Tag: Newbury street

Remembering Friends and Good Times with a Glass of Nino Franco Rustico on March 1st, 2021

March 1st of 2020, we gathered with a small group of friends in the small upstairs room at Grand Tour on Newbury Street. That was the last time we got together with friends in person, indoors, and shared food. Today we'll raise a glass of our old favorite and house sparkling wine, Nino Franco Rustico, and remember the times and places where we've enjoyed this wine with friends or for a two-person, private celebration.

When friends stopped by in the old days, chances were good that we would have a glass of this lovely Prosecco at the ready since there are normally a few bottles in our wine rack.

We were early fans of this Italian sparkler and became online friends with Silvia Franco and were even fortunate enough to meet her on one of her visits to Boston.

Naturally, Nino Franco Rustico came with us to Provincetown. Or rather, it was usually waiting for us there at a wine shop with excellent taste. We've shared it with friends who also love this place and are sometimes in town when we are.

We've been known to buy this wine by the case before the holidays to gift to friends, bring to gatherings, or add to a thank you tip for someone who's been very good to us all year.

Here's to those special people who joined us at Grand Tour last year and to those who couldn't make it. Let's hope we can enjoy one another's company again before March 1, 2022. And, here's to all the people we miss from Grand Tour and Select Oyster, where we were often found sitting at the bar in the good old days.

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 purchased our bottle at Gordon's for ~$25.00.

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

March 1, 2021
Toasting June with Our Old Friend, Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco

Nino Franco Rustico is the kind of old friend you take on vacation with you. And we did! To be sure we would have a bottle of this favorite prosecco to enjoy by the beach, we took along one from our Boston wine rack. (There are usually a few bottles of Nino filling their usual slots.)

We are having a fun year toasting each new month with wines that are old friends and that have happy stories of friends to go with them.

This wine was introduced to us by Howie Rubin at Bauer Wine and Spirits on Newbury Street in Boston. Howie is one of our longtime wine mentors. We have been writing about him and the wines he has introduced to us since 2008. Here is his story: Howie Rubin-A Life of Wine and Relationships.

Over the years of writing about and recommending this wine, we became social media friends with Silvia Franco. That's her in the photo above. We were fortunate to meet her in person when she came to Boston. Here is that story: Brix Wine Shop Makes Our Nino Franco Dreams Come True!

Sharing a bottle of this lovely sparkler is a rite of vacation for us. This year we sipped it on a foggy evening on the deck as we watched the tide change in Provincetown Harbor. First and foremost this is a food wine. It will happily pair up with whatever you are nibbling…

… even if it's some squares of bar pizza, a few cherry tomatoes, and a pile of shavings of parmigiano reggiano. Hey, it was what we had on hand in a rental house when we were too relaxed to go out and shop for more food. The Nino turned it into a feast!

Last month by the bay or tonight on the roof deck, we love this wine and hope you will find a bottle and enjoy it at some point this summer.

Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since New Year's Eve 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month – waiting 12 months just wouldn't do.

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: ©2018 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 1, 2018
Toasting June with Our Old Friend, Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco

Nino Franco Rustico is the kind of old friend you take on vacation with you. And we did! To be sure we would have a bottle of this favorite prosecco to enjoy by the beach, we took along one from our Boston wine rack. (There are usually a few bottles of Nino filling their usual slots.)

We are having a fun year toasting each new month with wines that are old friends and that have happy stories of friends to go with them.

This wine was introduced to us by Howie Rubin at Bauer Wine and Spirits on Newbury Street in Boston. Howie is one of our longtime wine mentors. We have been writing about him and the wines he has introduced to us since 2008. Here is his story: Howie Rubin-A Life of Wine and Relationships.

Over the years of writing about and recommending this wine, we became social media friends with Silvia Franco. That's her in the photo above. We were fortunate to meet her in person when she came to Boston. Here is that story: Brix Wine Shop Makes Our Nino Franco Dreams Come True!

Sharing a bottle of this lovely sparkler is a rite of vacation for us. This year we sipped it on a foggy evening on the deck as we watched the tide change in Provincetown Harbor. First and foremost this is a food wine. It will happily pair up with whatever you are nibbling…

… even if it's some squares of bar pizza, a few cherry tomatoes, and a pile of shavings of parmigiano reggiano. Hey, it was what we had on hand in a rental house when we were too relaxed to go out and shop for more food. The Nino turned it into a feast!

Last month by the bay or tonight on the roof deck, we love this wine and hope you will find a bottle and enjoy it at some point this summer.

Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since New Year's Eve 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month – waiting 12 months just wouldn't do.

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: ©2018 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 1, 2018
Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving in the Boston Area: Our Updated Resource Page
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 23, 2017.

Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.

We feature these holiday reservation reminders early so our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intentions to open and menus.

Boston Area Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel
- L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
- The Bristol at the Four Seasons Boston
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
- Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving

The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

Here are a few places we recommend:
- La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
- Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
- A lower cost option with very good food would be Petit Robert on Columbus Avenue in the South End. ( In addition to holiday fare, they are also offering their full menu .)
- Chef Jackie Robert will also be offering a value menu at his Ma Maison on Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:
- Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
- L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three-course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
- Fairsted Kitchen in Brookline is offering family style meal packages serving 2-8 or more people and these may be reserved for dining in or to go.
- Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view which can sometimes come in handy when you are looking for topics of conversation!
Boston Chefs also has a listing for Thanksgiving Feasts To Go.

A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details.

Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus. But we urge you to consider celebrating with local restaurants or at least local chains with good food like Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill when you make each dining decision.

We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices.

Update 11/12/16 Eater Boston has set up their map of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving. We're sure Rachel Leah Blumenthal will do her usual great job of keeping this growing list updated.

Update 11/14/16 Boston Magazine has its recommendations.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto.com
November 4, 2016
Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving in the Boston Area: Our Updated Resource Page
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 23, 2017.

Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.

We feature these holiday reservation reminders early so our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intentions to open and menus.

Boston Area Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel
- L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
- The Bristol at the Four Seasons Boston
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
- Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving

The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

Here are a few places we recommend:
- La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
- Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
- A lower cost option with very good food would be Petit Robert on Columbus Avenue in the South End. ( In addition to holiday fare, they are also offering their full menu .)
- Chef Jackie Robert will also be offering a value menu at his Ma Maison on Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:
- Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
- L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three-course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
- Fairsted Kitchen in Brookline is offering family style meal packages serving 2-8 or more people and these may be reserved for dining in or to go.
- Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view which can sometimes come in handy when you are looking for topics of conversation!
Boston Chefs also has a listing for Thanksgiving Feasts To Go.

A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details.

Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus. But we urge you to consider celebrating with local restaurants or at least local chains with good food like Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill when you make each dining decision.

We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices.

Update 11/12/16 Eater Boston has set up their map of restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving. We're sure Rachel Leah Blumenthal will do her usual great job of keeping this growing list updated.

Update 11/14/16 Boston Magazine has its recommendations.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto.com
November 4, 2016
Piattini for Pasta, Pizza, Panini, and a Pretty Patio!

As you may have noticed, we've been featuring restaurants, like Piattini Wine Cafe on Newbury Street, that have earned their place in our rotation and yours.

Update: In October a two-alarm fire that began in an art gallery above Piattini caused damage to the restaurant.

Fans, like us, are hoping for the restaurant to be up and running soon. You can check in with Piattini's site or follow them on social media. We'll help spread the word when they big reopening happens.

Piattini's scampi with sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and white wine over linguini is one of Penny's favorite menu items.

Penny's pal Linda introduced her to Piattini years ago. While this little Back Bay gem has expanded over the years, they have not compromised on the quality of the food and the warmth of the service.

For a recent lunch, Ed chose a daily special of chicken piccata over angel hair pasta.

We mentioned to a neighbor that we were going to Piattini for lunch and she broke into a smile and began to tell us how much she enjoys the place. We hear that a lot from those who live in the area. It's good to have a few local places serving good food in a neighborhood overrun with mediocre chain restaurants.

The "Wine Cafe" in the name means that the wine list is well-matched with the food. In fact, we often order one of the house wines like the Pinot Grigio with our meals. This one was a great match for these lighter, warm weather pastas.

On a cooler day, we paired this meatball panini with a Chianti from the wine specials list.

A Nero D'Avola from the regular wine list was perfect with the Piattini bolognese with homemade fusilli.

This time of year, we often opt for a seat on the patio when there is an open table.

Well-tended flower boxes serve as buffers from the busy street. They change their look throughout the seasons. The combination of sunken patio, sheltering umbrellas, and tall greenery makes these some of our favorite sidewalk dining seats.

And we are not alone. We arrived early but before we finished lunch, every seat on the two-sided patio was filled. One table of four was having a great time passing dishes and sharing laughs and food as if at the home of an Italian Nonna.

This is the perfect patio season, so add Piattini to your seasonal bucket list!

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Shake Shack on Newbury Street

September 28, 2016
Piattini for Pasta, Pizza, Panini, and a Pretty Patio!

As you may have noticed, we've been featuring restaurants, like Piattini Wine Cafe on Newbury Street, that have earned their place in our rotation and yours.

Update: In October a two-alarm fire that began in an art gallery above Piattini caused damage to the restaurant.

Fans, like us, are hoping for the restaurant to be up and running soon. You can check in with Piattini's site or follow them on social media. We'll help spread the word when they big reopening happens.

Piattini's scampi with sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, fresh tomatoes, and white wine over linguini is one of Penny's favorite menu items.

Penny's pal Linda introduced her to Piattini years ago. While this little Back Bay gem has expanded over the years, they have not compromised on the quality of the food and the warmth of the service.

For a recent lunch, Ed chose a daily special of chicken piccata over angel hair pasta.

We mentioned to a neighbor that we were going to Piattini for lunch and she broke into a smile and began to tell us how much she enjoys the place. We hear that a lot from those who live in the area. It's good to have a few local places serving good food in a neighborhood overrun with mediocre chain restaurants.

The "Wine Cafe" in the name means that the wine list is well-matched with the food. In fact, we often order one of the house wines like the Pinot Grigio with our meals. This one was a great match for these lighter, warm weather pastas.

On a cooler day, we paired this meatball panini with a Chianti from the wine specials list.

A Nero D'Avola from the regular wine list was perfect with the Piattini bolognese with homemade fusilli.

This time of year, we often opt for a seat on the patio when there is an open table.

Well-tended flower boxes serve as buffers from the busy street. They change their look throughout the seasons. The combination of sunken patio, sheltering umbrellas, and tall greenery makes these some of our favorite sidewalk dining seats.

And we are not alone. We arrived early but before we finished lunch, every seat on the two-sided patio was filled. One table of four was having a great time passing dishes and sharing laughs and food as if at the home of an Italian Nonna.

This is the perfect patio season, so add Piattini to your seasonal bucket list!

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Shake Shack on Newbury Street

September 28, 2016
Reserve Now for Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.

We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel
- L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
- Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
- The Bristol at the Four Seasons Boston
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
- Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.
- La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
- Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:
- Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
- L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
- Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
- One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.
A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details. Update: See Eater Boston's list on this topic below.

Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus.

Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill

The Capital Grille Boston, Chestnut Hill, and Burlington

We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices.
- Update 11.10.15 Avoid Prix Fixe Meals at These Restaurants This Thanksgiving from Eater Boston.
- Update 11.09.15 A Big List of Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Feasts from Eater Boston. Great job as always by Rachel Leah Blumenthal.
- Update 11.04.14 the crew over at the Boston Chowhound Board have a Thanksgiving Conversation underway at this link.
- Update 11.04.14 Boston Magazine has posted their list of "30+ Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner in Boston."
- Update 10.30.14 The crew over on the Boston Trip Advisor Board are answering the question, "Where to eat Thanksgiving in Boston."
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto.com

Related articles

Bar Boulud Our First and Second Look

Keep Supporting Local Restaurants Like Piattini on Newbury Street
November 6, 2015
Reserve Now for Thanksgiving 2015 Dining Out in Boston
It's time to make Thanksgiving dinner reservations, especially if you want to enjoy your holiday meal at one of the Boston area's great restaurants on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

Most places have special menus and sometimes set seatings for major holidays. Many will require a deposit or credit card number to place a reservation.

We publish these holiday reservation reminders early so that our readers can get a head start and grab a reservation at a worthy spot. We'll keep adding updates as more places announce their intention to open and menus.

Which Boston Area Restaurants Are Open on Thanksgiving?

Hotel restaurants are normally open on all holidays. In Boston, this means some excellent choices including:
- Bar Boulud at the Mandarin Hotel
- L'Espalier at the Mandarin Hotel
- Rialto at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge
- The Bristol at the Four Seasons Boston
- Brasserie JO at the Colonnade Hotel
- Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
- Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel across the River in Cambridge.
Master Lists of Boston Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving.

The reservation site Open Table is maintaining a list of restaurants with Thanksgiving menus. Listings include a price and information on offerings beyond traditional holiday fare. Remember, there are many more restaurants open that day. Put a time and number of guests into the system to see exactly what is available.

Here are a few that we can recommend from the long Open Table list.
- La Voile on Newbury Street always plans a special meal for the neighbors who love this small French charmer.
- Bistro du Midi always serves a wonderful meal. And, if you want lighter fare, their Café will be open at 11 a.m.
Open Table even includes some places outside the city if you're meeting up with family and friends who live in the suburbs. And, they can help you find a place to enjoy the holiday meal if you'll be away for the long weekend.

Bostonchefs.com has some information on its members' offerings. For example, here are a few options we'd consider if we were looking for a great menu:
- Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square will be open all day starting with breakfast and will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 1-8 p.m.
- L'Espalier in the Back Bay will showcase the harvest from Chef McClelland's Apple Street Farm and will offer a three course prix fixe menu or, for a special holiday treat, a degustation menu.
- Harvest in Harvard Square, Cambridge
- Top of the Hub at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay comes with a view!
- One recommendation for a lower cost option with good food would be Petit Robert in Boston.
A Few Places with Their Regular Menus Available

Many restaurants in Boston's Chinatown will be open. You can check with the Twitter account @bostonchinatown for more details. Update: See Eater Boston's list on this topic below.

Some chain restaurants will also offer their regular menus.

Davio's in Boston and Chestnut Hill

The Capital Grille Boston, Chestnut Hill, and Burlington

We'll post updates in this space as other Boston resources post their lists and choices.
- Update 11.10.15 Avoid Prix Fixe Meals at These Restaurants This Thanksgiving from Eater Boston.
- Update 11.09.15 A Big List of Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Feasts from Eater Boston. Great job as always by Rachel Leah Blumenthal.
- Update 11.04.14 the crew over at the Boston Chowhound Board have a Thanksgiving Conversation underway at this link.
- Update 11.04.14 Boston Magazine has posted their list of "30+ Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving Dinner in Boston."
- Update 10.30.14 The crew over on the Boston Trip Advisor Board are answering the question, "Where to eat Thanksgiving in Boston."
Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto.com

Related articles

Bar Boulud Our First and Second Look

Keep Supporting Local Restaurants Like Piattini on Newbury Street
November 6, 2015
Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

As Pinot Noir lovers, we expected to like this grower Champagne. We didn’t anticipate wanting to buy a case after the first sip! Simply put, Moutard Grande Cuvée fits our taste, something Howie Rubin of Bauer Wine & Spirits knows well.

Through the years, many of our Sparkling Resolution wines have come from his suggestions. For August we asked him to select this month’s sparkler and he came up with a new favorite that made us go back for more.

Our constant search for, and love of, grower Champagnes doesn’t surprise Rubin who compares the increased interest in this category of winemakers to the locavore farm-to-table movement. “People want to know where their food and libation come from,” he explains, “and consuming small grower champagne satisfies that curiosity.”

Look at this way, “Which would you rather consume,” says Rubin, “a big, juicy, ripe tomato right off the farm, or one of those colorless and flavorless tomatoes that shows up in your salad … in January?”

Similarly, “When deciding between a small grower champagne or a mass produced version of the same style of wine,” Rubin says the choice is obvious. “Champagnes that are bottled by growers will usually be from a specific village and will be their top choice of grapes, which obviously they won’t sell to the big houses.”

The Moutard Grand Cuvee Brut Champagne pedigree includes 100% Pinot Noir grown in clay-limestone soils. The hand harvested grapes undergo a gentle pressing and are vinified in stainless steel tanks. Moutard proudly describes its production as a blend of several of the best vintages.

Tasting Notes:

The winemaker points to a, “refined, rich nose which evokes notes of butter, almond and brioche. Lively, elegant and balanced palate with good mouthfill.”

Distributor Polaner Selections touts, “A rich and mineral-driven Blanc de Noirs at an exceptional value.”

Wine Spectator

Rating: 90

“Bright and fresh, with a honey-laced finish.”

Vinous

Rating: 89

“… 100% Pinot Noir is laced with sweet tobacco, flowers, mint, dried herbs and red stone fruits.”

Eric Asimov, (NY Times wine critic)

“ … the Grande Cuvée from Moutard … showed its 100 percent pinot noir character in its rich, full-bodied texture and ripe fruit flavors.”

Howie Rubin (Bauer Wines)

“… aromas of fresh baked bread and wild strawberries … bright apple and quince flavors.”

We think what this wine doesn’t give up on the nose, it makes up on the palate. Perhaps Howie Rubin summed it up best, “Great champagnes are characterized by a long, persistent finish, and that’s where the Moutard shines. Compare it to one of the big names in champagne and you will see the difference.”

Here’s to August! And, here’s to Grower Champagnes!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée at Bauer Wine & Spirits (price: $39.99).

More …

Howie Rubin on: The Growing Interest in Grower Champagne [PDF Full Text]

Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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