subtle and nicely integrated mousse, this “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length.”

    Charles Scicolone: “The wine is light salmon in color, with good bubbles, nice red fruit and a hint of pear.”

    Tidbits About Faive Rosé Brut

    Pronunciation: Fie-EE-vay

    Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

    ABV: 12%

    Importer’s serving suggestions: Faive should be enjoyed from the first spring days, over the summer until late autumn. Serve with small appetizing bites ranging from cheese, to lightly steamed shrimp and cheese straws.

    What Does the Name Mean?

    Faive: from the Venetian dialect, are the small gilded red tongues of flame and sparks rising towards the sky from a great fire, lightly and freely carried by the wind.

    It certainly sparked some smiles around here. Happy new month!

    Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post : Join Us as We Toast …

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

    Here are all the wines we’ve covered. Since this is a category, this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

    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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino with the bottle alone courtesy of Nino Franco.

  • We Toast the Month of May with Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut

    This month, we’ll toast the start of another calendar page and say “Happy New Month” with a Faive Rosé Brut from the wonderful family at Nino Franco

    CHE_6996 - Version 22015-04-21-Faive-Rose-brut-nino-franco-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In reading some of the great reviews of this wine, we found someone who agrees with our sparkling wine philosophy.

    Charles Scicolone, a wine consultant that the New York Times called “The Maestro of Italian Wines,” includes Nino Franco Faive Rosé in a list of some of his favorite sparklers,

    “Most of us think of sparkling wine as something that should only be drunk on special occasions or at Christmas and New Years, but I don’t agree. Sparkling wine can be enjoyed all year round and I especially like it in the summer and always with food.”

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0773125970c-800wi

    Last October, we first tasted this sparkling wine along with others from the Nino Franco line at Brix Wine Shop. At the tasting, we added a couple of bottles to our order because we have friends who we suspect will love this wine and we wanted to have some on hand when they visit. 

    Then, we opened a bottle at home and had it with food and without sharing our attention with some of our all time favorite Proseccos. We discovered that we love this Nino Franco wine for a whole set of different reasons. We added a few bottles to our next order from Brix to be sure to have some for our pals despite dipping into the supply from time to time.

    Screen Shot 2015-04-21 at Tuesday, April 21, 20159.41.56 AM

    Rosé as a Rite of Spring

    We browsed our wine rack to pick a sparkler for May and remembered the strawberry notes and clean dry finish of the Faive. It seemed a perfect choice. Others agree.

    Wine & Spirits 2013: “More red than rosé, this has the dark flavor of pomegranate …. There’s something oddly refreshing in it, a quirky rosé to chill for the beach, to serve with grilled shellfish.” 

    Independent Wine Review: “This “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length. Drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour.”

    Sommelier’s Choice: “In many ways a wine that defies classification (not legally permitted to be labelled Prosecco, drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour and made differently to rosé Champagne) this “Faive” Rosé Spumante is defined by flavours of strawberries, wild raspberries and freshly picked nectarines. Almost completely dry and underpinned by an ever-present but subtle and nicely integrated mousse, this “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length.”

    Charles Scicolone: “The wine is light salmon in color, with good bubbles, nice red fruit and a hint of pear.”

    Tidbits About Faive Rosé Brut

    Pronunciation: Fie-EE-vay

    Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

    ABV: 12%

    Importer’s serving suggestions: Faive should be enjoyed from the first spring days, over the summer until late autumn. Serve with small appetizing bites ranging from cheese, to lightly steamed shrimp and cheese straws.

    What Does the Name Mean?

    Faive: from the Venetian dialect, are the small gilded red tongues of flame and sparks rising towards the sky from a great fire, lightly and freely carried by the wind.

    It certainly sparked some smiles around here. Happy new month!

    Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution is covered in this post : Join Us as We Toast …

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

    Here are all the wines we’ve covered. Since this is a category, this post may appear at the top. Just scroll down for more.

    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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino with the bottle alone courtesy of Nino Franco.

  • Notes on a New Year’s Eve Toast with Bollinger Rosé

    We couldn’t let New Year’s Eve get too far out of sight without some quick notes on the spectacular bottle of Bollinger Rosé Champagne that helped us ring in 2015.

     

    Empty Bollinger rose  - Version 22014-12-31Bollinger-rose-cage-empty-bottle-cork-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    This champagne was even lovelier than we’d remembered from our December tasting. Here are some thoughts:

    •  nicely balanced with just enough Pinot to accompany our pâté mousse truffée … 
    •  the wine matched well with aged cheddar, each enhancing the other …
    •  even chicken parmigiana bites couldn’t trip up this sparkler …
    •  we dared to pair these blushing bubbles with a moist chocolate cupcake … yes!

    BOLLINGER & Cupcake - Version 22014-12-31Bollinger-rose-chocolate-cupcake-empty-bottle-cork-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    • for us, this Bollinger was at its best when not over-chilled …
    • we allowed it to warm in our glasses …
    • drank it through temperatures from chilled to room and found our sweet spot …

    Speaking of sweet, we loved photographing this bottle. Bollinger gave it a label redesign recently, and we’re making it an early leader for our “Most Enchanting Empty Bottle Award of 2015.”

    Are you ready to join our Sparkling Resolution movement?

     

    More About Our Sparkling Resolution     

     

    Check Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List  (It will include this one, so be sure to scroll down.)

     

    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 Ed Cherubino  

  • Brix Wine Shop Makes Our Nino Franco Dreams Come True!

    Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to taste five wines from Nino Franco Spumanti srl and to meet Silvia Franco.

    CHE_4753 - Version 22014-10-02Silvia-Franco-brix-wine-tasting-nino-franco-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    For years we’ve told you of our love for Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco. And, we’ve been unsuccessfully scouting sources for other wines from this vineyard. 

    Imagine our elation when we were invited to a tasting at Brix Wine Shop that included the opportunity to not only try more of this winery’s sparklers, but also to meet Silvia, in person, after a couple of years of internet communication about her family’s wines.

    CHE_4754 - Version 22014-10-02Silvia-Franco-brix-wine-tasting-nino-franco-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Brix Hosts Gracious and Hospitable Tastings

    They provided everything from the right glassware for sniffing and sipping to an antique copper spittoon for those limiting their alcohol intake. And, this tasting attracted a charming crowd who chatted with both Silvia and among themselves. We were all assisted by a most helpful staff.  

    CHE_4762 - Version 22014-10-02Silvia-Franco-brix-wine-tasting-nino-franco-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We tasted and loved each of the five wines brought in for this event:

    • Nino Franco Rustico NV
    • Nino Franco Faive Rose 2012 
    • Nino Franco Primo Franco 2012
    • Nino Franco V. Della Riva San Floriano 
    • Nino Franco Grave di Stecca 

    DSC_4234 - Version 22014-10-02Silvia-Franco-brix-wine-tasting-nino-franco-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Silva Franco Was as Gracious as Brix

    The Brix invitation to meet “Prosecco’s Princess Silvia Franco” said, “If the bubbles don’t win you over (which they will), Silvia’s charming personality and in-depth knowledge will captivate you.” And, they were right. 

    She greeted guests, poured wine, talked wine, answered questions, and signed bottles upon request. Her warm personality and vivacious Italian spirit added as much sparkle to the evening as her wines. We look forward to seeing her again the next time she’s in Boston.

    CHE_4803 - Version 22014-10-02Silvia-Franco-brix-wine-tasting-nino-franco-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    30 Years of Primo Franco 

    We had Silvia sign one of our bottles of Primo Franco, a wine named for her father. Later this month, as she and her family celebrate the 30th Vintage of Primo Franco in Valdobbiadene, we’ll open this bottle and toast them here in Boston.

    DSC_4200 - Version 22014-10-02Silvia-Franco-brix-wine-tasting-nino-franco-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Thanks to the Brix team for making this possible. We recommend that wine lovers sign up for their email announcements of tastings. They have introduced us to other favorite winemakers and wineries over the years.

      DSC_4221 - Version 22014-10-02Silvia-Franco-brix-wine-tasting-nino-franco-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Get there soon to enjoy this special and intriguing selection of Nino Franco wines. If you can’t stop by, give Brix a call and ask about putting together a few bottles or a case for delivery.

    Breaking News about the Primo Franco!

    We just saw this announcement in Glass Of Bubbly:

    “In the the world of elite bubbles Primo Franco 2013 has been recognised & awarded in the first edition of The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships”:

    • Gold Medal
    • Best In Class Medal 
    • World Champion Medal” 

    Congratulation to the entire Nino Franco team and family. 

    If you love sparkling wine, consider joining Our Sparkling Resolution and begin each month with a glass of bubbles.

    And, here’s 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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Doubling-Up on April Bubbles with Val de Mer Crémant

    DSC_1657 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

     

    Toasting the arrival of a new month is always more fun if you double-up on the bubbles! And with a bottle (or two) of Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne, you won’t be disappointed.

     

    This lively sparkler is the creation of Patrick Piuze who’s been making quite a name for himself in Chablis. This exacting winemaker uses hand-harvested grapes that are fermented and aged in stainless steel without the added dosage.

     

    We liked this crémant’s clean, crisp quality with a hint of green pear. The 100% Chardonnay comes through with a simplicity and purity without the distraction of oak. This wine could win over even a member of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) Club!

     

    PC2_2408 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Here’s what other tasters say about Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne …

     

    “This sparkler is loaded with chalky minerality and has a bright snappy style that makes it a perfect aperitif bubbly.” (K&L Wines)

     

    “The palate is bright, fresh, and crisp, showing those apple notes with a dry sage edge to the finish.” It “…goes well with all cocktail party snacks, especially smoked salmon canapés and baked brie.” (Astor Wine & Spirits)

     

    We liked this French bubbly with a kielbasa & cabbage dish and a stack of our new favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers (more on those, here). Our list of possible food pairings is growing, but the month is young.

     

    We’re beginning April with a winning sparkler and a positive attitude that spring is finally here to stay. And should there be a wrinkle or two along the way, we always have a spare bottle of bubbles to keep our spirits high. Cheers!

     

    We purchased out bottles of Cremant de Bourgogne Val de Mer at Bauer Wine & Spirits ($16.99).

     

    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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014  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.

  • Doubling-Up on April Bubbles with Val de Mer Crémant

    DSC_1657 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

     

    Toasting the arrival of a new month is always more fun if you double-up on the bubbles! And with a bottle (or two) of Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne, you won’t be disappointed.

     

    This lively sparkler is the creation of Patrick Piuze who’s been making quite a name for himself in Chablis. This exacting winemaker uses hand-harvested grapes that are fermented and aged in stainless steel without the added dosage.

     

    We liked this crémant’s clean, crisp quality with a hint of green pear. The 100% Chardonnay comes through with a simplicity and purity without the distraction of oak. This wine could win over even a member of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) Club!

     

    PC2_2408 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Here’s what other tasters say about Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne …

     

    “This sparkler is loaded with chalky minerality and has a bright snappy style that makes it a perfect aperitif bubbly.” (K&L Wines)

     

    “The palate is bright, fresh, and crisp, showing those apple notes with a dry sage edge to the finish.” It “…goes well with all cocktail party snacks, especially smoked salmon canapés and baked brie.” (Astor Wine & Spirits)

     

    We liked this French bubbly with a kielbasa & cabbage dish and a stack of our new favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers (more on those, here). Our list of possible food pairings is growing, but the month is young.

     

    We’re beginning April with a winning sparkler and a positive attitude that spring is finally here to stay. And should there be a wrinkle or two along the way, we always have a spare bottle of bubbles to keep our spirits high. Cheers!

     

    We purchased out bottles of Cremant de Bourgogne Val de Mer at Bauer Wine & Spirits ($16.99).

     

    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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014  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.

  • Doubling-Up on April Bubbles with Val de Mer Crémant

    DSC_1657 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

     

    Toasting the arrival of a new month is always more fun if you double-up on the bubbles! And with a bottle (or two) of Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne, you won’t be disappointed.

     

    This lively sparkler is the creation of Patrick Piuze who’s been making quite a name for himself in Chablis. This exacting winemaker uses hand-harvested grapes that are fermented and aged in stainless steel without the added dosage.

     

    We liked this crémant’s clean, crisp quality with a hint of green pear. The 100% Chardonnay comes through with a simplicity and purity without the distraction of oak. This wine could win over even a member of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) Club!

     

    PC2_2408 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Here’s what other tasters say about Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne …

     

    “This sparkler is loaded with chalky minerality and has a bright snappy style that makes it a perfect aperitif bubbly.” (K&L Wines)

     

    “The palate is bright, fresh, and crisp, showing those apple notes with a dry sage edge to the finish.” It “…goes well with all cocktail party snacks, especially smoked salmon canapés and baked brie.” (Astor Wine & Spirits)

     

    We liked this French bubbly with a kielbasa & cabbage dish and a stack of our new favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers (more on those, here). Our list of possible food pairings is growing, but the month is young.

     

    We’re beginning April with a winning sparkler and a positive attitude that spring is finally here to stay. And should there be a wrinkle or two along the way, we always have a spare bottle of bubbles to keep our spirits high. Cheers!

     

    We purchased out bottles of Cremant de Bourgogne Val de Mer at Bauer Wine & Spirits ($16.99).

     

    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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014  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.