Tag: sparkling resolution

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

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 …"
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

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October 1, 2014
Celebrating September with Granit Réserve de Lavernette
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.”

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 … ”
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.

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September 1, 2014
Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

When we gathered American sparkling wines for our July 4th celebration, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige was easy to find. And, sometimes that is a very good thing to say about a good wine.

You’ll find this California sparkler on many wine lists and in a wide range of retail shops. While we love exploring smaller production, less widely known wines, it’s wonderful when we look at a shelf or wine list and find a wine we know we’ll like among less interesting offerings.

This is a pinot forward mix of the traditional Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with a dash of Pinot Gris added for distinction.

Mumm Napa says,

“If you asked winemaker Ludovic Dervin to name the quintenssential Napa Valley Sparkling wine, his answer would inevitably be Brut Prestige. Our signature cuvée, this versatile wine is sourced from more than 50 prime Napa Valley vineyards to create an infintely elegant, gorgeously balanced wine. Delicate golden peach color, tantalizing hints of melon, spice and toasty vanilla, with a crisp lingering finish. This sparkling wine has won more medals at major wine competitions than any other wine in its class.”

This is a food-friendly wine that can also step in for toasting at an event or sipping on the deck by the sea.

You can download the full detail notes from Mumm here: Download Wine notes Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Currently, the price point for this lovely sparkler hovers around $20 at retail. That makes it a fine choice for a celebration or a gift. So raise your glass of bubbles with us to celebrate a new month. And, keep Mumm Napa Brut Prestige in mind when you find yourself in search of a familar, dependable sparkler at a good price.

And, here is the latest edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine that has been posing with this month’s star wine.

Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

By the way, Friday Links will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few of our past weekly recommendations for you to click and explore.

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 Cherubino

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August 1, 2014
Toast August with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

When we gathered American sparkling wines for our July 4th celebration, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige was easy to find. And, sometimes that is a very good thing to say about a good wine.

You’ll find this California sparkler on many wine lists and in a wide range of retail shops. While we love exploring smaller production, less widely known wines, it’s wonderful when we look at a shelf or wine list and find a wine we know we’ll like among less interesting offerings.

This is a pinot forward mix of the traditional Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier with a dash of Pinot Gris added for distinction.

Mumm Napa says,

“If you asked winemaker Ludovic Dervin to name the quintenssential Napa Valley Sparkling wine, his answer would inevitably be Brut Prestige. Our signature cuvée, this versatile wine is sourced from more than 50 prime Napa Valley vineyards to create an infintely elegant, gorgeously balanced wine. Delicate golden peach color, tantalizing hints of melon, spice and toasty vanilla, with a crisp lingering finish. This sparkling wine has won more medals at major wine competitions than any other wine in its class.”

This is a food-friendly wine that can also step in for toasting at an event or sipping on the deck by the sea.

You can download the full detail notes from Mumm here: Download Wine notes Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Currently, the price point for this lovely sparkler hovers around $20 at retail. That makes it a fine choice for a celebration or a gift. So raise your glass of bubbles with us to celebrate a new month. And, keep Mumm Napa Brut Prestige in mind when you find yourself in search of a familar, dependable sparkler at a good price.

And, here is the latest edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine that has been posing with this month’s star wine.

Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

By the way, Friday Links will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few of our past weekly recommendations for you to click and explore.

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 Cherubino

Related articles

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

T.G.I.F. Champagne And The Like….Mumm Napa Brut Prestige

Mumm Sparkling Wine

August 1, 2014
Toasting June with Raventos i Blanc de Nit

Raventos i Blanc de Nit is one of our finds from Perry’s in Provincetown. We were happy to see more of this wonderful Spanish sparkler in the cooler on a recent visit.

This wine comes from a Spanish estate that has been owned by the same family of winegrowers since 1497. And, they have been making sparkling wine by the traditional method since 1872.

We enjoyed one bottle on a rainy afternoon by the sea. And, we are welcoming June, the month that brings us summer, with another.

Our scribbled notes from our last two tastings contain words like smooth, round, balanced, and sophisticated. We both found ourselves enjoying the lingering bouquet and the rose gold color in our glasses.

We can’t wait to pop the cork on another bottle of this beauty!

Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

By the way, Sunday Dog will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few past hounds for you to visit.

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 Cherubino

June 1, 2014
Toasting June with Raventos i Blanc de Nit

Raventos i Blanc de Nit is one of our finds from Perry’s in Provincetown. We were happy to see more of this wonderful Spanish sparkler in the cooler on a recent visit.

This wine comes from a Spanish estate that has been owned by the same family of winegrowers since 1497. And, they have been making sparkling wine by the traditional method since 1872.

We enjoyed one bottle on a rainy afternoon by the sea. And, we are welcoming June, the month that brings us summer, with another.

Our scribbled notes from our last two tastings contain words like smooth, round, balanced, and sophisticated. We both found ourselves enjoying the lingering bouquet and the rose gold color in our glasses.

We can’t wait to pop the cork on another bottle of this beauty!

Here’s More About Our Sparkling Resolution

And, Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

By the way, Sunday Dog will return next week. Meanwhile, here are a few past hounds for you to visit.

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 Cherubino

June 1, 2014
Toasting March with an Old Friend – Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé

We’ve been enjoying Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé for quite a few years. This old friend has been our go-to choice on restaurant wine lists (Bistro du Midi, Eastern Standard, Jean-Georges) for years. We’ve also treated ourselves to this wonderful rosé at home, but have never covered it, until now.

Like many rosés, this one always brings on a smile. As Penny points out, “It’s a very pretty pink, touched with just a little peach, with a light effervescence.”

We could detect a little almond on the nose, maybe some strawberry. It has a nice dry background. To really appreciate this sparkler, don’t over-chill it!

Importer Jon-David Headrick Selections calls this, “… a dry and rich sparkling rosé … bright, crisp, and delicious” … “produced from estate-grown fruit just outside of Saumur in France’s Loire Valley.”

We were surprised to learn that this lovely wine is 100% Cabernet Franc, a grape variety famous for its blending ability and one we haven’t always liked as a solo performer. In this case, it really steals the show with an admission price that’s hard to beat.

Here’s to March and to old friends. Santé!

Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé

This time rom Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors

$15.19 (after case discount)

And, a regular purchase at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

Our Sparkling Resolution (Why We Toast Every Month)

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

March 1, 2014
Toasting March with an Old Friend – Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé

We’ve been enjoying Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé for quite a few years. This old friend has been our go-to choice on restaurant wine lists (Bistro du Midi, Eastern Standard, Jean-Georges) for years. We’ve also treated ourselves to this wonderful rosé at home, but have never covered it, until now.

Like many rosés, this one always brings on a smile. As Penny points out, “It’s a very pretty pink, touched with just a little peach, with a light effervescence.”

We could detect a little almond on the nose, maybe some strawberry. It has a nice dry background. To really appreciate this sparkler, don’t over-chill it!

Importer Jon-David Headrick Selections calls this, “… a dry and rich sparkling rosé … bright, crisp, and delicious” … “produced from estate-grown fruit just outside of Saumur in France’s Loire Valley.”

We were surprised to learn that this lovely wine is 100% Cabernet Franc, a grape variety famous for its blending ability and one we haven’t always liked as a solo performer. In this case, it really steals the show with an admission price that’s hard to beat.

Here’s to March and to old friends. Santé!

Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé

This time rom Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors

$15.19 (after case discount)

And, a regular purchase at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

Our Sparkling Resolution (Why We Toast Every Month)

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

March 1, 2014
Toasting March with an Old Friend – Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé

We’ve been enjoying Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé for quite a few years. This old friend has been our go-to choice on restaurant wine lists (Bistro du Midi, Eastern Standard, Jean-Georges) for years. We’ve also treated ourselves to this wonderful rosé at home, but have never covered it, until now.

Like many rosés, this one always brings on a smile. As Penny points out, “It’s a very pretty pink, touched with just a little peach, with a light effervescence.”

We could detect a little almond on the nose, maybe some strawberry. It has a nice dry background. To really appreciate this sparkler, don’t over-chill it!

Importer Jon-David Headrick Selections calls this, “… a dry and rich sparkling rosé … bright, crisp, and delicious” … “produced from estate-grown fruit just outside of Saumur in France’s Loire Valley.”

We were surprised to learn that this lovely wine is 100% Cabernet Franc, a grape variety famous for its blending ability and one we haven’t always liked as a solo performer. In this case, it really steals the show with an admission price that’s hard to beat.

Here’s to March and to old friends. Santé!

Louis de Grenelle Saumur Brut Rosé

This time rom Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors

$15.19 (after case discount)

And, a regular purchase at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

Our Sparkling Resolution (Why We Toast Every Month)

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

March 1, 2014
Berlucchi Cuvée ‘61 – Celebrating a Sparkling Decade!

We’re toasting February with a bottle of Berlucchi Cuvée ‘61, a sparkler it’s producers say, “celebrates the magical decade of the sixties” with a “creative spirit” that lives on today.

We say, if that was their goal, they’ve succeeded. This is a really good, sparkling wine!

Tasting Notes:

Berlucchi Cuvée ‘61 Brut

75% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, 11.5 % ABV

We say … Full fruit, nice acidity, not oaky Chardonnay heavy

Berlucchi says … “Floral and fruit notes, fine acidity, full body”

We liked it so much, we added more to our wine rack.

$16.99 @ Bauer Wine & Spirits

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: © 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.

February 1, 2014