Tag: sparkler

  • 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.”

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    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.

     

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    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. 

     

    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: Courtesy of Bailly Lapierre

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

    IMG_7882 - Version 22015-01-31-Champagine-Charles de Cazanove- snow- sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    On this snowy first day of the month, we’ll pop the cork on a bottle of Charles de Cazanove Champagne and raise a glass with high hopes for the next 28 days!

     

    We admit to being happy hedonists, proud of our achievement to date, hoping to spread the word far-and-wide. What achievement? Read on …

     

    IMG_7885 - Version 22015-01-31-Champagine-Charles de Cazanove- snow- sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    Our Sparkling Resolution

     

    As we clinked our flutes of sparkling wine at the stroke of midnight to welcome 2008 – and promised to repeat the toast at the start of each month throughout the new year – we had no idea we would actually keep that resolution to this day!

     

    While it seemed like a frivolous pledge at the time, we found ourselves looking forward to the first of every month. Searching out a bottle of cava, prosecco, cremant, or maybe a grower champagne for repeated celebrations during that year, always made us smile. Besides being an easy and pleasurable way to keep a resolution, it gave us a fresh way to start a new month, complete with a hopeful toast to whatever might lie ahead.

     

    Join our Sparkling Resolution and reset your mojo by raising a glass of bubbly to greet each and every month. Salut!

     

    IMG_7878 - Version 22015-01-31-Champagine-Charles de Cazanove- snow- sparkler© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    Now, a bit about this month’s wine …

     

    Charles de Cazanove Brut is a nicely balanced Champagne. We think it delivers a pleasant, yeasty, toastiness that works well with or without food. This sparkler can sit proudly next to some of our favorite Champagnes, including Bollinger and Piper-Heidsieck.

     

    Others Say …

     

    “The fine bubbles form a large string against a golden background. A fruity nose and delicious, persistent barley sugar and brioche flavours. A very lively wine.” (Charles de Cazanove)

     

    This Champagne … “has a great, open nose of sweet butter and even a touch of orange peel. On the palate it is clean and refreshing.” (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer)

     

    Champagne Charles de Cazanove Brut … “offers an array of flavor, including toasted brioche, Gala apple, lemon zest, graphite and ginger, with a touch of honey. Elegant … good intensity … a moderate, nut-tinged finish.” (92 points, Wine Spectator/K&L Wines)

     

    Specs:

    • 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay
    • Alcohol by Vol: 12%
    • Price range: 30 to 35 dollars

    Here’s to a spectacular February (with a little less snow)!

     
    Take a Look at Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    And, our Sunday Dog feature will return next week.

    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  

  • Notes on a New Year’s Eve Toast with Bollinger Rosé

    We couldn’t let New Year’s Eve get too far out of sight without some quick notes on the spectacular bottle of Bollinger Rosé Champagne that helped us ring in 2015.

     

    Empty Bollinger rose  - Version 22014-12-31Bollinger-rose-cage-empty-bottle-cork-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    This champagne was even lovelier than we’d remembered from our December tasting. Here are some thoughts:

    •  nicely balanced with just enough Pinot to accompany our pâté mousse truffée … 
    •  the wine matched well with aged cheddar, each enhancing the other …
    •  even chicken parmigiana bites couldn’t trip up this sparkler …
    •  we dared to pair these blushing bubbles with a moist chocolate cupcake … yes!

    BOLLINGER & Cupcake - Version 22014-12-31Bollinger-rose-chocolate-cupcake-empty-bottle-cork-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    • for us, this Bollinger was at its best when not over-chilled …
    • we allowed it to warm in our glasses …
    • drank it through temperatures from chilled to room and found our sweet spot …

    Speaking of sweet, we loved photographing this bottle. Bollinger gave it a label redesign recently, and we’re making it an early leader for our “Most Enchanting Empty Bottle Award of 2015.”

    Are you ready to join our Sparkling Resolution movement?

     

    More About Our Sparkling Resolution     

     

    Check Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List  (It will include this one, so be sure to scroll down.)

     

    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: © 2014 Ed Cherubino  

  • December Sparkles with Chateau de l’Eperonniere, Crémant de Loire

    DSC_4889 - Version 22014-11-28Tijou Chateau-de-L'Eperonniere-Cremant-de-Loire© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    We’re celebrating the arrival of December with an exceptional sparkler. Chateau de l’Eperonniere, Crémant de Loire 2009 is from the vineyards of Mathieu Tijou, the latest in his family to carry on the tradition of winemaking.

     

    Mathieu-Tijou-2010

    Mathieu Tijou (Foreground), Neal Rosenthal (background left)

    As with his father, Mathieu has continued to work with importer Neal Rosenthal, a name you will know well from reading our BostonZest wine posts. Through the years, we have come to trust and rely on wines that display the Rosenthal name. And, this Crémant reinforces that claim.

     

    Photo - Version 22014-11-28Tijou Chateau-de-L'Eperonniere-Cremant-de-Loire© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    Penny thinks, “this Cremant is addictive!”

     

    Ed says, “very balanced, and food friendly.”

     

    We had it with Neals Yard Dairy Berkswell (sheeps milk cheese), Landaff (cows milk cheese/aged at Jasper Hill), Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Sardinian parchment crackers.

     

    Penny says, “when you sip, it’s sweet and tart at the same time – usually I taste one followed by other.”

     

    DSC_4868 - Version 22014-11-28Tijou Chateau-de-L'Eperonniere-Cremant-de-Loire© 2014 Penny Cherubino

     

    One of our sparkling wine/champagne mottos is to “drink slowly and sip through the temperatures,” to experience all the wine has to offer. That advise certainly applies here.

     

    If you’re a Crémant fan, we think you’ll be impressed with this wine. If you’ve never tried a Crémant, this would be a memorable introduction to the sparkler.

     

    Here’s to December! May it be as wonderful as our bottle of Chateau de l’Eperonniere, Crémant de Loire.

     

     

    Discover more about Our Sparkling Resolution   

     

    And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    We purchased our bottle of Chateau de l’Eperonniere, Crémant de Loire 2009 at Bauer Wine & Spirits.   

    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: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino, Image of Mathieu Tijou & Neal Rosenthal courtesy of www.madrose.com

  • Celebrating October with Gérard Bertrand Crémant, a Sparkler Jefferson Would Have Loved

    CHE_4623 - Version 22014-09-24-Gerard-Bertrand-Cremant-de-Limoux-Brut-2012-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    We’re ringing in a new month with a bottle of Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Brut 2012.  

     

    It’s hard to miss the likeness of Thomas Jefferson that’s pictured on the front label of this cuvee as a tribute from winemaker Gerard Bertrand to our third president whom he called, “Limoux’s greatest admirer,” claiming that, “wine from Limoux was the only sparkling wine to be found in his [Jefferson’s] personal wine cellar.”

     

    Much has been written about Jefferson’s love of wine including his, “preference for the lighter French and Italian wines.” So, after enjoying this cremant ourselves, we’d have to guess that he’d have been quite pleased with this sparkler.

     

    CHE_4622 - Version 22014-09-24-Gerard-Bertrand-Cremant-de-Limoux-Brut-2012-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Penny thought it was softer and fruitier than many Cremants with a good bit of apple taste. It was full-flavored yet not acidic, balanced, and food-friendly – pairing well with a Honeycrisp and some pretzels.

     

    That first sip brings a burst of flavor that’s fruity with a tart note that slides underneath and makes you want to go back for more.

     

    Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux is a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Chenin Blanc, 10% Mauzac, and 5% Pinot Noir.  (12.5% ABV)

     

    The winemaker attributes this sparkler’s texture and balance to its Chenin and Chardonnay grapes:

    • Color: "a beautiful, golden yellow robe"
    • "Complex, aromatic nose" with "hints of white flower … honey, green apple and toast."
    • "Crisp, elegant structure on the palate … texture of the bubbles complements the wine’s natural vivacity …"

    DSC_4115 - Version 22014-09-24-Gerard-Bertrand-Cremant-de-Limoux-Brut-2012-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

     

    Gérard Bertrand Crémant de Limoux Brut 2012 is produced 15 miles outside of Carcassonne in southern France from some of the highest vineyards in the Languedoc.

     

    We found our bottle at Bauer Wine & Spirits on the south side of Newbury Street in Boston not far from sea level.  

    Here’s to October and, of course, to Thomas Jefferson. Salute!

    Read More about Our Sparkling Resolution      

     

    And, 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: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

     

    Related articles

    February Sparkles with a Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé
    A French "Value Sparkler" with No Compromises, le Moulin Blanquette de Limoux
    Limoux: crème de la crémant
    Behind The Bubbly: How Crémant de Limoux is Made
  • Celebrating September with Granit Réserve de Lavernette

    DSC_3422 - Version 22014-08-01-reserve-de-lavernette-granit-brut-nature-sparkling-wine-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Finding the right sparkler to help ring in the new month was an easy choice for September. In its tasting notes, Granit Réserve de Lavernette is described as a “wine of pleasure and discovery,” a “wine to party,” and a “wine to celebrate” – just what we had in mind when we began Our Sparkling Resolution.   

     

    While I’m not one to blindly succumb to a descriptive phrase, Granit is surprisingly good. I say that because we did have some reservations about a sparkling wine made from 100% Gamay (Beaujolais Villages grapes) with no added “liqueur de dosage.”

     

    DSC_3438 - Version 22014-08-01wine© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    The winemaker goes on to say …

    • “the color is a very, very delicate salmon … ”
    • “nose of melon, a gentle touch of strawberries, warm biscuits, a whisper of spring flowers …”
    • “on the palate … full-bodied and zesty, a good core of fruit, bright acids and sneaky length, well balanced and focused finish … ”

     

    DSC_3412 - Version 22014-08-01-reserve-de-lavernette-granit-brut-nature-sparkling-wine-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Perhaps, reviewer Joe Appel (Portland Press Herald) said it best, “… the “Granit” is testament to how exciting, culinarily useful and flat-out delicious a no-sugar-added wine can be when it’s in balance.”

    Despite this wine’s “no dosage,” we didn’t miss it. Granit impressed us enough that we’ll go back for another bottle. And, that alone makes this French sparkler a worthy choice to welcome September, 2014.  

     

    We purchased our bottle (around $30) at Urban Grape, South End. 

     

     

    Here’s more about Our Sparkling Resolution      

     

    And, 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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Doubling-Up on April Bubbles with Val de Mer Crémant

    DSC_1657 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

     

    Toasting the arrival of a new month is always more fun if you double-up on the bubbles! And with a bottle (or two) of Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne, you won’t be disappointed.

     

    This lively sparkler is the creation of Patrick Piuze who’s been making quite a name for himself in Chablis. This exacting winemaker uses hand-harvested grapes that are fermented and aged in stainless steel without the added dosage.

     

    We liked this crémant’s clean, crisp quality with a hint of green pear. The 100% Chardonnay comes through with a simplicity and purity without the distraction of oak. This wine could win over even a member of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) Club!

     

    PC2_2408 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Here’s what other tasters say about Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne …

     

    “This sparkler is loaded with chalky minerality and has a bright snappy style that makes it a perfect aperitif bubbly.” (K&L Wines)

     

    “The palate is bright, fresh, and crisp, showing those apple notes with a dry sage edge to the finish.” It “…goes well with all cocktail party snacks, especially smoked salmon canapés and baked brie.” (Astor Wine & Spirits)

     

    We liked this French bubbly with a kielbasa & cabbage dish and a stack of our new favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers (more on those, here). Our list of possible food pairings is growing, but the month is young.

     

    We’re beginning April with a winning sparkler and a positive attitude that spring is finally here to stay. And should there be a wrinkle or two along the way, we always have a spare bottle of bubbles to keep our spirits high. Cheers!

     

    We purchased out bottles of Cremant de Bourgogne Val de Mer at Bauer Wine & Spirits ($16.99).

     

    Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

    And, 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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014  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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Doubling-Up on April Bubbles with Val de Mer Crémant

    DSC_1657 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

     

    Toasting the arrival of a new month is always more fun if you double-up on the bubbles! And with a bottle (or two) of Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne, you won’t be disappointed.

     

    This lively sparkler is the creation of Patrick Piuze who’s been making quite a name for himself in Chablis. This exacting winemaker uses hand-harvested grapes that are fermented and aged in stainless steel without the added dosage.

     

    We liked this crémant’s clean, crisp quality with a hint of green pear. The 100% Chardonnay comes through with a simplicity and purity without the distraction of oak. This wine could win over even a member of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) Club!

     

    PC2_2408 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Here’s what other tasters say about Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne …

     

    “This sparkler is loaded with chalky minerality and has a bright snappy style that makes it a perfect aperitif bubbly.” (K&L Wines)

     

    “The palate is bright, fresh, and crisp, showing those apple notes with a dry sage edge to the finish.” It “…goes well with all cocktail party snacks, especially smoked salmon canapés and baked brie.” (Astor Wine & Spirits)

     

    We liked this French bubbly with a kielbasa & cabbage dish and a stack of our new favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers (more on those, here). Our list of possible food pairings is growing, but the month is young.

     

    We’re beginning April with a winning sparkler and a positive attitude that spring is finally here to stay. And should there be a wrinkle or two along the way, we always have a spare bottle of bubbles to keep our spirits high. Cheers!

     

    We purchased out bottles of Cremant de Bourgogne Val de Mer at Bauer Wine & Spirits ($16.99).

     

    Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

    And, 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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014  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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Doubling-Up on April Bubbles with Val de Mer Crémant

    DSC_1657 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

     

    Toasting the arrival of a new month is always more fun if you double-up on the bubbles! And with a bottle (or two) of Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne, you won’t be disappointed.

     

    This lively sparkler is the creation of Patrick Piuze who’s been making quite a name for himself in Chablis. This exacting winemaker uses hand-harvested grapes that are fermented and aged in stainless steel without the added dosage.

     

    We liked this crémant’s clean, crisp quality with a hint of green pear. The 100% Chardonnay comes through with a simplicity and purity without the distraction of oak. This wine could win over even a member of the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) Club!

     

    PC2_2408 - Version 22014-03-23val-de-mer-cremant-de-bourgogne-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

     

    Here’s what other tasters say about Val de Mer Crémant de Bourgogne …

     

    “This sparkler is loaded with chalky minerality and has a bright snappy style that makes it a perfect aperitif bubbly.” (K&L Wines)

     

    “The palate is bright, fresh, and crisp, showing those apple notes with a dry sage edge to the finish.” It “…goes well with all cocktail party snacks, especially smoked salmon canapés and baked brie.” (Astor Wine & Spirits)

     

    We liked this French bubbly with a kielbasa & cabbage dish and a stack of our new favorite Sardinian Parchment Crackers (more on those, here). Our list of possible food pairings is growing, but the month is young.

     

    We’re beginning April with a winning sparkler and a positive attitude that spring is finally here to stay. And should there be a wrinkle or two along the way, we always have a spare bottle of bubbles to keep our spirits high. Cheers!

     

    We purchased out bottles of Cremant de Bourgogne Val de Mer at Bauer Wine & Spirits ($16.99).

     

    Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

    And, 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: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014  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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.