Tag: brut

Toasting November with a Special Wine: Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs in a Special Place

November is a month to give thanks, so we are going to toast it with a Champagne: Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs at Select Oyster Bar.

We recently had another reason to celebrate, so we shared a half bottle of Guy Larmandier Blanc de Blancs over lunch. It reminded us that this is one of the few all Chardonnay Champagnes that we have on our favorites list. It's from one of our favorite importers, Neal Rosenthal. And, it made the beautifully curated wine list at one of our favorite places, Select Oyster Bar. That certainly qualified it for a place in this year of favorites.

Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. Since 2007 we have raised a glass of sparkling wine to greet each new month! This year we have selected a favorite wine for our monthly toast.

We hope you'll join our Sparkling Resolution. You don't have to buy a bottle. You can go to your favorite place with a good wine list and enjoy a glass of sparkle over lunch or dinner or share a bottle or half bottle as we will today.

We'll toast all the people along the way, from grapevine to glass, who dedicate themselves to bringing great wine our way!

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

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2018 Penny & Ed Cherubino

November 1, 2018
Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne – One Happy Surprise!

Minutes before leaving for Provincetown, Penny quickly grabbed what she thought was a bottle of our favorite Charles de Cazanove brut from the wine rack. It wasn’t until we’d arrived on-Cape and had begun to unpack that she realized it was actually their rosé, which we hadn't tried.

After the long drive, we quickly settled in and treated ourselves to a couple of glasses of Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne.

Our first reaction, “Impressive!” Penny said this bubbly had, “a little bit of the yeasty flavor that I love in Bollinger and the flavor of the fruit without the sweetness of added dosage.”

Charles de Cazanove Rosé is a blend of 15% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 15% Côteaux Champenois Rouge.

The winemaker describes a “… volume, fullness and strength on the palate, with good substance.”

“This rosé has a lovely salmon-pink colour and delicious candied fruit and rose petal aromas.”

In a cocktail glass, I thought it looked like an inviting mixed drink. It was a great match with Chef José Andrés super light, olive oil potato chips.

We also had it with a good Cabot cheddar, some pretzel chips, and a fresh loaf of French bread.”

Charles de Cazanove Rosé Champagne, a very satisfying way to start a vacation and this new month. One Happy Surprise!

Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

(And, for those who came here seeking canine goodness, our Sunday Dog features will return next week. Here's a link to the past ones in case you really need a dose of dog.)

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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November 1, 2015
Blason de Bourgogne Crémant: September’s Sparkler

Sparkling wines don't have to be expensive to be fun! For example, we picked up this bottle of Blason de Bourgogne Crémant de Bourgogne at Trader Joe's for $11.99.

Last month we told you that we love sparklers that are rich with Pinot Noir flavor. This one, a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, comes from a family collection that includes variations for different tastes. We've tried the others in the past, but this is the one we come back to when we want an inexpensive, fun glass of fizz.

(This photo courtesy of www.Blason.com)

You may find the brut, the rosé, or the reserve (which we have not found around here as of yet) more to your taste.

Sometimes your reason for buying a sparkling wine might not call for spending big bucks, but you still want good flavor and dependable bubbles. Blason delivers both. So sip it on a boat as you sail through September. Pack it for a picnic. Add it to a sangria base to create a sparkling sangria. Make mimosas for brunch or get creative with sparkling cocktails.

We hope you'll join us in our resolution to start each month with a glass of sparkling wine. Toast to something you're looking forward to in the month ahead or were thankful for in the month past.

Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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

In this post, you see Schott Champagne glasses, ice bucket, and mardi gras beads.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2015 Penny Cherubino

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Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

September 1, 2015
Blason de Bourgogne Crémant: September’s Sparkler

Sparkling wines don't have to be expensive to be fun! For example, we picked up this bottle of Blason de Bourgogne Crémant de Bourgogne at Trader Joe's for $11.99.

Last month we told you that we love sparklers that are rich with Pinot Noir flavor. This one, a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, comes from a family collection that includes variations for different tastes. We've tried the others in the past, but this is the one we come back to when we want an inexpensive, fun glass of fizz.

(This photo courtesy of www.Blason.com)

You may find the brut, the rosé, or the reserve (which we have not found around here as of yet) more to your taste.

Sometimes your reason for buying a sparkling wine might not call for spending big bucks, but you still want good flavor and dependable bubbles. Blason delivers both. So sip it on a boat as you sail through September. Pack it for a picnic. Add it to a sangria base to create a sparkling sangria. Make mimosas for brunch or get creative with sparkling cocktails.

We hope you'll join us in our resolution to start each month with a glass of sparkling wine. Toast to something you're looking forward to in the month ahead or were thankful for in the month past.

Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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

In this post, you see Schott Champagne glasses, ice bucket, and mardi gras beads.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2015 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston

Thanks to Friends Who Make Marmalade and Share!

September 1, 2015
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.

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.

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
March 1, 2015
Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Our May Sparkler

This time, our Sparkler of the Month is a Champagne, Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV to be specific. Happy new month!

Those of you who follow our sparkling wine posts may have noticed that we seldom choose a 100% Chardonnay wine. But, we did take this recommendation at Gordon’s because it was from one of our favorite importers, Neal Rosenthal.

We took this gem from our wine rack to Provincetown to sit and sip by the sea. Note that this is a Grand Cru Champagne from the Village of Cramant. It is not a Crémant from another part of France.

And, it lived up to our expectations! It’s a blanc de blancs that is playing in a different key. Penny couldn’t place the fruit she was tasting, so she looked up reviews and then asked Ed what he thought it was. His answer was one shared by experts, pear!

This is a celebration wine, a bit more expensive ($59.99) than some of our selections, but anytime we’re in Provincetown, we want to celebrate! We sipped this bottle over a couple of days and Ed thought it got better when it had more time in the glass and longer to breath. He reminds you not to serve it too cold.

And, we’ve learned, if you’re going to have a blanc de blancs, make it one from a great importer like Neal Rosenthal.

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

May 1, 2014
Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Our May Sparkler

This time, our Sparkler of the Month is a Champagne, Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV to be specific. Happy new month!

Those of you who follow our sparkling wine posts may have noticed that we seldom choose a 100% Chardonnay wine. But, we did take this recommendation at Gordon’s because it was from one of our favorite importers, Neal Rosenthal.

We took this gem from our wine rack to Provincetown to sit and sip by the sea. Note that this is a Grand Cru Champagne from the Village of Cramant. It is not a Crémant from another part of France.

And, it lived up to our expectations! It’s a blanc de blancs that is playing in a different key. Penny couldn’t place the fruit she was tasting, so she looked up reviews and then asked Ed what he thought it was. His answer was one shared by experts, pear!

This is a celebration wine, a bit more expensive ($59.99) than some of our selections, but anytime we’re in Provincetown, we want to celebrate! We sipped this bottle over a couple of days and Ed thought it got better when it had more time in the glass and longer to breath. He reminds you not to serve it too cold.

And, we’ve learned, if you’re going to have a blanc de blancs, make it one from a great importer like Neal Rosenthal.

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

May 1, 2014
Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Our May Sparkler

This time, our Sparkler of the Month is a Champagne, Guy Larmandier, Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV to be specific. Happy new month!

Those of you who follow our sparkling wine posts may have noticed that we seldom choose a 100% Chardonnay wine. But, we did take this recommendation at Gordon’s because it was from one of our favorite importers, Neal Rosenthal.

We took this gem from our wine rack to Provincetown to sit and sip by the sea. Note that this is a Grand Cru Champagne from the Village of Cramant. It is not a Crémant from another part of France.

And, it lived up to our expectations! It’s a blanc de blancs that is playing in a different key. Penny couldn’t place the fruit she was tasting, so she looked up reviews and then asked Ed what he thought it was. His answer was one shared by experts, pear!

This is a celebration wine, a bit more expensive ($59.99) than some of our selections, but anytime we’re in Provincetown, we want to celebrate! We sipped this bottle over a couple of days and Ed thought it got better when it had more time in the glass and longer to breath. He reminds you not to serve it too cold.

And, we’ve learned, if you’re going to have a blanc de blancs, make it one from a great importer like Neal Rosenthal.

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

May 1, 2014
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