Tag: Pinot Meunier

Toasting August with Billecart-Salmon: A Tale of Two Bruts

We can’t think of a better way to ring-in a new month than by toasting with two glasses of bubbly from one of our favorite Champagne houses, Billecart-Salmon! No, wait. Actually, that would be four glasses and two bottles.

In this post, we explore two Champagne styles: ours and that of some of our wine-loving friends. The right wine is the wine you like! Besides, anytime you’re able to justify opening multiple bottles of these French jewels, the happier the occasion becomes.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, we actually opened our Champagne Billecart-Salmon Extra-Brut at the beach, last summer. Extra Brut is the driest designation of Champagne styles containing less than 0.6% sugar per liter. While this Billecart-Salmon contains the big three: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, they point out that, “No sugar has been added to the dosage.”

Billecart-Salmon says, “A Champagne full of brightness and purity … harmonious minerality … balanced finish” Download More about Billecart-Salmon Etra Brut.

We say, “tight … a bit stern … but, focused”

As for the Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve, we lifted our glasses to welcome August 2013, took our first sips, and couldn’t stop grinning!

We say, “round … mellow … friendly … magical … drink slowly through the temperatures” (allow to warm in your glass)

Billecart-Salmon says, “harmony … balance … persistent and abounding mousse … freshness … rich bouquet Download More about Billecart-Salomn BRUT RESERVE.

We began our love affair with Billecart-Salmon many years ago by falling for their Brut Rosé. Since then, we’ve come to appreciate the depth of this outstanding Champagne house and continue to try their many other offerings.

Whatever your taste in sparkling wine, we hope you’ll join us in a toast to month number eight, à votre santé!

Here’s 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

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

August 1, 2013
Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes.

Here's 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: 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.

July 1, 2013
Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes.

Here's 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: 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.

July 1, 2013
Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes.

Here's 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: 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.

July 1, 2013
March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!
Unlike the often unpredictable month of March (heat waves, Ides of March, sequestration … ), Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut is a sure thing! While we’re always looking for a worthy sparkler that’s capable of wowing us as we celebrate the arrival of a new month, this astonishing bottle of wine actually is the celebration.

52% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier

As longtime Argyle fans, we’ve come to expect greatness, but this sparkler gets an extra star.
Penny thinks it, ”makes its Argyle pinot roots very apparent! Not only do you taste pinot, but Argyle pinot! This must have made Rollin smile.” (The man behind Argyle, Rollin Soles, told us about his love of pinot noir and sparkling wine in this 2011 Video Interview .)

We both say, “Don’t over-chill this gem.” While we loved the cold bubbles, it doesn’t need cold. Drink through the temperatures. This wine deserves the respect you’d give a Krug!"

Ed tasted, “Vanilla … butter” and suggested, “rolling it around in your mouth for maximum flavor.”

Argyle Wines 2001 Extended Tirage Brut Tasting Notes include:
- Nose – “honey drizzled chevre on warm toasted artisan bread” … “brioche”
- “delicate, tiny bubbles”
- “creamy yet … clean acidity”
- Flavors, “vanilla bean, creme brulee, baked pear”…“hints of licorice, peach, spun sugar.”
Although the 2001 Extended Tirage is officially Sold Out, you still might be able to find a bottle, or you could simply move on to the 2002 version. Judging from its stellar reviews, you will not be disappointed.

Here’s to March! We’re ready for whatever it brings!

Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest (VIDEO)

Featured bottle of Aryle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors

Our Sparkling Resolution

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: © 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
March 1, 2013
March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!
Unlike the often unpredictable month of March (heat waves, Ides of March, sequestration … ), Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut is a sure thing! While we’re always looking for a worthy sparkler that’s capable of wowing us as we celebrate the arrival of a new month, this astonishing bottle of wine actually is the celebration.

52% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier

As longtime Argyle fans, we’ve come to expect greatness, but this sparkler gets an extra star.
Penny thinks it, ”makes its Argyle pinot roots very apparent! Not only do you taste pinot, but Argyle pinot! This must have made Rollin smile.” (The man behind Argyle, Rollin Soles, told us about his love of pinot noir and sparkling wine in this 2011 Video Interview .)

We both say, “Don’t over-chill this gem.” While we loved the cold bubbles, it doesn’t need cold. Drink through the temperatures. This wine deserves the respect you’d give a Krug!"

Ed tasted, “Vanilla … butter” and suggested, “rolling it around in your mouth for maximum flavor.”

Argyle Wines 2001 Extended Tirage Brut Tasting Notes include:
- Nose – “honey drizzled chevre on warm toasted artisan bread” … “brioche”
- “delicate, tiny bubbles”
- “creamy yet … clean acidity”
- Flavors, “vanilla bean, creme brulee, baked pear”…“hints of licorice, peach, spun sugar.”
Although the 2001 Extended Tirage is officially Sold Out, you still might be able to find a bottle, or you could simply move on to the 2002 version. Judging from its stellar reviews, you will not be disappointed.

Here’s to March! We’re ready for whatever it brings!

Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest (VIDEO)

Featured bottle of Aryle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors

Our Sparkling Resolution

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: © 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
March 1, 2013
March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!
Unlike the often unpredictable month of March (heat waves, Ides of March, sequestration … ), Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut is a sure thing! While we’re always looking for a worthy sparkler that’s capable of wowing us as we celebrate the arrival of a new month, this astonishing bottle of wine actually is the celebration.

52% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier

As longtime Argyle fans, we’ve come to expect greatness, but this sparkler gets an extra star.
Penny thinks it, ”makes its Argyle pinot roots very apparent! Not only do you taste pinot, but Argyle pinot! This must have made Rollin smile.” (The man behind Argyle, Rollin Soles, told us about his love of pinot noir and sparkling wine in this 2011 Video Interview .)

We both say, “Don’t over-chill this gem.” While we loved the cold bubbles, it doesn’t need cold. Drink through the temperatures. This wine deserves the respect you’d give a Krug!"

Ed tasted, “Vanilla … butter” and suggested, “rolling it around in your mouth for maximum flavor.”

Argyle Wines 2001 Extended Tirage Brut Tasting Notes include:
- Nose – “honey drizzled chevre on warm toasted artisan bread” … “brioche”
- “delicate, tiny bubbles”
- “creamy yet … clean acidity”
- Flavors, “vanilla bean, creme brulee, baked pear”…“hints of licorice, peach, spun sugar.”
Although the 2001 Extended Tirage is officially Sold Out, you still might be able to find a bottle, or you could simply move on to the 2002 version. Judging from its stellar reviews, you will not be disappointed.

Here’s to March! We’re ready for whatever it brings!

Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest (VIDEO)

Featured bottle of Aryle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors

Our Sparkling Resolution

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: © 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.
March 1, 2013
Joël Falmet, Sipping A Grower Champagne for October!

We're toasting the "Happy New Month" of October with Joël Falmet Champagne. (Consider sharing Our Sparkling Resolution to greet each month by popping a bottle of bubbly.)

This wine is another recommendation from Perry's Wine & Liquors in Provincetown. This west end shop has a expertly curated selection of wines, spirits, cheese, chocolate, and other lovely items.

Joël Falmet Champagne comes from Côte des Bar, a part of the Champagne region of France that has long supplied most of the grapes it grows to the great Champagne houses that have used them to improve the body and richness of their wines.

In a 2009 review of affordable Champagnes, NY Times wine critic, Eric Asimov wrote that this was the favorite. "We found it full of lively energy, with complex flavors of flowers, minerals, citrus and herbs, and with more finesse than you generally find in Champagnes dominated by the pinot noir grape."

The Côte des Bar district is far from the heart of Champane and as the fact sheet on the wine tells us, the terroir of the region is unlike the typical soil and growing conditions in the best known areas of the region. "The Côtes des Bar generally produces richer, fuller-bodied wines than the Marne, partially because it is further south and therefore slightly warmer. In addition, the Kimmeridgian soil of the Côtes des Bar tends to produce richer wines than the light, fine chalk soil, found around Epernay."

This is a grower Champagne, meaning that Joël Falmet has been taking his family's grapes from soil to bottle since 1990. He produces a very pinot forward, full-bodied style that will appeal to those (like us) who love a lot of lush in their sparking wine. This blend is 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay.

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: © 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Blind tasting sees English sparkling better New World but not Champagne

Txakolina Extends Summer Fun

BU Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts

Board says nothing wrong with serving hotel guests some sparkling wine when they check in

October 1, 2012
Joël Falmet, Sipping A Grower Champagne for October!

We're toasting the "Happy New Month" of October with Joël Falmet Champagne. (Consider sharing Our Sparkling Resolution to greet each month by popping a bottle of bubbly.)

This wine is another recommendation from Perry's Wine & Liquors in Provincetown. This west end shop has a expertly curated selection of wines, spirits, cheese, chocolate, and other lovely items.

Joël Falmet Champagne comes from Côte des Bar, a part of the Champagne region of France that has long supplied most of the grapes it grows to the great Champagne houses that have used them to improve the body and richness of their wines.

In a 2009 review of affordable Champagnes, NY Times wine critic, Eric Asimov wrote that this was the favorite. "We found it full of lively energy, with complex flavors of flowers, minerals, citrus and herbs, and with more finesse than you generally find in Champagnes dominated by the pinot noir grape."

The Côte des Bar district is far from the heart of Champane and as the fact sheet on the wine tells us, the terroir of the region is unlike the typical soil and growing conditions in the best known areas of the region. "The Côtes des Bar generally produces richer, fuller-bodied wines than the Marne, partially because it is further south and therefore slightly warmer. In addition, the Kimmeridgian soil of the Côtes des Bar tends to produce richer wines than the light, fine chalk soil, found around Epernay."

This is a grower Champagne, meaning that Joël Falmet has been taking his family's grapes from soil to bottle since 1990. He produces a very pinot forward, full-bodied style that will appeal to those (like us) who love a lot of lush in their sparking wine. This blend is 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay.

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: © 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Blind tasting sees English sparkling better New World but not Champagne

Txakolina Extends Summer Fun

BU Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts

Board says nothing wrong with serving hotel guests some sparkling wine when they check in

October 1, 2012
Joël Falmet, Sipping A Grower Champagne for October!

We're toasting the "Happy New Month" of October with Joël Falmet Champagne. (Consider sharing Our Sparkling Resolution to greet each month by popping a bottle of bubbly.)

This wine is another recommendation from Perry's Wine & Liquors in Provincetown. This west end shop has a expertly curated selection of wines, spirits, cheese, chocolate, and other lovely items.

Joël Falmet Champagne comes from Côte des Bar, a part of the Champagne region of France that has long supplied most of the grapes it grows to the great Champagne houses that have used them to improve the body and richness of their wines.

In a 2009 review of affordable Champagnes, NY Times wine critic, Eric Asimov wrote that this was the favorite. "We found it full of lively energy, with complex flavors of flowers, minerals, citrus and herbs, and with more finesse than you generally find in Champagnes dominated by the pinot noir grape."

The Côte des Bar district is far from the heart of Champane and as the fact sheet on the wine tells us, the terroir of the region is unlike the typical soil and growing conditions in the best known areas of the region. "The Côtes des Bar generally produces richer, fuller-bodied wines than the Marne, partially because it is further south and therefore slightly warmer. In addition, the Kimmeridgian soil of the Côtes des Bar tends to produce richer wines than the light, fine chalk soil, found around Epernay."

This is a grower Champagne, meaning that Joël Falmet has been taking his family's grapes from soil to bottle since 1990. He produces a very pinot forward, full-bodied style that will appeal to those (like us) who love a lot of lush in their sparking wine. This blend is 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay.

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: © 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Blind tasting sees English sparkling better New World but not Champagne

Txakolina Extends Summer Fun

BU Seminars in Food, Wine & the Arts

Board says nothing wrong with serving hotel guests some sparkling wine when they check in

October 1, 2012