Tag: tasting notes

  • Our October Sparkler Is Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises!

    Another month means another wine to keep Our Sparkling Resolution to enjoy a glass of bubbles on the first of every month. This time Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises (Perles Grises = Grey Pearls) offered us both a winemaker and a grape we had never tried.

    IMG_2962

    This food friendly rosé from France's Loire Valley is made from 100% Pineau d’Aunis. (This grape is also known as Chenin Noir but bears no resemblance to Chenin Blanc.) The production is biodynamic and the vineyard has been in the same family since the 1800s.

    Here are a few comments about this sparkler that we found in our tasting research:

    Carolyn Joy wrote, "Perles Grises is perfect on its own or with food. Its mid-bodied structure and balanced acidity allows for pairing with light white meats, seafood and shellfish as well as appetizers and desserts."

    Palate Press says, "Very light, almost clear, copper color. The nose is interesting, a bouquet of white flowers and pencil shavings. On the palate it has huge flavors of pencil shavings with flint, rose water, pepper, and red currants. Smoke lingers on the finish. Pair with a fruit tart dessert."

    Europa Wine Merchant wrote, "This bubbly made with the Pineau d’Aunis grape this has the varietal’s tell tale peppery quality along with scents of rose blossom, lilac, white raspberry, mirabelle plum and lanolin, firm, mineral, stony palate presence with pretty notes of small red berries, fresh herbs and a peppery finish all in Colin’s elegant style."

    IMG_2103

    We sampled a bottle of this wine with friends and a table full of delicious seafood. The comments were positive and at the $15 price point it is certainly one we'll buy again. 

    12377539_948546018549029_2464496194576862981_o

    Finding new wines to toast each new month keeps us on a constant treasure hunt. We seldom pass a wine shop without stopping in to explore its offerings. This wine came from City Liquors on one of our favorite blocks of Cambridge Street in Cambridge. (map)

    12491850_948552668548364_5815234730730087674_o

    Penny was pleased with both the selection and service when she stopped in while making routine visits to Mayflower Poultry, Petsi Pies, and New Deal Fish Market. It looks like she'll pack an extra quarter for the parking meter in future visits to this food and wine lovers block. 

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino, City Liquors photos from own site.

  • Our October Sparkler Is Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises!

    Another month means another wine to keep Our Sparkling Resolution to enjoy a glass of bubbles on the first of every month. This time Patrice Colin Les Perles Grises (Perles Grises = Grey Pearls) offered us both a winemaker and a grape we had never tried.

    IMG_2962

    This food friendly rosé from France's Loire Valley is made from 100% Pineau d’Aunis. (This grape is also known as Chenin Noir but bears no resemblance to Chenin Blanc.) The production is biodynamic and the vineyard has been in the same family since the 1800s.

    Here are a few comments about this sparkler that we found in our tasting research:

    Carolyn Joy wrote, "Perles Grises is perfect on its own or with food. Its mid-bodied structure and balanced acidity allows for pairing with light white meats, seafood and shellfish as well as appetizers and desserts."

    Palate Press says, "Very light, almost clear, copper color. The nose is interesting, a bouquet of white flowers and pencil shavings. On the palate it has huge flavors of pencil shavings with flint, rose water, pepper, and red currants. Smoke lingers on the finish. Pair with a fruit tart dessert."

    Europa Wine Merchant wrote, "This bubbly made with the Pineau d’Aunis grape this has the varietal’s tell tale peppery quality along with scents of rose blossom, lilac, white raspberry, mirabelle plum and lanolin, firm, mineral, stony palate presence with pretty notes of small red berries, fresh herbs and a peppery finish all in Colin’s elegant style."

    IMG_2103

    We sampled a bottle of this wine with friends and a table full of delicious seafood. The comments were positive and at the $15 price point it is certainly one we'll buy again. 

    12377539_948546018549029_2464496194576862981_o

    Finding new wines to toast each new month keeps us on a constant treasure hunt. We seldom pass a wine shop without stopping in to explore its offerings. This wine came from City Liquors on one of our favorite blocks of Cambridge Street in Cambridge. (map)

    12491850_948552668548364_5815234730730087674_o

    Penny was pleased with both the selection and service when she stopped in while making routine visits to Mayflower Poultry, Petsi Pies, and New Deal Fish Market. It looks like she'll pack an extra quarter for the parking meter in future visits to this food and wine lovers block. 

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino, City Liquors photos from own site.

  • Here’s to August and Old Friends, Westport Rivers RJR Brut Cuvée

    Look what we found at Boston Public Market, Westport Rivers Brut Cuvée RJR 2007 – an old friend that still has its sparkle!

    IMG_8951

    We visited this winning Massachusetts winery more than 15 years ago and still have fond memories of sitting outside with our last Westie Maggie toasting each other in full view of thriving grape vines.

    IMG_8785-COLLAGE

    Wandering through Boston Public Market last week, we discovered a great selection of Massachusetts wines including those from Westport Rivers.

    Their RJR Brut Cuvée is mostly Pinot Noir. This sparkler became our favorite all those years ago and it’s nice to know how easy it is to find, today.   

    IMG_8934

    What to expect from the Award winning 2007 Westport Brut RJR:

    • “Fine bubbles and a gentle mousse”
    • “Notes of brioche, flint, Granny Smith apple peel, and candied lemon”
    • “Rich, grippy mouthfeel with youthful acidity”
    • “Long, clean finish”
    • “Hints of ginger and savory tangerine”

    Here’s to the Russell family that’s worked so hard to bring us consistently outstanding wines.

    For more information on their wines, visit Westport Rivers Winery (online & in person) and be sure to stop by The Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers booth at Boston Public Market.

    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  

  • Here’s to August and Old Friends, Westport Rivers RJR Brut Cuvée

    Look what we found at Boston Public Market, Westport Rivers Brut Cuvée RJR 2007 – an old friend that still has its sparkle!

    IMG_8951

    We visited this winning Massachusetts winery more than 15 years ago and still have fond memories of sitting outside with our last Westie Maggie toasting each other in full view of thriving grape vines.

    IMG_8785-COLLAGE

    Wandering through Boston Public Market last week, we discovered a great selection of Massachusetts wines including those from Westport Rivers.

    Their RJR Brut Cuvée is mostly Pinot Noir. This sparkler became our favorite all those years ago and it’s nice to know how easy it is to find, today.   

    IMG_8934

    What to expect from the Award winning 2007 Westport Brut RJR:

    • “Fine bubbles and a gentle mousse”
    • “Notes of brioche, flint, Granny Smith apple peel, and candied lemon”
    • “Rich, grippy mouthfeel with youthful acidity”
    • “Long, clean finish”
    • “Hints of ginger and savory tangerine”

    Here’s to the Russell family that’s worked so hard to bring us consistently outstanding wines.

    For more information on their wines, visit Westport Rivers Winery (online & in person) and be sure to stop by The Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers booth at Boston Public Market.

    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  

  • Here’s to February and Early Spring with Champagne Charles de Cazanove Stradivarius

    FullSizeRender - Version 32016-01-28Charles-de-cazanove-stradivarius-Champagne-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Here comes February! And, we’re reaching for another sparkling wine to welcome this often unpredictable weather month. Instead of relying on that pesky groundhog to predict an early spring and put us in a good mood, we’re placing our faith in a reliable Champagne house that has served us well.

    Having featured and enjoyed the bubbles of Charles de Cazanove twice in 2015, it only makes sense that their Champagne Stradivarius has real promise (and besides, we’re intrigued by the name).

    Here’s what people are saying ...

    The winemaker calls Charles de Cazanove Stradivarius 2000

    • A symphony of meaning and passion
    • Its unique flavour … provides an original harmony
    • Bouquet opens on ripe fruit, walnut, and almond aromas
    • A powerful, hearty finish

    Wine Enthusiast gave Stradivarius (91 points) describing it as a …

    • Ripe, beautifully integrated Champagne
    • Beginnings of nutty, toasty maturity
    • Full in the mouth with a delicate and creamy mousse
    • Not for aging … an impressive wine to drink now  

    FullSizeRender - Version 22016-01-28Charles-de-cazanove-stradivarius-Champagne-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Bauer Wine & Spirits, where we purchased our bottle, had the most intriguing tasting notes …
    • Yellow-gold
    • Deep, toasty aromas of orange marmalade, gingerbread, brown butter
    • A hint of floral honey and a livelier touch of lemon curd
    • Supple in texture and gently smoky
    • Broad candied citrus, poached pear flavors, late notes of buttered toast & spices
    • Fully mature Champagne finishes with strong thrust, clinging honey, pear notes & very good persistence

    Talk about a morale booster, how could we pass up an opportunity like this? Our notes to follow.

    Oh, and, maybe we’ll slip some to Punxsutawney Phil just to loosen the guy up, a little. Cheers!

    Imgp0977-2

    Champagne Charles de Cazanove Stradivarius 2000

    70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 12% ABV
    $49.99 @ Bauer Wine & Spirits, 330 Newbury St., Boston

    FullSizeRender

    UPDATE (02.01.16) –

    We toasted February with the Stradivarius, then chose the descriptions from above that we think fit best.

    • Definitely a unique flavor
    • Almond and brown butter aromas
    • Nutty, toasty maturity
    • Full in the mouth
    • A hint of floral honey, gently smoky
    • Broad candied citrus, pear notes
    • Powerful, hearty finish

    While this Champagne is not the lighter, everyday style we’re accustomed to, it is a nice change on the right occasion. And with certain foods, like the French onion soup we enjoyed with it tonight, it was outstanding.  

    UPDATE (02.02.16) – On a personal note, Thanks Phil.

     

    Related Posts:

    Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne – One Happy Surprise!

    Join Us as We Toast February 2015 with Charles de Cazanove Champagne

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

    A Few of Our Favorite Gifts for Wie 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, bottle display photo courtesy of Charles de Cazanove

  • 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.   

     

    DSC_6492 - Version 22015-07-29--champagne-Moutard-grande cruvee-howie-rubin-bauer-wines-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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.

     

    CHE_8076 - Version 22015-07-29-champagne-moutard-grande-cruvee© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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.”

     

    CHE_7948 - Version 22015-07-29-champagne-moutard-grande-cruvee© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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.

     

    CHE_8093 - Version 22015-07-29-champagne-moutard-grande-cruvee© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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  

  • 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.   

     

    DSC_6492 - Version 22015-07-29--champagne-Moutard-grande cruvee-howie-rubin-bauer-wines-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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.

     

    CHE_8076 - Version 22015-07-29-champagne-moutard-grande-cruvee© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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.”

     

    CHE_7948 - Version 22015-07-29-champagne-moutard-grande-cruvee© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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.

     

    CHE_8093 - Version 22015-07-29-champagne-moutard-grande-cruvee© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    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  

  • We Toast the Month of May with Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut

    This month, we’ll toast the start of another calendar page and say “Happy New Month” with a Faive Rosé Brut from the wonderful family at Nino Franco

    CHE_6996 - Version 22015-04-21-Faive-Rose-brut-nino-franco-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In reading some of the great reviews of this wine, we found someone who agrees with our sparkling wine philosophy.

    Charles Scicolone, a wine consultant that the New York Times called “The Maestro of Italian Wines,” includes Nino Franco Faive Rosé in a list of some of his favorite sparklers,

    “Most of us think of sparkling wine as something that should only be drunk on special occasions or at Christmas and New Years, but I don’t agree. Sparkling wine can be enjoyed all year round and I especially like it in the summer and always with food.”

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0773125970c-800wi

    Last October, we first tasted this sparkling wine along with others from the Nino Franco line at Brix Wine Shop. At the tasting, we added a couple of bottles to our order because we have friends who we suspect will love this wine and we wanted to have some on hand when they visit. 

    Then, we opened a bottle at home and had it with food and without sharing our attention with some of our all time favorite Proseccos. We discovered that we love this Nino Franco wine for a whole set of different reasons. We added a few bottles to our next order from Brix to be sure to have some for our pals despite dipping into the supply from time to time.

    Screen Shot 2015-04-21 at Tuesday, April 21, 20159.41.56 AM

    Rosé as a Rite of Spring

    We browsed our wine rack to pick a sparkler for May and remembered the strawberry notes and clean dry finish of the Faive. It seemed a perfect choice. Others agree.

    Wine & Spirits 2013: “More red than rosé, this has the dark flavor of pomegranate …. There’s something oddly refreshing in it, a quirky rosé to chill for the beach, to serve with grilled shellfish.” 

    Independent Wine Review: “This “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length. Drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour.”

    Sommelier’s Choice: “In many ways a wine that defies classification (not legally permitted to be labelled Prosecco, drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour and made differently to rosé Champagne) this “Faive” Rosé Spumante is defined by flavours of strawberries, wild raspberries and freshly picked nectarines. Almost completely dry and underpinned by an ever-present but subtle and nicely integrated mousse, this “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length.”

    Charles Scicolone: “The wine is light salmon in color, with good bubbles, nice red fruit and a hint of pear.”

    Tidbits About Faive Rosé Brut

    Pronunciation: Fie-EE-vay

    Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

    ABV: 12%

    Importer’s serving suggestions: Faive should be enjoyed from the first spring days, over the summer until late autumn. Serve with small appetizing bites ranging from cheese, to lightly steamed shrimp and cheese straws.

    What Does the Name Mean?

    Faive: from the Venetian dialect, are the small gilded red tongues of flame and sparks rising towards the sky from a great fire, lightly and freely carried by the wind.

    It certainly sparked some smiles around here. Happy 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.

    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: © 2014-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino with the bottle alone courtesy of Nino Franco.

  • We Toast the Month of May with Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut

    This month, we’ll toast the start of another calendar page and say “Happy New Month” with a Faive Rosé Brut from the wonderful family at Nino Franco

    CHE_6996 - Version 22015-04-21-Faive-Rose-brut-nino-franco-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    In reading some of the great reviews of this wine, we found someone who agrees with our sparkling wine philosophy.

    Charles Scicolone, a wine consultant that the New York Times called “The Maestro of Italian Wines,” includes Nino Franco Faive Rosé in a list of some of his favorite sparklers,

    “Most of us think of sparkling wine as something that should only be drunk on special occasions or at Christmas and New Years, but I don’t agree. Sparkling wine can be enjoyed all year round and I especially like it in the summer and always with food.”

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d0773125970c-800wi

    Last October, we first tasted this sparkling wine along with others from the Nino Franco line at Brix Wine Shop. At the tasting, we added a couple of bottles to our order because we have friends who we suspect will love this wine and we wanted to have some on hand when they visit. 

    Then, we opened a bottle at home and had it with food and without sharing our attention with some of our all time favorite Proseccos. We discovered that we love this Nino Franco wine for a whole set of different reasons. We added a few bottles to our next order from Brix to be sure to have some for our pals despite dipping into the supply from time to time.

    Screen Shot 2015-04-21 at Tuesday, April 21, 20159.41.56 AM

    Rosé as a Rite of Spring

    We browsed our wine rack to pick a sparkler for May and remembered the strawberry notes and clean dry finish of the Faive. It seemed a perfect choice. Others agree.

    Wine & Spirits 2013: “More red than rosé, this has the dark flavor of pomegranate …. There’s something oddly refreshing in it, a quirky rosé to chill for the beach, to serve with grilled shellfish.” 

    Independent Wine Review: “This “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length. Drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour.”

    Sommelier’s Choice: “In many ways a wine that defies classification (not legally permitted to be labelled Prosecco, drier than most rosé sparkling wines made in the Prosecco zone of production and purer in flavour and made differently to rosé Champagne) this “Faive” Rosé Spumante is defined by flavours of strawberries, wild raspberries and freshly picked nectarines. Almost completely dry and underpinned by an ever-present but subtle and nicely integrated mousse, this “Faive” Rosé bubbles on across an impressive length.”

    Charles Scicolone: “The wine is light salmon in color, with good bubbles, nice red fruit and a hint of pear.”

    Tidbits About Faive Rosé Brut

    Pronunciation: Fie-EE-vay

    Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

    ABV: 12%

    Importer’s serving suggestions: Faive should be enjoyed from the first spring days, over the summer until late autumn. Serve with small appetizing bites ranging from cheese, to lightly steamed shrimp and cheese straws.

    What Does the Name Mean?

    Faive: from the Venetian dialect, are the small gilded red tongues of flame and sparks rising towards the sky from a great fire, lightly and freely carried by the wind.

    It certainly sparked some smiles around here. Happy 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.

    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: © 2014-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino with the bottle alone courtesy of Nino Franco.

  • Greeting March with Bailly Lapierre Crémant Rosé, a Worthy Sparkler!

    What’s so great about March? Well, besides spring, St. Joseph’s Day zeppole, and a return to Daylight Saving Time, we get to raise a sparkling glass of Bailly Lapierre Crémont Rosé to welcome the new month.

     

    Rose_verres_2011

     

    As part of Our Sparkling Resolution, we’re featuring this worthy sparkler because it has the spirit to face the next 31 days – whatever they may bring.

     

    Tasting Notes:

     

    Ed …

     

    If you like Pinot Noir, this will please you. (90% Pinot Noir, 10% Gamay)

    • Not overpowering
    • Fruit just right for me
    • Very drinkable (with food & solo)
    • Impressive Mousse
    • Do Not Over-Chill

    While this crémant is fine right from the chiller, it really caresses you as its temperature rises – becoming fruitier, softer, and friendlier.

     

    Penny …

     

    Some reviewers have called it a picnic wine, maybe that’s why we went out to buy more during this cold spell. We needed the hope of spring.

     

    We’ve also tried their Pinot Noir Brut and Reserve. Of the two, we like the Pinot better.

     

    Screen Shot 2015-02-24 at Tuesday, February 24, 20158.44.02 AM

     

    Bailly Lapierre …

    • Unmistakable aromas of red berry fruit
    • Possesses a delicious softness free of anything sugary
    • Entirely fresh and with real finesse
    • Its mousse displays an almost frothy, airy lightness


    Wine Spectator Score: 84 …

    • Fresh
    • Strawberry, cherry and red currant notes in a delicate style
    • Ideal for summer picnics

     

    kd wine.com …

     

    Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé has a …

    • yeasty-toasty nose reminiscent of Champagne
    • ripe red fruit aromas of Pinot Noir
    • rich round, fruity character on the palate
    • beautifully balanced finish

     

    Wine Enthusiast …

    • “A delightful, light, strawberry wine.”

     

    Whatever bottle of bubbly you choose, we hope you’ll pop a cork and join us in a toast to March – Santé!

     

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    And, our regular Sunday Dog Feature will return next week. 

     

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    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photography: Courtesy of Bailly Lapierre