bostonzest

Tag: sparkling

  • Our January 1, 2024 Toast will be the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery 2018 Brut Rosé

    Our opening to 2024 will be with a bottle of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery 2018 Brut Rosé.

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    Each year, we pick a theme for our monthly toasts. For 2024, we will choose wines in recognition of our wine heroes. These people have made a difference in the wine world or our personal wine education and experience.

    We were introduced to the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery by our special food and wine friends Peter and David, who shopped, cooked, and drank with us for the years they lived in Jamaica Plain. Today, they live in San Francisco and wander around the great vineyards of their region, tasting, joining wine clubs, and sharing what they learn with us when we get together.

    Dr. Konstantin Frank certainly holds a hero's spot in the history of wine. We'll let the winery tell his story. They say,

    "Dr. Konstantin Frank ignited the “Vinifera Revolution” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the Finger Lakes and the United States. Dr. Frank’s vision, knowledge and determination are credited with elevating the New York wine industry from a state of happy mediocrity to a level that today commands world attention."

    "Dr. Konstantin Frank fell in love with a special property on Keuka Lake for its exceptional characteristics – shale-based soils and steep slopes. With decades of knowledge and experience, he successfully planted the first European grape varieties on our home vineyard in 1958. Many of these Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir vines are still in production to this day and they represent some of the oldest vines in America."

    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!

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    We purchase our bottle for $34.99 from the vineyard before a multiple-bottle discount.

    Related Posts:

    This post covers our Sparkling Resolution: 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 December 2021 with Cabernet Franc! It’s Louis de Grenelle Saumur Rosé

    This month we'll raise a glass to the wonderful people from Cornwall's in Kenmore Square with a glass from the bottle of Louis de Grenelle Saumur Rosé we included in our last take-out order before they closed until March 2022.

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    While Ed loves going to Cornwall's for their excellent draft beer selection, Penny appreciates a pub where she has a nice selection of wines that match the food. This one is among her favorites, there or at home. 

    Louis de Grenelle Saumur Rosé is a 100% Cabernet Franc sparkling rosé from the Loire Valley. We've enjoyed this wine in many fine-dining restaurants over the years.

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    We dined on the patio out front all summer and fall and, last winter, made regular visits for take-out. This year we learned that they were closing for the season. Here is the announcement on their website. We'll miss them but support them in doing what they need to do.

    Screen Shot 2021-11-29 at 11.19.13 AM

    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!

    6a00e54fc42bb888340263e960546f200b-500wi

    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 – 2020 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • We’ll Toast December 2021 with Cabernet Franc! It’s Louis de Grenelle Saumur Rosé

    This month we'll raise a glass to the wonderful people from Cornwall's in Kenmore Square with a glass from the bottle of Louis de Grenelle Saumur Rosé we included in our last take-out order before they closed until March 2022.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834026be40c6b77200d-800wi

    While Ed loves going to Cornwall's for their excellent draft beer selection, Penny appreciates a pub where she has a nice selection of wines that match the food. This one is among her favorites, there or at home. 

    Louis de Grenelle Saumur Rosé is a 100% Cabernet Franc sparkling rosé from the Loire Valley. We've enjoyed this wine in many fine-dining restaurants over the years.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a51178f515970c-500wi

    We dined on the patio out front all summer and fall and, last winter, made regular visits for take-out. This year we learned that they were closing for the season. Here is the announcement on their website. We'll miss them but support them in doing what they need to do.

    Screen Shot 2021-11-29 at 11.19.13 AM

    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!

    6a00e54fc42bb888340263e960546f200b-500wi

    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 – 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.

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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!

    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 

  • 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 

  • Toasting March with Bisson Glera Vino Frizzante Trevigiani Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant

    We are toasting March with a favorite from Italy, Bisson Glera Vino Frizzante Trevigiani Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant.

    The last time we told you about his wine was back on March 1, 2012, but we've shared this favorite with favorite people many times since then.

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    About Bisson Glera Vino Frizzante Trevigiani

    This delightful, bone dry sparkler checks so many of our favorite aspects. It is light and lively with good fruit balance. It's 11% Alcohol by Volume, so we can sometimes enjoy a second glass.

    It's a great value. As one critic said, "Small, delicate bubbles, elegant and balanced, this lovely fizz from Italy cannot be labeled prosecco because it’s got a flip-top cap. Fine. Who cares? It’s the best on the market and it’s under $20."

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    If you plan to pop a bottle of this beauty with us, reach for your favorite bottle opener because it has a “Spark Cap” also know as a Crown Cap.

    IMG_8124

    The second old friend featured this month is Neal Rosenthal. He is one of our favorite and most dependable importers of wine. We have been following his work and learning from his writing for years.

    Penny had the opportunity to meet him when his book, "Reflections of a Wine Merchant: On a Lifetime in the Vineyards and Cellars of France and Italy," was published and found him as charming as his wines.

    When a friend asked for a way to deal with wine lists when she was entertaining clients, we suggested she ask, "Do you have anything imported by Rosenthal?"

    51JRPzeAM3L._RI_SX380_

    If you have ever seen the Mondovino series on wine, you may agree with us that Neal Rosenthal is the hero of the world of wine as explored in that documentary.

    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 year we've decided to revisit a lot of old friends – wines that are usually in our wine rack, that we often order when we dine out, and that we choose for special occasions.

    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 

  • Toasting March with Bisson Glera Vino Frizzante Trevigiani Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant

    We are toasting March with a favorite from Italy, Bisson Glera Vino Frizzante Trevigiani Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant.

    The last time we told you about his wine was back on March 1, 2012, but we've shared this favorite with favorite people many times since then.

    IMG_8148

    About Bisson Glera Vino Frizzante Trevigiani

    This delightful, bone dry sparkler checks so many of our favorite aspects. It is light and lively with good fruit balance. It's 11% Alcohol by Volume, so we can sometimes enjoy a second glass.

    It's a great value. As one critic said, "Small, delicate bubbles, elegant and balanced, this lovely fizz from Italy cannot be labeled prosecco because it’s got a flip-top cap. Fine. Who cares? It’s the best on the market and it’s under $20."

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016762c03a4a970b-800wi

    If you plan to pop a bottle of this beauty with us, reach for your favorite bottle opener because it has a “Spark Cap” also know as a Crown Cap.

    IMG_8124

    The second old friend featured this month is Neal Rosenthal. He is one of our favorite and most dependable importers of wine. We have been following his work and learning from his writing for years.

    Penny had the opportunity to meet him when his book, "Reflections of a Wine Merchant: On a Lifetime in the Vineyards and Cellars of France and Italy," was published and found him as charming as his wines.

    When a friend asked for a way to deal with wine lists when she was entertaining clients, we suggested she ask, "Do you have anything imported by Rosenthal?"

    51JRPzeAM3L._RI_SX380_

    If you have ever seen the Mondovino series on wine, you may agree with us that Neal Rosenthal is the hero of the world of wine as explored in that documentary.

    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 year we've decided to revisit a lot of old friends – wines that are usually in our wine rack, that we often order when we dine out, and that we choose for special occasions.

    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 

  • September’s Toast with Champagne Robert Barbichon Blanc De Noirs

    This month we are chilling a bottle of Robert Barbichon Blanc De Noirs. It's an organic, biodynamic, grower Champagne from a small producer. You may have noticed that we toast with a lot of wines similar to this one. Like many of you, there are flavor profiles, business philosophies, importers, and regional terroirs that we prefer over others. This wine checks a lot of boxes on our preference list.

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    Humboldt Importers describe this wine maker well, "Located in the Cote des Bar in the Aube region to the southeast of the Marne, the Barbichon family have been growing Champagne grapes for 4 generations. Today Robert Barbichon produces a range of elegant, stylish Champagnes with bright mineral-driven fruit and just a hint of toast."

    And (here's the part we especially like) Humboldt Importers characterize the Blanc de Noirs Brut NV as, "Crafted of pure Pinot Noir, it exhibits a creamy nose filled with bright white fruit, chalk/mineral notes and a crisp, elegant finish. 100% Pinot Noir from the Cote des Bar."

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    One of the fun things about this bottle is that it's a "Transatlantic Bubbles Selection." This is a new import category to us. But reading about their love of sparkling wine and the places where their selections are served makes us open to other wines from their portfolio. 

    They say:

    "Transatlantic Bubbles LLC. specializes in finding and importing grower-producer Champagnes that offer superior quality at a better cost to the customer. We are a trusted supplier in the growing niche market for recoltant-manipulant Champagne."

    We're looking forward to raising our glasses to the extension of this lovely summer that we have declared, "… will not end until October 15th, at the earliest!"

    We purchased our bottle of Champagne Robert Barbichon Blanc De Noirs Brut at City Liquors in Cambridge for ~ $45.

    IMG_4250UPDATE: (09.02.17) We had such high hopes for this Champagne and, well … at the risk of stooping to a cliché, "It exceeded our highest expectations!" We chilled the wine to ~ 55ºF and began tasting while enjoying some thinly sliced pork loin, pepper-flavored boursin, Jasper Hill Moses Sleeper (cows milk cheese inspired by French Brie), figs, and local cherry tomatoes – why skimp?

    This combination added to the enjoyment of the Barbichon Blanc De Noirs Brut which only improved as it warmed.

    Penny was haunted by a flavor she was experiencing tasted in the fruit of this wine. Then she realized it was like the charred, caramelized pineapple served with our Jamaican jerk chicken wings plate at Little Donkey. I liked the wine's yeasty character and hints of chalk.

    We both agreed that the full, rich, round, "elegant finish" remained throughout our meal. And, the best news, we saved some more of this lovely bottle of bubbles for today. 

    We are buying another bottle the next time we find this little gem! 

    Cheers!

    Related Posts:

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

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

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

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books …

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

     

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Screengrab from Transatlantic Bubbles LLC

  • Pinot Meunier Lands Lead Role in Champagne Laherte Frères!

    Consider this your invitation to November’s opening of Champagne Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut. We’ve saved you a choice seat for this sparkling performance that has charmed critics around the globe.

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    Our BostonZest reviewers have nothing but praise for the delightful lead role so skillfully delivered by Pinot Meunier – usually offering a talented, but limited, supporting role in many a Champagne blend. 

    Here, the Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut blend is:

            60% Pinot Meunier

            30% Chardonnay

            10% Pinot Noir

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    We were impressed by:

    • A toasty, chalky nose
    • A big pop of flavor as soon as the wine hits your palate
    • You might think it was a Rosé with that first burst of fruit – it was the Pinot Meunier taking a bow!
    • Good acidity and tiny bubbles
    • A lovely Champagne with a personality all its own
    • This wine could develop a cult following
    • We liked its flavor profile best when served at about 55º F

    The winemaker points to, “… a subtle blend of our three varieties and the diversity of our Terroirs: a fine and complex blending with fruitiness and delicacy.” 

    IMG_3711

    Other applause from well-known reviewers:

    – Wine Spectator, “Well-spiced and mouthwatering, offers a finely detailed bead and expressive flavors of black raspberry, dried apricot, orange blossom, fleur de sel and crystallized honey, minerally on the finish. 92 / 100.

    – Antonio Galloni – Vinous: 90 /100

    – Jancis Robinson: rating 16 / 20

      IMG_3703

    It should also be said that this sparkler is imported by Oz Wine Company in Haverhill, MA. To us, seeing the Oz name on a bottle always means quality and that we’re likely to enjoy his selection.

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    We purchased our bottle of Champagne Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut at City Liquors in Cambridge for $45. Penny was told it has become a favorite of sommeliers in Europe.

    Here’s to the very important month of November! Santé! 

    Related Posts:

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

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

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

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

       

    Details:

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

    Related articles
    Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015
    Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!
    A Busy Season Resource: Our Poached Chicken Links

  • Pinot Meunier Lands Lead Role in Champagne Laherte Frères!

    Consider this your invitation to November’s opening of Champagne Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut. We’ve saved you a choice seat for this sparkling performance that has charmed critics around the globe.

    IMG_3713

    Our BostonZest reviewers have nothing but praise for the delightful lead role so skillfully delivered by Pinot Meunier – usually offering a talented, but limited, supporting role in many a Champagne blend. 

    Here, the Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut blend is:

            60% Pinot Meunier

            30% Chardonnay

            10% Pinot Noir

    CHE_1903

    We were impressed by:

    • A toasty, chalky nose
    • A big pop of flavor as soon as the wine hits your palate
    • You might think it was a Rosé with that first burst of fruit – it was the Pinot Meunier taking a bow!
    • Good acidity and tiny bubbles
    • A lovely Champagne with a personality all its own
    • This wine could develop a cult following
    • We liked its flavor profile best when served at about 55º F

    The winemaker points to, “… a subtle blend of our three varieties and the diversity of our Terroirs: a fine and complex blending with fruitiness and delicacy.” 

    IMG_3711

    Other applause from well-known reviewers:

    – Wine Spectator, “Well-spiced and mouthwatering, offers a finely detailed bead and expressive flavors of black raspberry, dried apricot, orange blossom, fleur de sel and crystallized honey, minerally on the finish. 92 / 100.

    – Antonio Galloni – Vinous: 90 /100

    – Jancis Robinson: rating 16 / 20

      IMG_3703

    It should also be said that this sparkler is imported by Oz Wine Company in Haverhill, MA. To us, seeing the Oz name on a bottle always means quality and that we’re likely to enjoy his selection.

    CHE_1899

    We purchased our bottle of Champagne Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut at City Liquors in Cambridge for $45. Penny was told it has become a favorite of sommeliers in Europe.

    Here’s to the very important month of November! Santé! 

    Related Posts:

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

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wine Lovers

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

    Want to learn more about wine? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site! Here are three of our favorite wine books.

    The Food Lover's Guide to Wine

    The New Wine Lover's Companion

    The Wine Bible

       

    Details:

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

    Related articles
    Michael Serpa Selects Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 736 as Our Sparkler for June 2015
    Sunday Cat Sophia Says, "Let me in Whee-ooh …"
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!
    A Busy Season Resource: Our Poached Chicken Links