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Tag: sparkling wines

  • We Toast December 2023 with Adami’s Cartizze Dry Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG Prosecco

    December is a time of many celebrations, and we will toast this month with a very special Prosecco, Adami's Cartizze Dry Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. Our first post about the wines from this family of winemakers was back in 2008. We are long-time Prosecco fans.

    We've been following a few vineyards like this one, which are dedicated to improving the wine and offering a sparkling wine that stands out from the average wines in this category. 

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    A dear friend who had often enjoyed a glass of Prosecco with us presented us with our first bottle of Adami many years ago. Since we loved it (and he's a person who spoiled his friends with wonderful and unexpected presents), we enjoyed a bottle often when he spotted it on a shelf.

    We often added the more basic DOC Prosecco to our wine orders and occasionally found a DOCG available. This one will be our introduction to the top of the rating system Superiore di Cartizze DOCG. You'll usually find these designations on the verifying neck label of the bottle shown below.

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    Perhaps to you, this is all alphabet soup. We recommend this article from Wine Enthusiast, "Everything You Need to Know About Prosecco." 

    Here are the translations of those letters from author Lauren Mowery.

    "While these designation names are overwhelming and verbose, just remember the following: Prosecco DOC is light and quaffable; Superiore DOCGs are a cut above, with terroir-driven Rive followed by Cartizze at the top."

    "Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG sits at the top, the crown jewel or grand cru of Prosecco’s ambition. Wines come from a subzone in Valdobbiadene called Cartizze, which has carried its own set of regulations since 1969."

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    We purchased our bottle at Gordon's Fine Wines for $36.99, which became $28.79 with a case discount. That is a fabulous value for a Prosecco with this designation.

    Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes and produced by different methods, adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007, we've 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…

    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: ©2023 Penny Cherubino 

  • We Toast December 1st with Memories of Dining Out and Discovering Champagne Pierre Gerbais at Little Whale!

    The latest Champagne to make our favorites list is Champagne Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut. This year we were able to dine outside until Mid-November. Each meal called for a special celebration since we didn't know when we'd be switching over to takeout at our favorite spots. 

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    By now, you all must know how we love discovering new sparkling wines. Even if it seems a wine will be out of our comfort zone, we'll try it when it was selected by one of our wine mentors. When we discovered a half bottle of this Champagne on the wine list at Michael Serpa's newest restaurant, Little Whale Oyster Bar, we ordered it even though it was described as "Extra Brut."

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    Here's What We Learned From the Importer Becky Wasserman:

    "Champagne Pierre Gerbais is a fourth generation domaine in the Aube. It is spearheaded today by the 20-something Aurélien Gerbais, a handsome-nerdy-hipster winemaker who is unnervingly self-assured for his age, yet soft-spoken and humble. At Gerbais, there are old vines, organic vineyard management, intelligence, respect, passion, relevance, training and drive enough to take this house to the very top of a small band of visionary champagne makers in the Aube who include Aurélien's friend and neighbor Cédric Bouchard, and the small houses of Marie Courtin, Jacques Lassaigne, Ulysse Collin, Horiot, Vouette et Sorbée, etc."

    The blend is unusual at "Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Blanc (25%)"

    This bottle had a lot going for it. It is Pinot forward, as are many of our favorite sparklers; it has Pinot Blanc, one of Penny's favorite varietals; and it was a Michael Serpa pick, which we consider highly recommended. 

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    We've not been able to find this wine locally but plan to see if we can repeat our meal of halibut, swordfish, and beet salad with a bottle of Champagne Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut as takeout from Little Whale today. Remember you can support your favorite restaurants who offer wine to go by occasionally adding a bottle to your order. Let's hope the state continues to allow this option to help restaurants make it through the slow winter season.

    UPDATE: Yeah! They had a half bottle on hand! We bought it to recreate our meal. However, Penny was craving the chowder, so we shared the sword, beet salad, and chowder!

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    We enjoyed our first taste with a bottle at Little Whale for ~$60

    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: ©2022 Penny Cherubino 

  • We Toast December 1st with Memories of Dining Out and Discovering Champagne Pierre Gerbais at Little Whale!

    The latest Champagne to make our favorites list is Champagne Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut. This year we were able to dine outside until Mid-November. Each meal called for a special celebration since we didn't know when we'd be switching over to takeout at our favorite spots. 

    IMG_6536

    By now, you all must know how we love discovering new sparkling wines. Even if it seems a wine will be out of our comfort zone, we'll try it when it was selected by one of our wine mentors. When we discovered a half bottle of this Champagne on the wine list at Michael Serpa's newest restaurant, Little Whale Oyster Bar, we ordered it even though it was described as "Extra Brut."

    IMG_6537

    IMG_6538

    Here's What We Learned From the Importer Becky Wasserman:

    "Champagne Pierre Gerbais is a fourth generation domaine in the Aube. It is spearheaded today by the 20-something Aurélien Gerbais, a handsome-nerdy-hipster winemaker who is unnervingly self-assured for his age, yet soft-spoken and humble. At Gerbais, there are old vines, organic vineyard management, intelligence, respect, passion, relevance, training and drive enough to take this house to the very top of a small band of visionary champagne makers in the Aube who include Aurélien's friend and neighbor Cédric Bouchard, and the small houses of Marie Courtin, Jacques Lassaigne, Ulysse Collin, Horiot, Vouette et Sorbée, etc."

    The blend is unusual at "Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (25%), Pinot Blanc (25%)"

    This bottle had a lot going for it. It is Pinot forward, as are many of our favorite sparklers; it has Pinot Blanc, one of Penny's favorite varietals; and it was a Michael Serpa pick, which we consider highly recommended. 

    IMG_6544

    IMG_6111

    IMG_6539

    We've not been able to find this wine locally but plan to see if we can repeat our meal of halibut, swordfish, and beet salad with a bottle of Champagne Pierre Gerbais Grains de Celles Extra Brut as takeout from Little Whale today. Remember you can support your favorite restaurants who offer wine to go by occasionally adding a bottle to your order. Let's hope the state continues to allow this option to help restaurants make it through the slow winter season.

    UPDATE: Yeah! They had a half bottle on hand! We bought it to recreate our meal. However, Penny was craving the chowder, so we shared the sword, beet salad, and chowder!

    IMG_6919

    We enjoyed our first taste with a bottle at Little Whale for ~$60

    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: ©2022 Penny Cherubino 

  • We’ll Raise a Glass of Ca’ di Rajo Lemoss Bianco Frizzante to October 2019

    We are expecting good things from our October sparkler, Ca' di Rajo Lemoss Bianco Frizzante. It was a recommendation from Howie Rubin at Bauer Wine & Spirits. He's introduced us to many happy wine times across the years. It was good to welcome him back from his recent medical leave.

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    Howie said, "This wine ticks a lot of boxes." He's right and he knows our taste.

    We love prosecco. Lemoss Bianco is made from 100% Glera grapes.

    We love low alcohol. Lemoss Bianco checks in at 10.5% ABV

    We enjoy a wine with a bit of personality. Lemoss Bianco is unfiltered and will be a bit cloudy in the glass. 

    We love a wine with a good story. This wine is made in an old method for Proseccos called Col Fondo. Here's a link to an article from Wine Spectator that explains the different methods of making sparkling wines. In brief they explain, "A col fondo Prosecco starts with a base wine, then there is a secondary fermentation, but the distinguishing feature is that the wine is not disgorged—that is, the lees are left inside the bottle."

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    We like easy to open wines. Lemoss Bianco has the crown cap that was put on for its second fermentation. It was never disgorged and changed to a cork. 

    We trust specific importers. This one was imported by one of our favorites, Oz Wines!

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    We purchased our bottle at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

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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!

    Join us and raise a glass to October 2019!

    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 

  • We’ll Raise a Glass of Ca’ di Rajo Lemoss Bianco Frizzante to October 2019

    We are expecting good things from our October sparkler, Ca' di Rajo Lemoss Bianco Frizzante. It was a recommendation from Howie Rubin at Bauer Wine & Spirits. He's introduced us to many happy wine times across the years. It was good to welcome him back from his recent medical leave.

    IMG_5979

    Howie said, "This wine ticks a lot of boxes." He's right and he knows our taste.

    We love prosecco. Lemoss Bianco is made from 100% Glera grapes.

    We love low alcohol. Lemoss Bianco checks in at 10.5% ABV

    We enjoy a wine with a bit of personality. Lemoss Bianco is unfiltered and will be a bit cloudy in the glass. 

    We love a wine with a good story. This wine is made in an old method for Proseccos called Col Fondo. Here's a link to an article from Wine Spectator that explains the different methods of making sparkling wines. In brief they explain, "A col fondo Prosecco starts with a base wine, then there is a secondary fermentation, but the distinguishing feature is that the wine is not disgorged—that is, the lees are left inside the bottle."

    IMG_5987

    We like easy to open wines. Lemoss Bianco has the crown cap that was put on for its second fermentation. It was never disgorged and changed to a cork. 

    We trust specific importers. This one was imported by one of our favorites, Oz Wines!

    IMG_5981

    We purchased our bottle at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

    IMG_5991

    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!

    Join us and raise a glass to October 2019!

    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 

  • Toasting July with Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne

    For July we would like to reintroduce you to a lovely bottle of Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne. This year we're having a great time shopping in our own wine rack and enjoying old favorite sparkling wines for our first-of-the-month wine toasts.

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    Above is a photo from a couple of years ago when we first wrote about this wine in our post: 

    Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne – One Happy Surprise!

    Click over there to find out how a mistake made in a moment of hurry had a happy ending.

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

    IMG_0494

    Our bottle of Charles de Cazanove Rosé is a blend of 15% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 15% Côteaux Champenois Rouge. The blend will vary from year-to-year as the winemaker tries to achieve the house style. We're always happy when we see a high percentage of Pinot Noir in a bottle. And, we love wines of great value. This one should be about $35. 

    K & L Wines always has great and reliable descriptions of wines. "This rich, round rosé is a truly affordable luxury. Although thus far off the radar of wine critics, I think it's the best wine from de Cazanove, with its lovely strawberry color and aromas. Full-bodied but nicely balanced, this wine will make a great aperitif or pair well with a charcuterie plate or after-dinner fruit salad."

    Then they include this quote which makes us happy about opening an older bottle.

    "… 91 points Wine Spectator, Refined, with well-meshed acidity providing a backbone for delicate flavors of dried currant, graphite, green plum, meringue and grapefruit zest. Fresh, smoke-tinged finish. Drink now through 2020."

    Our friends at Bauer Wine & Spirits often have this wine in stock.

    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 July with Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne

    For July we would like to reintroduce you to a lovely bottle of Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne. This year we're having a great time shopping in our own wine rack and enjoying old favorite sparkling wines for our first-of-the-month wine toasts.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d16f2b1a970c-800wi

    Above is a photo from a couple of years ago when we first wrote about this wine in our post: 

    Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne – One Happy Surprise!

    Click over there to find out how a mistake made in a moment of hurry had a happy ending.

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

    IMG_0494

    Our bottle of Charles de Cazanove Rosé is a blend of 15% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, and 15% Côteaux Champenois Rouge. The blend will vary from year-to-year as the winemaker tries to achieve the house style. We're always happy when we see a high percentage of Pinot Noir in a bottle. And, we love wines of great value. This one should be about $35. 

    K & L Wines always has great and reliable descriptions of wines. "This rich, round rosé is a truly affordable luxury. Although thus far off the radar of wine critics, I think it's the best wine from de Cazanove, with its lovely strawberry color and aromas. Full-bodied but nicely balanced, this wine will make a great aperitif or pair well with a charcuterie plate or after-dinner fruit salad."

    Then they include this quote which makes us happy about opening an older bottle.

    "… 91 points Wine Spectator, Refined, with well-meshed acidity providing a backbone for delicate flavors of dried currant, graphite, green plum, meringue and grapefruit zest. Fresh, smoke-tinged finish. Drink now through 2020."

    Our friends at Bauer Wine & Spirits often have this wine in stock.

    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 

  • April Sparkles with Chandon Brut, California’s French “Wine” Connection

    There’s no doubt that the makers of Chandon Brut Classic are proud of their accomplishments in Napa Valley – it says so right on their label.

    IMG_1983 copy - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Founded by Moet & Chandon in the early 1970s, they’ve been praised as the “First French-owned sparkling wine venture in the U.S.,” having utilized, as they point out, their “French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines.” And, although we’ve only tasted one of their sparklers, we’re impressed with the Brut Classic!

    • Fresh fruit on the nose, tiny bubbles
    • Clean, no excessive acidity on a smooth finish
    • Food Friendly (paired well with pretzels)
    • Great event wine (better value than most)

    Chandon says:

    • Apple, pear, citrus flavors & aromas
    • Hint of spice leading to a soft, dry finish
    • Crisp, fresh flavor profile
    • Pairs well with salty, creamy, or nutty foods (Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi & sushi)

    CHE_9944 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Chandon Brut Classic …

    • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
    • Made with lots of wines from multiple vintages
    • Methode Traditionnelle
    • ABV: 12.5%

    Available at several locations, including: Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s

    Suggested Retail Price: $22 (we paid $18)

    During our opinion search, we often read, “If you’re in Napa Valley, visit Napa Domaine Chandon for both food and wine.”

    IMG_1989 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    As the winery explains, “We draw on our French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines to enliven all occasions.”  

    We say, "A perfect way to toast the arrival of April and spring!"

     

    Check Out these Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

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

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    Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
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  • April Sparkles with Chandon Brut, California’s French “Wine” Connection

    There’s no doubt that the makers of Chandon Brut Classic are proud of their accomplishments in Napa Valley – it says so right on their label.

    IMG_1983 copy - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Founded by Moet & Chandon in the early 1970s, they’ve been praised as the “First French-owned sparkling wine venture in the U.S.,” having utilized, as they point out, their “French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines.” And, although we’ve only tasted one of their sparklers, we’re impressed with the Brut Classic!

    • Fresh fruit on the nose, tiny bubbles
    • Clean, no excessive acidity on a smooth finish
    • Food Friendly (paired well with pretzels)
    • Great event wine (better value than most)

    Chandon says:

    • Apple, pear, citrus flavors & aromas
    • Hint of spice leading to a soft, dry finish
    • Crisp, fresh flavor profile
    • Pairs well with salty, creamy, or nutty foods (Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi & sushi)

    CHE_9944 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Chandon Brut Classic …

    • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
    • Made with lots of wines from multiple vintages
    • Methode Traditionnelle
    • ABV: 12.5%

    Available at several locations, including: Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s

    Suggested Retail Price: $22 (we paid $18)

    During our opinion search, we often read, “If you’re in Napa Valley, visit Napa Domaine Chandon for both food and wine.”

    IMG_1989 - Version 22016-03-24Chandon-brut-sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    As the winery explains, “We draw on our French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines to enliven all occasions.”  

    We say, "A perfect way to toast the arrival of April and spring!"

     

    Check Out these Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    What's on your food lover's shopping list?

    Details:

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

    Related articles
    Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige
    Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau (Sardinian Parchment Crackers) Are a Hit!
    Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

  • Here’s Our Wine Pick for New Year’s Eve 2013

    This year, our New Year's Eve wine selection is the Paul Bara Grand Rosé from the Champagne region of France. Specifically, this champagne comes from the village of Bouzy and is 100% Grand Cru. 

    PC2_1599 - Version 22013-12-30-Paul-bara-grand-rose-bouzy-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We bought this bottle a while back at Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors. (A special thank you to our longtime friends Peter and David for prodding us to get there for an outstanding selection of sparkling wines.) 

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    While a very knowledgeable staff member recommended this rosé (after learning of our preference for champagnes with a strong Pinot Noir leaning), it was the Kermit Lynch label on the back of the bottle that sealed the deal. Kermit Lynch is one of our favorite importers.

    Here's what the good folks at Kermit Lynch have to say about Paul Bara.

    "The village of Bouzy and Champagne Paul Bara are practically synonymous. As the published village historian, Paul is indelibly linked to the lore of his hometown. Many argue that he is their most renowned producer, being one of the rare récoltants-manipulants in a region inundated with the mass-produced wines of the large, corporate champagne houses. These récoltants-manipulants, or R.M.s as they are known, are of the few that still grow their own grapes and make their own wines. Champagne Paul Bara is the quintessential example, where everything is done with a personalized touch."

    PC2_1620 - Version 22013-12-30-Paul-bara-grand-rose-bouzy-brut-champagne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The technical specs for this wine say it's a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. We can't wait to try it and will share our impression early in the new year.

    More about Our Sparkling Resolution       

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a thank you gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

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