Tag: Chardonnay

Domaine du Salvard, Cheverny from Kermit Lynch

One of the wines in a recent sampler case from importer Kermit Lynch was the Domaine du Salvard, Cheverny.

We love wines from the Loire, as a rule. This one is 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chardonnay. The folks at Kermit Lynch say, "We continue to tout the domaine’s wine as one of the greatest values for Sauvignon Blanc perfection." They use words like simple and elegant to describe it. We agree and we applaud the blend. The Chardonnay moderates the grapefruit quality of the Savignon Blanc.

What’s more, this “meant-for-each-other” marriage of grapes graciously enhanced our main course– pan-fried (breaded) fish. A side of goat cheese drizzled with olive oil went well with this Cheverney’s acidity. We did go to Provence to add some olives and Herbes de Provence, and they were all nice neighbors and played well together.

When we see this label, we know we have a treat in store.

And, while the front label is important, we've learned to look at the back label to see who brought the wine into this country. We've developed a list of favorite importers that we trust to supply us with wines we'll love. Kermit Lynch is one of them and we'll tell you more about him soon.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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April 19, 2012
Remembering Pol Roger– New Year’s Eve Tasting Update!

Though I hardly knew him, I feel like I’ve lost an old friend. Our bottle of Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve Brut Champagne Vintage 2000 was that good.

As promised, here’s an update to our Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger! post.

Opening the bottle and carefully splashing our glasses half full, it was the aroma that commanded our attention. I thought, toasty. Penny said it reminded her of almonds.

The first sip had us using words like: mellow, lush, citrus notes, smooth with a dry finish, and just enough fruit for balance.

While outstanding on its own, this champagne was equally impressive with food. Trying a perfectly ripe piece of Truffle Tremor from Cypress Grove Chevre and long-time favorite Ascutney Mountain we found each enhanced the taste of the other. Bites were improved by sips, sips were improved by bites!

Truffled pâté with Penny’s own spicy cranberry chutney, plus a Dijon and sweeter bourbon molasses mustard did not intimidate our Pol Roger. It all worked!

As with all high-end champagnes we’ve tried, this one drinks well as it warms– actually revealing more of its character. You’re quite a complex guy, Pol Roger. What a memorable way to begin 2012.

Here's how this story began: Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

January 9, 2012
Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger!

We’ll be spending New Year’s Eve with Pol Roger (Champagne)– perhaps saluting the memory of the man who sold his first bottle of wine 163 years ago!

As we head toward the beginning of a new month and more importantly a new year, we always look forward to selecting an interesting bottle of bubbly. However, this time a special sparkler appeared on our door step (a gift from a friend and wine merchant) and immediately bumped everything else in line.

Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve Champagne Brut Vintage 2000– when the name on the bottle has that much going on, how could we resist?

Besides, our benefactor knows our taste is for a pinot-forward sparkler, in this case 60% Pinot Noir – 40% Chardonnay. As this champagne house puts it, the pinot supplies “body…strength” and the chardonnay the “finesse…lightness.” (Something to keep in mind when selecting a champagne to fit your taste.)

As descriptions go, we can expect the aromas of: “ripe, expressive fruit…dried apricots and poached pears and honey…” (who writes this stuff?) “…a champagne of harmony, elegance and generosity.” The wine is said to pair well with, “Rich, full-flavored dishes…Distinctive dry cheeses…”

All this just increases my curiosity and raises my expectations. But, can this storied champagne really live up to the hype? We’ll soon find out and promise to report back in early 2012– look for an “update” to this post.

That update is here: Remembering Pol Roger– New Year’s Eve Tasting Update!

Happy New Year!

For more on our wine adventures, check out:

Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 29, 2011