Tag: sparkling wine

Toasting August with Billecart-Salmon: A Tale of Two Bruts

We can’t think of a better way to ring-in a new month than by toasting with two glasses of bubbly from one of our favorite Champagne houses, Billecart-Salmon! No, wait. Actually, that would be four glasses and two bottles.

In this post, we explore two Champagne styles: ours and that of some of our wine-loving friends. The right wine is the wine you like! Besides, anytime you’re able to justify opening multiple bottles of these French jewels, the happier the occasion becomes.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, we actually opened our Champagne Billecart-Salmon Extra-Brut at the beach, last summer. Extra Brut is the driest designation of Champagne styles containing less than 0.6% sugar per liter. While this Billecart-Salmon contains the big three: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, they point out that, “No sugar has been added to the dosage.”

Billecart-Salmon says, “A Champagne full of brightness and purity … harmonious minerality … balanced finish” Download More about Billecart-Salmon Etra Brut.

We say, “tight … a bit stern … but, focused”

As for the Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve, we lifted our glasses to welcome August 2013, took our first sips, and couldn’t stop grinning!

We say, “round … mellow … friendly … magical … drink slowly through the temperatures” (allow to warm in your glass)

Billecart-Salmon says, “harmony … balance … persistent and abounding mousse … freshness … rich bouquet Download More about Billecart-Salomn BRUT RESERVE.

We began our love affair with Billecart-Salmon many years ago by falling for their Brut Rosé. Since then, we’ve come to appreciate the depth of this outstanding Champagne house and continue to try their many other offerings.

Whatever your taste in sparkling wine, we hope you’ll join us in a toast to month number eight, à votre santé!

Here’s 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 1, 2013
Toasting August with Billecart-Salmon: A Tale of Two Bruts

We can’t think of a better way to ring-in a new month than by toasting with two glasses of bubbly from one of our favorite Champagne houses, Billecart-Salmon! No, wait. Actually, that would be four glasses and two bottles.

In this post, we explore two Champagne styles: ours and that of some of our wine-loving friends. The right wine is the wine you like! Besides, anytime you’re able to justify opening multiple bottles of these French jewels, the happier the occasion becomes.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, we actually opened our Champagne Billecart-Salmon Extra-Brut at the beach, last summer. Extra Brut is the driest designation of Champagne styles containing less than 0.6% sugar per liter. While this Billecart-Salmon contains the big three: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, they point out that, “No sugar has been added to the dosage.”

Billecart-Salmon says, “A Champagne full of brightness and purity … harmonious minerality … balanced finish” Download More about Billecart-Salmon Etra Brut.

We say, “tight … a bit stern … but, focused”

As for the Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve, we lifted our glasses to welcome August 2013, took our first sips, and couldn’t stop grinning!

We say, “round … mellow … friendly … magical … drink slowly through the temperatures” (allow to warm in your glass)

Billecart-Salmon says, “harmony … balance … persistent and abounding mousse … freshness … rich bouquet Download More about Billecart-Salomn BRUT RESERVE.

We began our love affair with Billecart-Salmon many years ago by falling for their Brut Rosé. Since then, we’ve come to appreciate the depth of this outstanding Champagne house and continue to try their many other offerings.

Whatever your taste in sparkling wine, we hope you’ll join us in a toast to month number eight, à votre santé!

Here’s 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 1, 2013
Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes.

Here's 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 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.

July 1, 2013
Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes.

Here's 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 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.

July 1, 2013
Toasting July with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut!

Since July is one of my favorite months, celebrating its arrival with a favorite sparkler – Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut – is an easy choice! And, that’s how it should be.

Our tradition, that began with a New Year’s Eve toast several years ago, is all about the fun of clinking glasses of bubbly to welcome each new month. Think of it as giving the next 31 days the benefit of the doubt by starting out with something you really enjoy.

While our taste for sparkling wine covers a broad range, there are bottles that we definitely reach for more often, like Piper-Heidsieck.

It’s not complicated. This cuvee brut is mainly Pinot Noir with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay in supporting roles. We like the toasty aroma and the balance of this blend. It is a very good Champagne. Here’s to July!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Piper-Heidsieck at Bauer Wine & Spirits, where you’ll find more Piper-Heidsieck tasting notes.

Here's 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 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.

July 1, 2013
Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge.

Happy New Month!

Here’s 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 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.

June 1, 2013
Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge.

Happy New Month!

Here’s 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 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.

June 1, 2013
Pouring Jewels from a Bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant!

We’re celebrating the arrival of June by pouring sparkling jewels from a bottle of Bailly Lapierre Crémant! As the bubbles tumble into our flutes, there’s a moment of pure joy while this sparkler releases its frothy treasure igniting silly grins all around.

There’s no doubt that we’re attracted to sparkling wine for its fun factor, but besides sight and sound appeal, it’s the aromas and flavors that hold our attention!

This Bailly Lapierre Crémant is a Blanc de Noirs, “a white made from black Pinot Noir grapes.” And, since we’re enormous pinot fans, we really like this wine. The winemaker calls the style, “full, deep, and powerful with a fruitiness in the mouth that conjures up a red…”

After our initial sips from a chilled bottle we used the words, “nice, light balance, crisp finish, some toast on the nose.” As it warmed, we were calling this crémant a “baby Bollinger!”

Agree or not, this sparkler definitely tastes like a more expensive wine.

Plus, at around $18 a bottle, it’s an exceptional value. We’ve seen Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Pinot Noir at Bauer Wine & Spirits in Boston and at Whole Foods/River St., Cambridge.

Happy New Month!

Here’s 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 gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 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.

June 1, 2013
Spring Is in Bloom with Gran Sarao Cava Rosé

Now that spring is in full bloom, we’re toasting the arrival of May with a Gran Sarao Cava Rosé! This was an easy choice. Because we’ve been cava fans for years and rosé lovers for as long as I can remember, combining the two just heightens the entire experience.

As you approach this sparkler, your eye is teased by its intense red currant hue. The frothy top from a generous pour draws you closer for the scent of red fruit with a hint of plum and fig preserve. But, even if your description isn’t as precise (and mine seldom is), the joy of this wine is that it’s appealing on many level.

Gran Sarao Cave Rosé not only goes well with food but is also sipable all by itself, and wins our praise for its nice, light 11.5 % alcohol.

The winery has set goals to ensure great quality of the cava they import that include: ageing, family owned company, and disgorged to order.

We’re always impressed by a good bottle of sparkling wine at an attractive price that seems to fit almost any occasion and any glass. Make it a cava rosé and we’re sold.

Here's More About:

Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Happy Summer: We Declare Rosé Wine Season Open!

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: ©2013 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.

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Cava Craze!

Cava-Tasting 101: How to Get the Full Experience of Spain's Favorite Sparkling Wine

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: Hotel Rooms Too!

May 1, 2013
Spring Is in Bloom with Gran Sarao Cava Rosé

Now that spring is in full bloom, we’re toasting the arrival of May with a Gran Sarao Cava Rosé! This was an easy choice. Because we’ve been cava fans for years and rosé lovers for as long as I can remember, combining the two just heightens the entire experience.

As you approach this sparkler, your eye is teased by its intense red currant hue. The frothy top from a generous pour draws you closer for the scent of red fruit with a hint of plum and fig preserve. But, even if your description isn’t as precise (and mine seldom is), the joy of this wine is that it’s appealing on many level.

Gran Sarao Cave Rosé not only goes well with food but is also sipable all by itself, and wins our praise for its nice, light 11.5 % alcohol.

The winery has set goals to ensure great quality of the cava they import that include: ageing, family owned company, and disgorged to order.

We’re always impressed by a good bottle of sparkling wine at an attractive price that seems to fit almost any occasion and any glass. Make it a cava rosé and we’re sold.

Here's More About:

Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Happy Summer: We Declare Rosé Wine Season Open!

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: ©2013 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.

Related articles

Toast April with Nino Franco Prosecco – an 11% Sparkler!

The Best Bottles of Bubbly for Under $20

Cava Craze!

Cava-Tasting 101: How to Get the Full Experience of Spain's Favorite Sparkling Wine

Cooking in Vacation Rentals: Hotel Rooms Too!

May 1, 2013