bostonzest

Tag: MA

  • Ameztoi Hijo de Rubentis 2015 a Sparkling Txakoli for our November Toast

    This month we're trying a new take on one of our favorite wines, Ameztoi Hijo de Rubentis 2015. We were checking out the wines at Formaggio South End when we spotted an odd looking bottle from Ameztoi – one of the best producers of our beloved Txakoli wines. We finally realized that the bottle was shaped and capped as a full sparkling wine. 

    6B613F4B-9295-48F4-88F1-CF8DBE019791

    We just happened to have a couple of bottles of the regular Rosé Txakoli on hand. We may just open both styles to experience the difference. (Links to some of our posts about other Basque wines are in related posts below.)

    1FEEE1A1-133F-435C-9CC8-D5A77EF5FAC0

    On closer examination of the label, we spotted the words "Méthod traditionnelle Champenoise." Most Txakoli wines are frizzante or a bit fizzy. This is enhanced by a high pour (we use a special Txakoli pourer ) to encourage the wine to foam. This one would call for our favorite Champagne stopper because it is a full-fledged sparkler.

    Here's what we learned about this wine:

    The importer says:

    "Hijo de Rubentis means 'Son of Rubentis.' This sparkling rosé txakolina is sourced from the same vineyard as the Ameztoi Rubentis but the grapes were picked 10 days early to ensure a lower base alcohol. Secondary fermentation occurred in bottle.

    Vinification Méthod traditionnelle. Aged on the lees for 14 months.

    Tasting Notes Bright pink grapefruit color with fine and persistent bubbles. Floral aromas with notes of red fruit and raspberries on the nose. The wine is cheerful, fresh, elegant and persistent with a hint of red fruit.

    Pairing Salmon, sushi, other seafood, delicate cream sauces and desserts.

    Grapes 100% Hondarribi Beltza

    Vine age 20 – 150+ years

    Soil Sand and clay

    Farming Lutte Raisonnée "

    We purchased our bottle at Formaggio South End for ~$28.00

    IMG_0513

    Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month!

    We look forward to raising a glass of this variation of an old favorite. 

    Related Posts:

    Poured from On High, Txakoli Rose Is a Great Seaside or Seafood Wine

    Basque Country Supper: Recreating Happy Memories

    Txakolina Extends Summer Fun

    Check Out Our Wine List for Thanksgiving & Holiday Gatherings!

    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.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Ameztoi Hijo de Rubentis 2015 a Sparkling Txakoli for our November Toast

    This month we're trying a new take on one of our favorite wines, Ameztoi Hijo de Rubentis 2015. We were checking out the wines at Formaggio South End when we spotted an odd looking bottle from Ameztoi – one of the best producers of our beloved Txakoli wines. We finally realized that the bottle was shaped and capped as a full sparkling wine. 

    6B613F4B-9295-48F4-88F1-CF8DBE019791

    We just happened to have a couple of bottles of the regular Rosé Txakoli on hand. We may just open both styles to experience the difference. (Links to some of our posts about other Basque wines are in related posts below.)

    1FEEE1A1-133F-435C-9CC8-D5A77EF5FAC0

    On closer examination of the label, we spotted the words "Méthod traditionnelle Champenoise." Most Txakoli wines are frizzante or a bit fizzy. This is enhanced by a high pour (we use a special Txakoli pourer ) to encourage the wine to foam. This one would call for our favorite Champagne stopper because it is a full-fledged sparkler.

    Here's what we learned about this wine:

    The importer says:

    "Hijo de Rubentis means 'Son of Rubentis.' This sparkling rosé txakolina is sourced from the same vineyard as the Ameztoi Rubentis but the grapes were picked 10 days early to ensure a lower base alcohol. Secondary fermentation occurred in bottle.

    Vinification Méthod traditionnelle. Aged on the lees for 14 months.

    Tasting Notes Bright pink grapefruit color with fine and persistent bubbles. Floral aromas with notes of red fruit and raspberries on the nose. The wine is cheerful, fresh, elegant and persistent with a hint of red fruit.

    Pairing Salmon, sushi, other seafood, delicate cream sauces and desserts.

    Grapes 100% Hondarribi Beltza

    Vine age 20 – 150+ years

    Soil Sand and clay

    Farming Lutte Raisonnée "

    We purchased our bottle at Formaggio South End for ~$28.00

    IMG_0513

    Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month!

    We look forward to raising a glass of this variation of an old favorite. 

    Related Posts:

    Poured from On High, Txakoli Rose Is a Great Seaside or Seafood Wine

    Basque Country Supper: Recreating Happy Memories

    Txakolina Extends Summer Fun

    Check Out Our Wine List for Thanksgiving & Holiday Gatherings!

    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.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Where Would You Find This Column and These Windows? Let’s Play Attention to Detail

    IMG_9759

    Let's play Attention to Detail! We give you a close-up clue and you have to figure out where you've seen it around Boston.

    Here are some hints:

    • This residence is located in a lesser-known historic district.
    • The building has a very unusual feature that will catch your attention.
    • It is surrounded by tax exempt properties.
    • It is close to Kenmore Square.

    Ready? Click through or scroll down past this great book about Boston for the answer.

     

     

    (more…)

  • Where Would You Find This Column and These Windows? Let’s Play Attention to Detail

    IMG_9759

    Let's play Attention to Detail! We give you a close-up clue and you have to figure out where you've seen it around Boston.

    Here are some hints:

    • This residence is located in a lesser-known historic district.
    • The building has a very unusual feature that will catch your attention.
    • It is surrounded by tax exempt properties.
    • It is close to Kenmore Square.

    Ready? Click through or scroll down past this great book about Boston for the answer.

     

     

    (more…)

  • We’ll Raise a Glass of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne to Toast October

    Later today we will get together with some of our favorite people and raise a glass of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne. Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. This Italian sparkler from Piemonte is made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes. This happens to be one of Ed's favorite varietals. 

    IMG_0254

    Here's what we have learned about Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne

    • A retailer writes, "100% Nebbiolo (the name means secret vines because the wine laws in Italy for now do not allow for the name of the varietal to appear on the label for sparkling wines vinified with classic champenois method). Early harvest, 36 month on the yeasts, zero dosage. Bone dry, but rich and zesty. Fine mousse and long finish."

    • The importer notes, "Guidobono is the creation of the Faccenda family, and reflects their obsession with terroir. They make a range of wines from the Roero and Langhe hills, all of them outstanding value. Their vineyards are scattered through the area, with Castellinaldo in the Roero and Monforte in Barolo being particularly prized. The family has a knack of outperforming in almost every vintage."

    • One CellarTracker member – RICHARDP wrote: 90 Points
      "This is something unique: A sparkling white Nebbiolo. Yeast on the nose; on the palate, yellow apple cider and notes of flowers, yeast, and minerals on the medium finish, with strong acidity and a fine bubble. It would be interesting to put this up against a bottle of cheap Champagne to compare and contrast; this is better than most Champagnes at the same price point. Good value for a bit under $30."

    IMG_0305

    We found our bottle at City Liquors in Cambridge.

    IMG_0273

    What's your favorite sparkler?

    One of our favorite assignments is finding a sparkling wine to toast the upcoming month. We have a few favorite places to look for sparklers that we have not tried before and reliable retailers we count on to know what we like, especially grower Champagnes and biodynamic bubbles. But, we are always open to suggestions. Do you have a favorite sparkling wine to suggest? Let us know in the comments below!

    IMG_0437

    UPDATE: (10.01.17) While Ed’s fondness for the full, rich body and substantial fruit of a Nebbiolo influenced our choice of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne, we didn’t expect this white, sparkling version of the varietal to be quite so un-Nebbiolo like.

    We think the review above is most accurate, describing this wine as “Bone dry, but rich and zesty,” with a “fine mousse and long finish."

    It’s a good sparkler for our friends who like extremely dry, Blanc de Blancs. If that’s you, drink it chilled to around 55º F. If you prefer a fuller-bodied wine, let it warm into the 60s.

    We found Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne to be a particularly good match with our Vietnamese lemongrass chicken Saigon salad – a big pop of flavor followed by a sip of wine to cleanse the palate … a nice balance.

    And, most importantly, guard against pre-judging this impressive sparkler. Take your time and enjoy!

     

    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: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!
    Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

  • We’ll Raise a Glass of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne to Toast October

    Later today we will get together with some of our favorite people and raise a glass of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne. Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. This Italian sparkler from Piemonte is made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes. This happens to be one of Ed's favorite varietals. 

    IMG_0254

    Here's what we have learned about Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne

    • A retailer writes, "100% Nebbiolo (the name means secret vines because the wine laws in Italy for now do not allow for the name of the varietal to appear on the label for sparkling wines vinified with classic champenois method). Early harvest, 36 month on the yeasts, zero dosage. Bone dry, but rich and zesty. Fine mousse and long finish."

    • The importer notes, "Guidobono is the creation of the Faccenda family, and reflects their obsession with terroir. They make a range of wines from the Roero and Langhe hills, all of them outstanding value. Their vineyards are scattered through the area, with Castellinaldo in the Roero and Monforte in Barolo being particularly prized. The family has a knack of outperforming in almost every vintage."

    • One CellarTracker member – RICHARDP wrote: 90 Points
      "This is something unique: A sparkling white Nebbiolo. Yeast on the nose; on the palate, yellow apple cider and notes of flowers, yeast, and minerals on the medium finish, with strong acidity and a fine bubble. It would be interesting to put this up against a bottle of cheap Champagne to compare and contrast; this is better than most Champagnes at the same price point. Good value for a bit under $30."

    IMG_0305

    We found our bottle at City Liquors in Cambridge.

    IMG_0273

    What's your favorite sparkler?

    One of our favorite assignments is finding a sparkling wine to toast the upcoming month. We have a few favorite places to look for sparklers that we have not tried before and reliable retailers we count on to know what we like, especially grower Champagnes and biodynamic bubbles. But, we are always open to suggestions. Do you have a favorite sparkling wine to suggest? Let us know in the comments below!

    IMG_0437

    UPDATE: (10.01.17) While Ed’s fondness for the full, rich body and substantial fruit of a Nebbiolo influenced our choice of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne, we didn’t expect this white, sparkling version of the varietal to be quite so un-Nebbiolo like.

    We think the review above is most accurate, describing this wine as “Bone dry, but rich and zesty,” with a “fine mousse and long finish."

    It’s a good sparkler for our friends who like extremely dry, Blanc de Blancs. If that’s you, drink it chilled to around 55º F. If you prefer a fuller-bodied wine, let it warm into the 60s.

    We found Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne to be a particularly good match with our Vietnamese lemongrass chicken Saigon salad – a big pop of flavor followed by a sip of wine to cleanse the palate … a nice balance.

    And, most importantly, guard against pre-judging this impressive sparkler. Take your time and enjoy!

     

    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: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!
    Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

  • Where Would You Find This Hand? Play Attention to Detail!

    IMG_8849 copy

    Let's play Attention to Detail! We give you a close-up clue, like this hand, and you have to figure out where you've seen it around Boston.

    Here are some hints:

    • This hand is in a very appropriate place.
    • You may be in such a hurry when you walk by it, that you never stop to think about this memorial.
    • We think of this place as belonging to two Boston neighborhoods.
    • Another reason you may not pause to view the statue is the strong fumes that exist here.

    Ready? Click through or scroll down past this great book about Boston for the answer.

     

     

    (more…)

  • Where Would You Find This Hand? Play Attention to Detail!

    IMG_8849 copy

    Let's play Attention to Detail! We give you a close-up clue, like this hand, and you have to figure out where you've seen it around Boston.

    Here are some hints:

    • This hand is in a very appropriate place.
    • You may be in such a hurry when you walk by it, that you never stop to think about this memorial.
    • We think of this place as belonging to two Boston neighborhoods.
    • Another reason you may not pause to view the statue is the strong fumes that exist here.

    Ready? Click through or scroll down past this great book about Boston for the answer.

     

     

    (more…)

  • Where Would You Find This Round Window? Let’s Play Attention to Detail!

    CHE_0974 copy

    Let's play Attention to Detail! We give you a close-up clue and you have to figure out where you've seen this round window around Boston.

    Here are some hints:

    • It is in the South End.
    • This is one of three matching windows.
    • If you take a nice long walk you may pass it.
    • You have a clear view of it year-round.
    • While this is on private property, you might be on city or state property when you view it.

    Ready? Click through or scroll down past this great book about Boston for the answer.

     

     

    (more…)

  • Where Would You Find This Round Window? Let’s Play Attention to Detail!

    CHE_0974 copy

    Let's play Attention to Detail! We give you a close-up clue and you have to figure out where you've seen this round window around Boston.

    Here are some hints:

    • It is in the South End.
    • This is one of three matching windows.
    • If you take a nice long walk you may pass it.
    • You have a clear view of it year-round.
    • While this is on private property, you might be on city or state property when you view it.

    Ready? Click through or scroll down past this great book about Boston for the answer.

     

     

    (more…)