Tag: Pinot Noir

  • Cuvée Rosé from Laurent-Perrier Is Our Choice for a 2018 New Year’s Toast

    Some years we do a long search for a special sparkling wine, finding a rare bottle that we will experience for the first time. This year, at our first shopping stop, we ran into an old favorite that brought back great memories of past toasts, so we went with it – a bottle of Cuvée Rosé from Laurent-Perrier!

    P1000821

    This is a year when we want to think about past wines as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Sparkling Resolution we made back in 2007 and have kept ever since. We said New Years was not often enough to toast to the good things we had experienced in the past and what we looked forward to in the future, so we should raise a glass of sparkling wine for the first of every month. For 10 years we have happily kept that resolution and many of those wines have been featured here. 

    By the way, while some of our featured wines are hard to find, this one is widely distributed. If you are thinking of bringing this bubbly to someone special as a New Years gift, see if you can find a bottle in the impressive copper box with a magnetic cover. It will cost $70 – $95 but is definitely worth it!

    Maceration

    We discovered this Cuvée Rosé from Laurent-Perrier years ago at Upstairs on the Square. (Sadly now gone from the great restaurant scene.)  It was on the wine list at a price that was so reasonable that we asked one of our favorite bartenders to check that it was right. It was and we enjoyed this on a number of visits over the years. It will be great to toast 2018 and our memories of the great staff and collection of regulars who shared that bar with us.

    About this wine from the winemaker:

    Grape varietal: Pinot Noir 100%

    Crus: 10 different crus located mainly in the South and North areas of the Montagne de Reims – including the famous Côte de Bouzy – notably from the finest crus of Ambonnay, Bouzy, Louvois and Tours-sur-Marne.

    The grapes from carefully selected plots are sorted and destemmed before vatting. The maceration – lasting from 48h to 72h depending on the harvest – helps the extraction of the colour and the development of the full aromatic richness of the Pinot Noir.

    Ageing: 5 years minimum.

    Flacon

    What the reviewers say about Cuvée Rosé from Laurent-Perrier:

    K&L Wines

    "Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from a total of ten 100%-rated grands crus villages, this Champagne gets its glorious pink color and rounded red fruit flavors from a process known as "saigneé," in which the skins of the grapes are left in contact with the juice for three days. Laurent-Perrier's Cuvée Rosé not only makes a delicious apéritif, but is also a good match for a variety of different dishes. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)"

    Wine Enthusiast

    "Orange-pink in color, this dry wine has some good bottle age that has rounded the corners and allowed toast to join the red fruits and orange zest flavors. A complex background of acidity, structure and final tautness makes this wine ready to drink now."

    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.

    UpStairs On The Square Still A Well Rounded Favorite

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Top photo ©2017 Penny Cherubino, Others courtesy of Laurent-Perrier  

  • August Pops Open with Jo Landron Atmosphères Sparkling Wine from the Loire

    We look at each new month as a gigantic bottle of sparkling wine just waiting to be uncorked!

    IMG_1882

    And, since the label of our August bottle of bubbles from Jo Landron Atmosphères appears to feature a figure leaping with joy, as if launched from atop a just opened magnum, well … we couldn’t resist.  

    However coincidental all of the this may seem, our selection does remain true to our Sparkling Resolution of selecting a worthy wine to toast the arrival of a new month. 

    Screen Shot 2017-07-31 at Monday  July 31  20171.52.09 PM

    In 1990, when my father Pierre Landron retired, he told me, “Make quality, it will always pay off.” – Jo Landron 

    Jo Landron Atmosphères Sparkling Wine from the Loire is 80% Folle Blanche, 20% Pinot Noir has some tasty Tasting Notes to recommend it:

    • The quintessence of freshness
    • White peach combined with floral notes of jasmine
    • Mineral notes driven by the ocean influence displaying saltiness
    • Very refined bubbly and zesty finish.

    (A Thomas Meunier Selection)

     

    • distinctive minerality – vital and balanced
    • perfectly acidic and rich in texture and beading
    • fragrant notes of lemon zest and oil
    • hints of red apple … strawberry

    (Ooh, my favorite!)  

    IMG_1869

    • 100% Estate, biodynamically grown and hand harvested
    • impressive depth and clarity
    • racy citrus and fresh peachy fruit
    • lots of rocky, earthy complexity
    • deliciously bready texture
    • crunchy fresh finish also makes it extremely food friendly
    • label, designed by the unconventional French artist Michel Tolmer

    Bibendum Wine Co.

     

    • "The aromatics are … delicate, floral, with a white stone and white peach character …
    • A very gentle palate
    • some lightly honeyed fruit cast against a minerally background
    • A very attractive wine, a delicately poised style, but with plenty of acid and grip to give it form."

    Chris Kissack, winedoctor.com

    Now you know why we can’t wait to try this highly praised wine!

    And, as always, you’re invited to help us celebrate the arrival of a new month with all the hope and promise that it will be the very best ever! Here’s to August!

    We purchased our bottle of Atmosphères Sparkling Wine at City Liquors in Cambridge for ~ $20.

     

    And, Here’s More About: 

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • August Pops Open with Jo Landron Atmosphères Sparkling Wine from the Loire

    We look at each new month as a gigantic bottle of sparkling wine just waiting to be uncorked!

    IMG_1882

    And, since the label of our August bottle of bubbles from Jo Landron Atmosphères appears to feature a figure leaping with joy, as if launched from atop a just opened magnum, well … we couldn’t resist.  

    However coincidental all of the this may seem, our selection does remain true to our Sparkling Resolution of selecting a worthy wine to toast the arrival of a new month. 

    Screen Shot 2017-07-31 at Monday  July 31  20171.52.09 PM

    In 1990, when my father Pierre Landron retired, he told me, “Make quality, it will always pay off.” – Jo Landron 

    Jo Landron Atmosphères Sparkling Wine from the Loire is 80% Folle Blanche, 20% Pinot Noir has some tasty Tasting Notes to recommend it:

    • The quintessence of freshness
    • White peach combined with floral notes of jasmine
    • Mineral notes driven by the ocean influence displaying saltiness
    • Very refined bubbly and zesty finish.

    (A Thomas Meunier Selection)

     

    • distinctive minerality – vital and balanced
    • perfectly acidic and rich in texture and beading
    • fragrant notes of lemon zest and oil
    • hints of red apple … strawberry

    (Ooh, my favorite!)  

    IMG_1869

    • 100% Estate, biodynamically grown and hand harvested
    • impressive depth and clarity
    • racy citrus and fresh peachy fruit
    • lots of rocky, earthy complexity
    • deliciously bready texture
    • crunchy fresh finish also makes it extremely food friendly
    • label, designed by the unconventional French artist Michel Tolmer

    Bibendum Wine Co.

     

    • "The aromatics are … delicate, floral, with a white stone and white peach character …
    • A very gentle palate
    • some lightly honeyed fruit cast against a minerally background
    • A very attractive wine, a delicately poised style, but with plenty of acid and grip to give it form."

    Chris Kissack, winedoctor.com

    Now you know why we can’t wait to try this highly praised wine!

    And, as always, you’re invited to help us celebrate the arrival of a new month with all the hope and promise that it will be the very best ever! Here’s to August!

    We purchased our bottle of Atmosphères Sparkling Wine at City Liquors in Cambridge for ~ $20.

     

    And, Here’s More About: 

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Spending Time with a Sparkling Old Friend This July – Argyle Vintage Brut

    Well look who stopped by to help us ring in July – a sparkling old friend from Oregon who goes by the name of Argyle Vintage Brut 2013!

      IMG_0050

    While we’ve had a long, happy relationship through the years, it’s been awhile since we’ve shared each other’s company.  

     IMG_0049

    This Pinot-forward sparkler comes from Argyle’s Grower Series and promises a rich, round peach nature helped along by “… the complexity of honey, cherry kernel and lingering anise.”

    The balance and focus of the finish is said to come from the wine’s “… dynamic acid backbone and edgy minerality.”

    Just this past April, Wine Spectator awarded the 2013 Argyle Vintage Brut 89 Points, praising it as “Crisp and precise, with apple and pomelo aromas and sleek, tangy flavors that finish with vibrancy. Drink now. T.F.”

    Screen Shot 2017-06-30 at Friday  June 30  20173.51.49 PM

    Hmm … Sounds a lot like the old friend we remember. We also remember meeting Argyle's Founder Rollin Soles (in the Argyle photo above) at Bauer Wine & Spirits. (Check out: "Argyle's Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest" in Related Posts below.)

    Catching up after time apart can mean a bit of uncertainty. Maybe one or both of you have changed? We’ll let you know how it goes.

    Until then, “Here’s to July!” and our Sparkling Resolution!

    The Facts:

    Vintage Brut | 2013 Willamette Valley AVA

    Bottle Fermented, Aged on the Yeast,

    60% Pinot Noir 40% Chardonnay, ABV: 12.5%

    We purchased our bottle of Argyle Vintage Brut 2013 on sale for $20 at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

    * (07.04.2017) Update: As spectacular as ever! Great body with nice Pinot-forward character. Shared with friends as we all raised our glasses to toast the arrival of July! Already have another bottle on-ice and ready to go!

     

    Related Posts:

    Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest

    March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!

    Oregon’s Argyle Brut to Light-Up July!

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List
     

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino   

     

  • Spending Time with a Sparkling Old Friend This July – Argyle Vintage Brut

    Well look who stopped by to help us ring in July – a sparkling old friend from Oregon who goes by the name of Argyle Vintage Brut 2013!

      IMG_0050

    While we’ve had a long, happy relationship through the years, it’s been awhile since we’ve shared each other’s company.  

     IMG_0049

    This Pinot-forward sparkler comes from Argyle’s Grower Series and promises a rich, round peach nature helped along by “… the complexity of honey, cherry kernel and lingering anise.”

    The balance and focus of the finish is said to come from the wine’s “… dynamic acid backbone and edgy minerality.”

    Just this past April, Wine Spectator awarded the 2013 Argyle Vintage Brut 89 Points, praising it as “Crisp and precise, with apple and pomelo aromas and sleek, tangy flavors that finish with vibrancy. Drink now. T.F.”

    Screen Shot 2017-06-30 at Friday  June 30  20173.51.49 PM

    Hmm … Sounds a lot like the old friend we remember. We also remember meeting Argyle's Founder Rollin Soles (in the Argyle photo above) at Bauer Wine & Spirits. (Check out: "Argyle's Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest" in Related Posts below.)

    Catching up after time apart can mean a bit of uncertainty. Maybe one or both of you have changed? We’ll let you know how it goes.

    Until then, “Here’s to July!” and our Sparkling Resolution!

    The Facts:

    Vintage Brut | 2013 Willamette Valley AVA

    Bottle Fermented, Aged on the Yeast,

    60% Pinot Noir 40% Chardonnay, ABV: 12.5%

    We purchased our bottle of Argyle Vintage Brut 2013 on sale for $20 at Bauer Wine & Spirits.

    * (07.04.2017) Update: As spectacular as ever! Great body with nice Pinot-forward character. Shared with friends as we all raised our glasses to toast the arrival of July! Already have another bottle on-ice and ready to go!

     

    Related Posts:

    Argyle’s Rollin Soles Talks Wine with BostonZest

    March Sparkles with Argyle’s 2001 Extended Tirage Brut – It’s a Sure Thing!

    Oregon’s Argyle Brut to Light-Up July!

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List
     

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino   

     

  • Going to Provincetown? Reserve a Seat at Ross’ Grill

    Thanks to finding a great puppy sitter, we were able to dine out in Provincetown on our recent spring visit. Naturally our first choice for a test run was brunch at Ross' Grill. 

     IMG_8656

    We want to put you on alert – grabbing a couple of seats at the bar in-season won't be as easy as it was for us in April. So go to the site and make a reservation before you arrive in town or call them as soon as you land in Ptown.

    This is exactly what we recommended to a friend going to Provincetown for Memorial Day weekend. Why not insure an outstanding meal with great hospitality?

    IMG_8641

    A bonus is the great harbor view.

    IMG_8654

    And a wonderful deck where you can relax with a drink while waiting for friends or a table.

    IMG_8645

    These wine specials are in addition to a fabulous and extensive wine list with more than 75 different wines served by the glass. 

    IMG_8637

    We actually have a tradition of choosing a pinot noir for our Thanksgiving meal at while sitting and sipping at this bar. Someone has a great taste in pinot and we love to let experts educate us and select the best wine.

    Ross' has a history of outstanding bartenders. We asked for a recommendation and knew we were in the hands of a talented server with our first sips. In fact, one of our favorite bartenders over the years, César Gerena, now owns the restaurant. 

    IMG_8651

    Ed makes it easy for us to pick a pinot by ordering his favorite "Blackened Tuna Sandwich with Black Olive Tapenade." He loves a good pinot with that dish.

    IMG_8647

    The "Chicken Liver and Pistachio Paté" is the perfect appetizer to share with the table or your dining companion. We both enjoyed this platter of delicious accoutrements that let us make each slice of bread spread with paté slightly different from the last. 

    IMG_2775

    Ross' Grill is at the end of Whaler's Wharf on the second floor.

    IMG_2838

    You can check the current menu on line or on this menu board near at the entrance to the wharf complex.

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Going to Provincetown? Reserve a Seat at Ross’ Grill

    Thanks to finding a great puppy sitter, we were able to dine out in Provincetown on our recent spring visit. Naturally our first choice for a test run was brunch at Ross' Grill. 

     IMG_8656

    We want to put you on alert – grabbing a couple of seats at the bar in-season won't be as easy as it was for us in April. So go to the site and make a reservation before you arrive in town or call them as soon as you land in Ptown.

    This is exactly what we recommended to a friend going to Provincetown for Memorial Day weekend. Why not insure an outstanding meal with great hospitality?

    IMG_8641

    A bonus is the great harbor view.

    IMG_8654

    And a wonderful deck where you can relax with a drink while waiting for friends or a table.

    IMG_8645

    These wine specials are in addition to a fabulous and extensive wine list with more than 75 different wines served by the glass. 

    IMG_8637

    We actually have a tradition of choosing a pinot noir for our Thanksgiving meal at while sitting and sipping at this bar. Someone has a great taste in pinot and we love to let experts educate us and select the best wine.

    Ross' has a history of outstanding bartenders. We asked for a recommendation and knew we were in the hands of a talented server with our first sips. In fact, one of our favorite bartenders over the years, César Gerena, now owns the restaurant. 

    IMG_8651

    Ed makes it easy for us to pick a pinot by ordering his favorite "Blackened Tuna Sandwich with Black Olive Tapenade." He loves a good pinot with that dish.

    IMG_8647

    The "Chicken Liver and Pistachio Paté" is the perfect appetizer to share with the table or your dining companion. We both enjoyed this platter of delicious accoutrements that let us make each slice of bread spread with paté slightly different from the last. 

    IMG_2775

    Ross' Grill is at the end of Whaler's Wharf on the second floor.

    IMG_2838

    You can check the current menu on line or on this menu board near at the entrance to the wharf complex.

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • What Better Way to Welcome May then with a Paul Chollet Crémant Brut Rosé!

    Get a jump on all the May celebrations and join us to toast the arrival of one of our favorite months!

    CHE_3050

    On a recent visit to Provincetown, we spied a bottle of Crémant Brut Rosé and wondered if it just might have the poise and finesse to help us enjoy keeping "Our Sparkling Resolution."

    I wouldn’t say, “we’ve never met a crémant we didn’t like,” but almost! It’s a nice value bottle of bubbles that’s often just as satisfying, and perhaps not as intimidating, as Champagne.

    Paul Chollet Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Rosé is described by its winemaker as having fine bubbles with a creamy and persistent mousse. The delicacy of the Rosé can be seen in “the very beautiful robe of a shiny and delicate pink” – sounds like poise to me.

    CHE_3053

    The characteristics of the Pinot Noir are “marked by notes of red fruits, raspberry and ripe[ness].”

    The cuvée of Pinot Noir, “gives us the balance, the generosity and the power of the Pinot Noir Bourguignons” – anyone for finesse?

    “This ideal aperitif wine is very popular with a chocolate or fruit dessert or a tatin tart.”

    Can’t wait to hear that cork pop!

      CHE_3096

    We purchased our bottle of Paul Chollet Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Rosé at Glass Half Full in Provincetown for around $20.

    Imported by: Winebow, Somerville, MA

    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: © 2017 Penny Cherubino  

  • What Better Way to Welcome May then with a Paul Chollet Crémant Brut Rosé!

    Get a jump on all the May celebrations and join us to toast the arrival of one of our favorite months!

    CHE_3050

    On a recent visit to Provincetown, we spied a bottle of Crémant Brut Rosé and wondered if it just might have the poise and finesse to help us enjoy keeping "Our Sparkling Resolution."

    I wouldn’t say, “we’ve never met a crémant we didn’t like,” but almost! It’s a nice value bottle of bubbles that’s often just as satisfying, and perhaps not as intimidating, as Champagne.

    Paul Chollet Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Rosé is described by its winemaker as having fine bubbles with a creamy and persistent mousse. The delicacy of the Rosé can be seen in “the very beautiful robe of a shiny and delicate pink” – sounds like poise to me.

    CHE_3053

    The characteristics of the Pinot Noir are “marked by notes of red fruits, raspberry and ripe[ness].”

    The cuvée of Pinot Noir, “gives us the balance, the generosity and the power of the Pinot Noir Bourguignons” – anyone for finesse?

    “This ideal aperitif wine is very popular with a chocolate or fruit dessert or a tatin tart.”

    Can’t wait to hear that cork pop!

      CHE_3096

    We purchased our bottle of Paul Chollet Crémant De Bourgogne Brut Rosé at Glass Half Full in Provincetown for around $20.

    Imported by: Winebow, Somerville, MA

    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: © 2017 Penny Cherubino  

  • Champagne Résonance from Marie-Courtin, Special Bubbles to Ring-In the New Year!

    Although we toast the beginning of every new month with a glass of bubbly to remain true to Our Sparkling Resolution, we admittedly get a little more excited about the arrival of January. After all, greeting a new year definitely holds special significance and therefore (follow me here) calls for a bottle of “special” bubbles.

    CHE_2583

    We hope you'll join Our Sparkling Resolution and have fun with it. There are no rules!

    For instance, if you’re someone who thinks Champagne (or any sparkler) is ONLY for special occasions, consider the advice of Master Sommelier Andrea (Immer) Robinson in her book "Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier":

    "Get over it. Say this to yourself: 'I deserve to open a bottle of bubbly. I do not need an excuse. I do not have to deny myself and wait until some significant event comes along.' For me, if the day dawns, that is an occasion for Champagne."

    Happy New Year! 

    Now More About Our New Year's Wine!

    Say hello to Résonance, a Champagne from Marie-Courtin! This 100% Pinot Noir, biodynamically farmed, non-dosage cuvée has been getting some rave reviews for the last several years. 

    IMG_5615 copy

    Here’s what critics are saying:

    (The Vinguard/2013)

    • “This Champagne has a firm chord of acidity that runs throughout.”             

    (Decanter)

    • “… pungent depth of fruit and distinctly flinty minerality”
    • “… demonstrates a remarkably elegant poise … with a refinement and discreet grace.”
    • “Organically farmed Grower Champagne”

    (Joli Vin Imports) 

    • “The N V (2012) Extra Brut Résonance is a real stand out”
    • “Beautifully textured and generous”
    • “offers terrific depth, with fewer of the hard edges these wines can sometimes show”
    • “Dried pear, spice, mint and licorice flow through to the effortless, creamy finish”         

    CHE_2529

    (Just Grapes) (2013) 

    • “Résonance resoundingly discredits the austerity critics’ claims”
    • “One of the most accessible, pure, fruity and fresh Champagnes I’ve had”                 

    Sedimentary Wine (2011)

    Résonance NV (2008)

    • "Clear, light hay/sunshine yellow."
    • "Dough, small red fruits, soil"
    • "Medium bodied with lovely density and mid palate weight"
    • "Plum skin, red apple and mineral"
    • "Finished dry and long with pinot tinged extract. Delicious."

    Antonio Galloni: 93 points: (2008) Extra Brut Resonance:

    • “a brilliant, energetic wine … with gorgeous richness and depth”
    • “Succulent apricots, peaches, flowers and crushed rocks are some of the many nuances
    • “Chalky notes linger on the precise, beautifully articulated, eternal finish”
    • “kept getting better and better with air”
    • “It is a fabulous wine in every way. I loved it."

      CHE_2611

    Polaner Selections

    • “Résonance is fermented in stainless steel”
    • “the grapes are all harvested by hand”
    • “The wines are fermented with natural yeasts”
    • “there is no dosage added upon disgorgement”
    • “[Dominique] recommends that [Résonance] be served in traditional white wine glasses to allow for [its] development through increased aeration” ( As you can see in the photo above, we plan to do just that!)

    Résonance Champagne Marie-Courtin Extra Brut Pinot Noir

    (From Thomas Calder Selections)

    Imported by: Vineyard Road Inc. Framingham, MA

    ABV: 12%

    Date of disgorgement: June 2016

    We purchased our bottle of Résonance Champagne Marie-Courtin at City Liquors in Cambridge.

    Here’s more about Our Sparkling Resolution

    And Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

     

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino