Tag: February

Ciao Febbraio! We’re Pouring Dama del Rovere – a Fresh, Light Spumante from the Veneto
February is a month that doesn’t stick around very long, so we’re not losing any time raising a glass of bubbly to welcome its arrival.

To help us maintain contact with this rapid mover, we’ve selected a fresh, light spumante from Verona in northeast Italy.

While spumante (sparkling wine) often brings to mind a very sweet holiday wine (as in Asti), the Durella (aka Durello) grape in our Dama del Rovere, Brenton Durello, Vino Spumante Brut is favored for its high level of acidity.

Tasters describe a:
- “Delicate and slightly fruity characteristic”
- “The taste is dry, tangy, full-bodied”
- “Pairs well with cheese, fish, sushi” (italianwinelovers.it)
- “Fresh, easy going spumante, great for aperitivo”
- “Dry, crisp, thirst quenching”
- “Light acidity, not too sweet”
- “Good for mimosas” (vivino.com)
- “Durella wines tend to be reasonably light and delicate"
- "Floral, citrusy characters and mineral overtones”
- “Food matches for Durella include: Tempura-battered prawns” (wine searcher.com)
Alright! Enough with the temptation! We’re more than ready to un-cork. Here’s hoping you’ll select a bottle of bubbly and join our Sparkling Resolution as we toast February, day one. But, remember, do it soon! There are only 27 days remaining!

We purchased our bottle of Dama del Rovere, Brenton Durello, Vino Spumante Brut (12% ABV) from: City Liquors, 620 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 617-945-0095, Price: ~ $15

Related:

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: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino
February 1, 2017
Snow, Freeze, Thaw, Freeze, Snow in the Back Bay

It has been a very photographic February with the cycle of snow, freeze, thaw, and freeze we've endured. Ed said it was as if Mother Nature wanted to add a fresh coat of makeup to the snow piles so they wouldn't look dirty.

Icicles added a touch of frosting to the Victorian townhouses along Commonwealth Avenue.

On Newbury Street, some took on the look of waterfalls.

On Boylston Street, the stonework and icicles set off one another beautifully.

Here's a view of icicles from inside one of the glass crossovers at Copley Place.

Bacchante does not seem to mind the snow at all and just continues to dance in the Courtyard of the Boston Public Library.

As much as we may complain about the endless snow and cold, it's hard to resist photographing the way it changes our neighborhood.

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

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February 26, 2015
February Sparkles with a Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé

What better way to greet February than with the lovely sparkle of a Crémant de Bourgogne. Whether you’re celebrating love, welcoming a new month, or toasting the promise of an early spring, this gorgeous bottle of bubbles from La Maison du Crémant in eastern France will make you happy.

We selected this Brut Rosé at Bauer Wine & Spirits where they describe the wine as having, “aromas and flavors of sweet strawberries, bread dough, red currants, and a hint of lavender.” The Pinot Noir, Chardonnay blend is “refreshing, bright, fruity, and fresh.”

We enjoyed this sparkler even more as it warmed in our glasses, while we shared an outstanding cheddar, a favorite baguette, and one of Penny's homemade apple/raisin crostatas.

It’s a Crémant that would be comfortable in most any setting – with a meal, hors d’oeuvres, or for simply a toast and conversation. “For the money ($15.99) you won't be disappointed.” A sweetheart of a February sparkler!

And, if you're choosing a special wine for Valentine's Day, here are some of our recommendations.

Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentines' Day

Share Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

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The Best Sparkling Wine Under $25

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Cremant d'Alsace pops with success

Valentine's Day 2013 – Romantic Dining in Boston

February 1, 2013
February Sparkles with a Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé

What better way to greet February than with the lovely sparkle of a Crémant de Bourgogne. Whether you’re celebrating love, welcoming a new month, or toasting the promise of an early spring, this gorgeous bottle of bubbles from La Maison du Crémant in eastern France will make you happy.

We selected this Brut Rosé at Bauer Wine & Spirits where they describe the wine as having, “aromas and flavors of sweet strawberries, bread dough, red currants, and a hint of lavender.” The Pinot Noir, Chardonnay blend is “refreshing, bright, fruity, and fresh.”

We enjoyed this sparkler even more as it warmed in our glasses, while we shared an outstanding cheddar, a favorite baguette, and one of Penny's homemade apple/raisin crostatas.

It’s a Crémant that would be comfortable in most any setting – with a meal, hors d’oeuvres, or for simply a toast and conversation. “For the money ($15.99) you won't be disappointed.” A sweetheart of a February sparkler!

And, if you're choosing a special wine for Valentine's Day, here are some of our recommendations.

Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentines' Day

Share Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

Related articles

The Best Sparkling Wine Under $25

Planet Oregon Pinot Noir, an Excellent and Very Green, Red Wine

Cremant d'Alsace pops with success

Valentine's Day 2013 – Romantic Dining in Boston

February 1, 2013
February Sparkles with a Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé

What better way to greet February than with the lovely sparkle of a Crémant de Bourgogne. Whether you’re celebrating love, welcoming a new month, or toasting the promise of an early spring, this gorgeous bottle of bubbles from La Maison du Crémant in eastern France will make you happy.

We selected this Brut Rosé at Bauer Wine & Spirits where they describe the wine as having, “aromas and flavors of sweet strawberries, bread dough, red currants, and a hint of lavender.” The Pinot Noir, Chardonnay blend is “refreshing, bright, fruity, and fresh.”

We enjoyed this sparkler even more as it warmed in our glasses, while we shared an outstanding cheddar, a favorite baguette, and one of Penny's homemade apple/raisin crostatas.

It’s a Crémant that would be comfortable in most any setting – with a meal, hors d’oeuvres, or for simply a toast and conversation. “For the money ($15.99) you won't be disappointed.” A sweetheart of a February sparkler!

And, if you're choosing a special wine for Valentine's Day, here are some of our recommendations.

Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentines' Day

Share Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

Related articles

The Best Sparkling Wine Under $25

Planet Oregon Pinot Noir, an Excellent and Very Green, Red Wine

Cremant d'Alsace pops with success

Valentine's Day 2013 – Romantic Dining in Boston

February 1, 2013
Free Open House at Washington HQ in Cambridge on the 22nd

Today may be the Federal holiday called Presidents' Day, but in Massachusetts today is officially Washington's Birthday.

And, this year, on Thursday the 22nd, you can tour the house in Cambridge that served as Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston. While the building is officially closed for the season, it will be open on Washington's birthday to celebrate the new designation of this National Parks Service property as the Longfellow House – Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site.

Details of the change are here.

The Parks Service Invites You to:

"Celebrate George Washington's birthday! Join NPS staff as they guide visitors through General Washington's Brattle Street headquarters. Washington used the house at 105 Brattle Street as his headquarters during the Siege of Boston in 1775-1776.

Tours given every half hour, starting at 11:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m."

Related Posts:

Did you know that anyone age 62 and over can get a lifetime Senior pass to our National Parks for $10?

And, check: What's Open On Presidents' Day in Boston 2012 and MBTA Schedules

What's on your historic tours shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo of Washington statue in the Boston Public Garden: © 2012 Ed Cherubino
Photo of the House: From the collection of the Library of Congress, taken February 1963.

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

February 20, 2012
Celebrating February with an Impressive Budget Sparkler– Dibon Cava

We’re toasting the arrival of February with a budget sparkler that has high-end taste!

Dibon Cava Brut Reserve ($9.99) is so impressive, you’ll want to share this find with every wine-lover you know.

If “balance” is a fault, then it’s this wine’s only fault! It will please a wide range of tastes– not too dry or too fruity. A light nose that reminded us of citrus? lemon curd? No, dried apricot.

It's light, refreshing, and inviting. Very food-friendly (spicy chicken wings, potatoes, roasted root vegetables worked for us). This cava also shines all on it’s own! And, it was still very good as it warmed.

Dibon Cava would be a perfect opener for a party, at a restaurant with friends, to begin a meal or an evening. And, a special way to celebrate the start of a new month. Salud!

We found Dibon Cava at Bauer Wine & Spirits

It's all part of Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

February 1, 2012