bostonzest

Tag: happy new month

  • Our August 2023 Toast Will Be Filled with Nino Franco Rustico Memories

    On August 1, 2023, we'll raise a glass of Nino Franco Rustico and recall all the times this sparkler has been part of great moments and quiet times. This Prosecco is our house wine, one we always have on hand and ready to pop open and enjoy. And, after all these years, we still love it.

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    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!

    When we sip Rustico, we often think of Provincetown. We would bring it with us from our home stash in the early years. We were overjoyed when a new wine shop carried this favorite, and we could support one more local business.

    Here are a few views of Nino Franco Rustico in Provincetown.

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    We will always smile when we remember meeting the charming Silvia Franco here in Boston.

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    We hope you find a great wine as your house wine and enjoy many beautiful moments with the people you love and the wine you can always rely upon to make you smile with each sip.

     

    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2020 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • We’ll Toast February with a Gift of Gosset “Grande Réserve” Brut Champagne

    We did not puzzle over which sparkling wine to choose for our February toast. It had to be the bottle of Gosset "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne our friend Bob dropped off for us last month. Since our theme for 2021 is "Wines we love and honoring friendships," it was a perfect choice.

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    Penny didn't have to think twice about a background for a photo of this month's wine since she had just finished a jigsaw puzzle of a lovely scene that might be somewhere in France. It even had one piece not quite pressed in place that looked like a little guy running towards the bottle. From our research, we think we may be running to get more of what sounds like a very special wine. Also, she has been sharing her jigsaw puzzles with friends. Another friendship link!

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    Here's what we learned:

    Regular readers know we love learning the history of vineyards. Gosset has a very long history. On the Gosset site, they write:

    "The story of the Gosset family begins over four centuries ago with the first official ancestor of the family line, Jean Gosset (1484–1556), “Seigneur of Aÿ and Mareuil”. Following in his footsteps, sixteen generations, all born in Aÿ in Champagne, would go on to win fame not only as deputy mayors, mayors, prosecutors, but also in growing and trading the wines of Champagne"

    Their details about the Gosset "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne:

    Varietal Composition: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
    Vintage Composition: 80-90% 2015, 10-20% 2013 & 2014 vintages
    Alcohol: 12%

    Suggested Serving Temperatures: Between 8 C and 10 C (46 F and 50 F)

    Tasting Notes: The color is bright and golden, the nose open and expressive, and the palate is dominated by a refreshing mineral tension.

    Jean-Pierre Mareigner, Cellarmaster says: “This is the true signature of the House. An expression of the Gosset style, which I have been maintaining for 30 years.” 

    IMG_6264

    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!

    This bottle was a gift, but with the photo of this back label, your favorite wine merchant should be able to find it for you.

    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2021 Penny Cherubino 

  • We’ll Toast February with a Gift of Gosset “Grande Réserve” Brut Champagne

    We did not puzzle over which sparkling wine to choose for our February toast. It had to be the bottle of Gosset "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne our friend Bob dropped off for us last month. Since our theme for 2021 is "Wines we love and honoring friendships," it was a perfect choice.

    IMG_6259

    Penny didn't have to think twice about a background for a photo of this month's wine since she had just finished a jigsaw puzzle of a lovely scene that might be somewhere in France. It even had one piece not quite pressed in place that looked like a little guy running towards the bottle. From our research, we think we may be running to get more of what sounds like a very special wine. Also, she has been sharing her jigsaw puzzles with friends. Another friendship link!

    IMG_6265

    Here's what we learned:

    Regular readers know we love learning the history of vineyards. Gosset has a very long history. On the Gosset site, they write:

    "The story of the Gosset family begins over four centuries ago with the first official ancestor of the family line, Jean Gosset (1484–1556), “Seigneur of Aÿ and Mareuil”. Following in his footsteps, sixteen generations, all born in Aÿ in Champagne, would go on to win fame not only as deputy mayors, mayors, prosecutors, but also in growing and trading the wines of Champagne"

    Their details about the Gosset "Grande Réserve" Brut Champagne:

    Varietal Composition: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier
    Vintage Composition: 80-90% 2015, 10-20% 2013 & 2014 vintages
    Alcohol: 12%

    Suggested Serving Temperatures: Between 8 C and 10 C (46 F and 50 F)

    Tasting Notes: The color is bright and golden, the nose open and expressive, and the palate is dominated by a refreshing mineral tension.

    Jean-Pierre Mareigner, Cellarmaster says: “This is the true signature of the House. An expression of the Gosset style, which I have been maintaining for 30 years.” 

    IMG_6264

    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!

    This bottle was a gift, but with the photo of this back label, your favorite wine merchant should be able to find it for you.

    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2021 Penny Cherubino 

  • New Mexico’s Gruet Sauvage Joins Our “Grand Tour” of Terroir

    We'll say "Happy New Month" to March with a blanc de blanc sparkling wine from New Mexico, Gruet Sauvage. We've been long time fans of the Gruet wines, but Sauvage is new to us.

    It's on the current wine list at Grand Tour, a new restaurant from Chef Michael Serpa and his team. This place is already a favorite with us. We've been stopping in since it opened slowly working our way through the engaging menu.

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    Michael has become the latest of our wine mentors so even when we normally shy away from 100% Chardonnay sparklers, we are quick to try a glass of any wine that he selects. Our goal in 2020 is to explore terroir with our monthly toast, this wine from New Mexico fits right in.

    Here is what the Gruet vintners say about their terroir.

    "With high elevation, sandy loam soils, and sweeping winds to naturally keep away pests and thin the canopy for greater flavors, New Mexico’s desert landscape proved the ideal starting ground for Gruet.

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    Here are the tasting notes from Gruet:

    "Gruet Sauvage NV is a bone-dry sparkler, pale straw in color with a delicate but persistent mousse. The aromas of bright mineral and citrus notes tickle the nose followed by touches of green apple, lemon and, grapefruit. The finish is structured, flavorful and long. The bright acidity makes this wine a perfect pairing for oysters, sushi and cream sauces."

    We've already enjoyed a few glasses of this crisp, food-oriented sparkler at the bar at Grand Tour. We'll return there today to raise another glass with friends to wish one another a "Happy New Month." We recommend the wine and we recommend the restaurant!

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    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. 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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2020 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • New Mexico’s Gruet Sauvage Joins Our “Grand Tour” of Terroir

    We'll say "Happy New Month" to March with a blanc de blanc sparkling wine from New Mexico, Gruet Sauvage. We've been long time fans of the Gruet wines, but Sauvage is new to us.

    It's on the current wine list at Grand Tour, a new restaurant from Chef Michael Serpa and his team. This place is already a favorite with us. We've been stopping in since it opened slowly working our way through the engaging menu.

    IMG_7864

    Michael has become the latest of our wine mentors so even when we normally shy away from 100% Chardonnay sparklers, we are quick to try a glass of any wine that he selects. Our goal in 2020 is to explore terroir with our monthly toast, this wine from New Mexico fits right in.

    Here is what the Gruet vintners say about their terroir.

    "With high elevation, sandy loam soils, and sweeping winds to naturally keep away pests and thin the canopy for greater flavors, New Mexico’s desert landscape proved the ideal starting ground for Gruet.

    IMG_7868

    Here are the tasting notes from Gruet:

    "Gruet Sauvage NV is a bone-dry sparkler, pale straw in color with a delicate but persistent mousse. The aromas of bright mineral and citrus notes tickle the nose followed by touches of green apple, lemon and, grapefruit. The finish is structured, flavorful and long. The bright acidity makes this wine a perfect pairing for oysters, sushi and cream sauces."

    We've already enjoyed a few glasses of this crisp, food-oriented sparkler at the bar at Grand Tour. We'll return there today to raise another glass with friends to wish one another a "Happy New Month." We recommend the wine and we recommend the restaurant!

    IMG_7869

    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. 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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2020 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • We’ll Toast August with 2013 Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut, a Gift from West Coast Friends

    This month's choice for a Happy New Month toast is a bottle of 2013 Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut that arrived at our wine rack thanks to our friends David and Peter. We will raise a glass to them and the fun we had over July 4th eating, drinking, catching up, and enjoying the fact that they have stayed friends despite the miles.

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    We have enjoyed many a bottle of wine with these guys and by sharing favorites and new discoveries we've all expanded all our knowledge and tastes. This one comes from one of their favorite vacation spots which makes it extra special to us. As King Solomon is quoted as having said, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

    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!

    IMG_5118

    Here's what we learned from the Iron Horse Vineyard:

    This is their flagship wine.

    Tasting Notes

    "By nose – rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple. By mouth – ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut."
     
    Food Pairing Notes
    "A perfect wine with poached eggs, smoked salmon and toast, salade Niçoise, hard cheeses, classic roast chicken with Yukon gold potatoes, harvest pear crisp with candied ginger."
     
    The salade Niçoise is one of Ed's favorite meals and is a perfect summer supper. That will go on the menu!
     
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    Happy Update!!
     
    Peter & David know our taste well. This is a lovely pinot forward sparkler with the flavor profile like many of the very traditional Champagnes we love. We had asked one of our favorite wine mentors his thoughts on it a few days ago and he said, "Big, traditional, you'll love it." 

    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2019 Penny Cherubino 

  • We’ll Toast August with 2013 Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut, a Gift from West Coast Friends

    This month's choice for a Happy New Month toast is a bottle of 2013 Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut that arrived at our wine rack thanks to our friends David and Peter. We will raise a glass to them and the fun we had over July 4th eating, drinking, catching up, and enjoying the fact that they have stayed friends despite the miles.

    IMG_5120

    We have enjoyed many a bottle of wine with these guys and by sharing favorites and new discoveries we've all expanded all our knowledge and tastes. This one comes from one of their favorite vacation spots which makes it extra special to us. As King Solomon is quoted as having said, "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."

    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!

    IMG_5118

    Here's what we learned from the Iron Horse Vineyard:

    This is their flagship wine.

    Tasting Notes

    "By nose – rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple. By mouth – ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut."
     
    Food Pairing Notes
    "A perfect wine with poached eggs, smoked salmon and toast, salade Niçoise, hard cheeses, classic roast chicken with Yukon gold potatoes, harvest pear crisp with candied ginger."
     
    The salade Niçoise is one of Ed's favorite meals and is a perfect summer supper. That will go on the menu!
     
    IMG_5169
     
    Happy Update!!
     
    Peter & David know our taste well. This is a lovely pinot forward sparkler with the flavor profile like many of the very traditional Champagnes we love. We had asked one of our favorite wine mentors his thoughts on it a few days ago and he said, "Big, traditional, you'll love it." 

    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2019 Penny Cherubino 

  • Toasting July with Szigeti Grüner Veltliner Brut

    On a recent check of our wine rack, we remembered enjoying a few bottles of Szigeti Grüner Veltliner Brut  over the years. We first toasted with this back in 2011. It's time to share the remaining bottle with friends at our July 1st toast to a Happy New Month. 

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    This wine is from Austria and is made from 100% Grüner Veltliner grapes. This is a grape we turn to when we're eating foods that are difficult to pair with wine, like salads, asparagus, or artichokes. It's a food-friendly wine, also perfect with seafood, oysters, fried, salty, fatty dishes. As a grape we just enjoy, we often try any bottle we spot by a new producer on a wine list. 

    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!

    IMG_4549

    This is another wine from a trusted importer, Winebow.   If you ever see us shopping for wine, you'll notice us reading the back labels to see who selected this wine to import or distribute. When in doubt, we opt for someone who has introduced us to wonderful wines in the past.

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    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2019 Penny Cherubino 

  • Toasting July with Szigeti Grüner Veltliner Brut

    On a recent check of our wine rack, we remembered enjoying a few bottles of Szigeti Grüner Veltliner Brut  over the years. We first toasted with this back in 2011. It's time to share the remaining bottle with friends at our July 1st toast to a Happy New Month. 

    IMG_4561

    This wine is from Austria and is made from 100% Grüner Veltliner grapes. This is a grape we turn to when we're eating foods that are difficult to pair with wine, like salads, asparagus, or artichokes. It's a food-friendly wine, also perfect with seafood, oysters, fried, salty, fatty dishes. As a grape we just enjoy, we often try any bottle we spot by a new producer on a wine list. 

    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!

    IMG_4549

    This is another wine from a trusted importer, Winebow.   If you ever see us shopping for wine, you'll notice us reading the back labels to see who selected this wine to import or distribute. When in doubt, we opt for someone who has introduced us to wonderful wines in the past.

    IMG_4553

     

    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2019 Penny Cherubino 

  • Our Happy New Month Toast for March Will Be with a Prosecco…

    However, we have not decided which Prosecco, so we have chilled two of our favorites. 

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    On the left is Adami Bosco di Gica Brut Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore.

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    We have written more about that here.

    On the right is Bisson Glera Vino Frizzante Trevigiani. 

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    That one was covered in this post.

    We love both of them and have been going back and forth all week about which to have. They are both light and lively and perfect for the start of our favorite hospitality season. It is traditional in parts of Italy to greet guests with a glass of prosecco. 

    They are both just 11% alcohol by volume which is an important stat for the warmer months.

    We'll have to come back and let you know which one we opened or if we opened both and took the opportunity to taste them together.  

    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!

    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.

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2019 Penny & Ed Cherubino