Tag: grower Champagne

We’ll Raise a Glass of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne to Toast October
Later today we will get together with some of our favorite people and raise a glass of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne. Trying wines from different places, made with different grapes, and produced by different methods adds spice to our monthly ritual. This Italian sparkler from Piemonte is made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes. This happens to be one of Ed's favorite varietals.

Here's what we have learned about Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne
- A retailer writes, "100% Nebbiolo (the name means secret vines because the wine laws in Italy for now do not allow for the name of the varietal to appear on the label for sparkling wines vinified with classic champenois method). Early harvest, 36 month on the yeasts, zero dosage. Bone dry, but rich and zesty. Fine mousse and long finish."
- The importer notes, "Guidobono is the creation of the Faccenda family, and reflects their obsession with terroir. They make a range of wines from the Roero and Langhe hills, all of them outstanding value. Their vineyards are scattered through the area, with Castellinaldo in the Roero and Monforte in Barolo being particularly prized. The family has a knack of outperforming in almost every vintage."
- One CellarTracker member – RICHARDP wrote: 90 Points
  "This is something unique: A sparkling white Nebbiolo. Yeast on the nose; on the palate, yellow apple cider and notes of flowers, yeast, and minerals on the medium finish, with strong acidity and a fine bubble. It would be interesting to put this up against a bottle of cheap Champagne to compare and contrast; this is better than most Champagnes at the same price point. Good value for a bit under $30."
We found our bottle at City Liquors in Cambridge.

What's your favorite sparkler?

One of our favorite assignments is finding a sparkling wine to toast the upcoming month. We have a few favorite places to look for sparklers that we have not tried before and reliable retailers we count on to know what we like, especially grower Champagnes and biodynamic bubbles. But, we are always open to suggestions. Do you have a favorite sparkling wine to suggest? Let us know in the comments below!

UPDATE: (10.01.17) While Ed’s fondness for the full, rich body and substantial fruit of a Nebbiolo influenced our choice of Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne, we didn’t expect this white, sparkling version of the varietal to be quite so un-Nebbiolo like.

We think the review above is most accurate, describing this wine as “Bone dry, but rich and zesty,” with a “fine mousse and long finish."

It’s a good sparkler for our friends who like extremely dry, Blanc de Blancs. If that’s you, drink it chilled to around 55º F. If you prefer a fuller-bodied wine, let it warm into the 60s.

We found Guidobono Extra Brut Segretevigne to be a particularly good match with our Vietnamese lemongrass chicken Saigon salad – a big pop of flavor followed by a sip of wine to cleanse the palate … a nice balance.

And, most importantly, guard against pre-judging this impressive sparkler. Take your time and enjoy!

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 & Ed Cherubino

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Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

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October 1, 2017
Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

As Pinot Noir lovers, we expected to like this grower Champagne. We didn’t anticipate wanting to buy a case after the first sip! Simply put, Moutard Grande Cuvée fits our taste, something Howie Rubin of Bauer Wine & Spirits knows well.

Through the years, many of our Sparkling Resolution wines have come from his suggestions. For August we asked him to select this month’s sparkler and he came up with a new favorite that made us go back for more.

Our constant search for, and love of, grower Champagnes doesn’t surprise Rubin who compares the increased interest in this category of winemakers to the locavore farm-to-table movement. “People want to know where their food and libation come from,” he explains, “and consuming small grower champagne satisfies that curiosity.”

Look at this way, “Which would you rather consume,” says Rubin, “a big, juicy, ripe tomato right off the farm, or one of those colorless and flavorless tomatoes that shows up in your salad … in January?”

Similarly, “When deciding between a small grower champagne or a mass produced version of the same style of wine,” Rubin says the choice is obvious. “Champagnes that are bottled by growers will usually be from a specific village and will be their top choice of grapes, which obviously they won’t sell to the big houses.”

The Moutard Grand Cuvee Brut Champagne pedigree includes 100% Pinot Noir grown in clay-limestone soils. The hand harvested grapes undergo a gentle pressing and are vinified in stainless steel tanks. Moutard proudly describes its production as a blend of several of the best vintages.

Tasting Notes:

The winemaker points to a, “refined, rich nose which evokes notes of butter, almond and brioche. Lively, elegant and balanced palate with good mouthfill.”

Distributor Polaner Selections touts, “A rich and mineral-driven Blanc de Noirs at an exceptional value.”

Wine Spectator

Rating: 90

“Bright and fresh, with a honey-laced finish.”

Vinous

Rating: 89

“… 100% Pinot Noir is laced with sweet tobacco, flowers, mint, dried herbs and red stone fruits.”

Eric Asimov, (NY Times wine critic)

“ … the Grande Cuvée from Moutard … showed its 100 percent pinot noir character in its rich, full-bodied texture and ripe fruit flavors.”

Howie Rubin (Bauer Wines)

“… aromas of fresh baked bread and wild strawberries … bright apple and quince flavors.”

We think what this wine doesn’t give up on the nose, it makes up on the palate. Perhaps Howie Rubin summed it up best, “Great champagnes are characterized by a long, persistent finish, and that’s where the Moutard shines. Compare it to one of the big names in champagne and you will see the difference.”

Here’s to August! And, here’s to Grower Champagnes!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée at Bauer Wine & Spirits (price: $39.99).

More …

Howie Rubin on: The Growing Interest in Grower Champagne [PDF Full Text]

Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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July 31, 2015
Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

As Pinot Noir lovers, we expected to like this grower Champagne. We didn’t anticipate wanting to buy a case after the first sip! Simply put, Moutard Grande Cuvée fits our taste, something Howie Rubin of Bauer Wine & Spirits knows well.

Through the years, many of our Sparkling Resolution wines have come from his suggestions. For August we asked him to select this month’s sparkler and he came up with a new favorite that made us go back for more.

Our constant search for, and love of, grower Champagnes doesn’t surprise Rubin who compares the increased interest in this category of winemakers to the locavore farm-to-table movement. “People want to know where their food and libation come from,” he explains, “and consuming small grower champagne satisfies that curiosity.”

Look at this way, “Which would you rather consume,” says Rubin, “a big, juicy, ripe tomato right off the farm, or one of those colorless and flavorless tomatoes that shows up in your salad … in January?”

Similarly, “When deciding between a small grower champagne or a mass produced version of the same style of wine,” Rubin says the choice is obvious. “Champagnes that are bottled by growers will usually be from a specific village and will be their top choice of grapes, which obviously they won’t sell to the big houses.”

The Moutard Grand Cuvee Brut Champagne pedigree includes 100% Pinot Noir grown in clay-limestone soils. The hand harvested grapes undergo a gentle pressing and are vinified in stainless steel tanks. Moutard proudly describes its production as a blend of several of the best vintages.

Tasting Notes:

The winemaker points to a, “refined, rich nose which evokes notes of butter, almond and brioche. Lively, elegant and balanced palate with good mouthfill.”

Distributor Polaner Selections touts, “A rich and mineral-driven Blanc de Noirs at an exceptional value.”

Wine Spectator

Rating: 90

“Bright and fresh, with a honey-laced finish.”

Vinous

Rating: 89

“… 100% Pinot Noir is laced with sweet tobacco, flowers, mint, dried herbs and red stone fruits.”

Eric Asimov, (NY Times wine critic)

“ … the Grande Cuvée from Moutard … showed its 100 percent pinot noir character in its rich, full-bodied texture and ripe fruit flavors.”

Howie Rubin (Bauer Wines)

“… aromas of fresh baked bread and wild strawberries … bright apple and quince flavors.”

We think what this wine doesn’t give up on the nose, it makes up on the palate. Perhaps Howie Rubin summed it up best, “Great champagnes are characterized by a long, persistent finish, and that’s where the Moutard shines. Compare it to one of the big names in champagne and you will see the difference.”

Here’s to August! And, here’s to Grower Champagnes!

We purchased our bottle of Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée at Bauer Wine & Spirits (price: $39.99).

More …

Howie Rubin on: The Growing Interest in Grower Champagne [PDF Full Text]

Here’s How Our Sparkling Resolution Began

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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Mastering Hamersley's Roast Chicken Recipe

Water Main Flushing May Mean Rusty Water…

Meet Coco the Cafe Yogi

July 31, 2015
Plan a Jamón Ibérico Tasting

A twitter conversation with Peter, a West Coast friend, reminded me of our New Year's Eve jamón tasting.

Lovely curls of Jamón ibérico

We splurged on a bit of Jamón Ibérico and tasted it with a larger portion of Jamón Serrano. We combined a great bottle of grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs, with a wooden board covered with crusty breat, great cheese, salumi, and the two jamónes.

Piles of Jamón Serrano

We love the combination of salty meat with Champagne. And, when we decide to stay in and enjoy the bounty of our own wine rack, we think it's okay to splurge a bit on the food.

There is a theory that your taste buds are most receptive to the first 1 to 4 bites of something. Why not take advantage of that when you want to splurge. Buy the best in a small quantity. Then, buy a larger amount of something wonderful but a lot less expensive.

We took our time and savored those curls of Jamón Ibérico and then went on to enjoyed the lovely pile of Serrano.

Someone wrote on twitter today that she loved having guests because she could go to Formaggio for a cheese tray. We love having shops like Formaggio, so we can go and buy one perfect cheese or outstanding jamon, just for us.

Related Posts:

Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs

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What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©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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February 19, 2013
Plan a Jamón Ibérico Tasting

A twitter conversation with Peter, a West Coast friend, reminded me of our New Year's Eve jamón tasting.

Lovely curls of Jamón ibérico

We splurged on a bit of Jamón Ibérico and tasted it with a larger portion of Jamón Serrano. We combined a great bottle of grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs, with a wooden board covered with crusty breat, great cheese, salumi, and the two jamónes.

Piles of Jamón Serrano

We love the combination of salty meat with Champagne. And, when we decide to stay in and enjoy the bounty of our own wine rack, we think it's okay to splurge a bit on the food.

There is a theory that your taste buds are most receptive to the first 1 to 4 bites of something. Why not take advantage of that when you want to splurge. Buy the best in a small quantity. Then, buy a larger amount of something wonderful but a lot less expensive.

We took our time and savored those curls of Jamón Ibérico and then went on to enjoyed the lovely pile of Serrano.

Someone wrote on twitter today that she loved having guests because she could go to Formaggio for a cheese tray. We love having shops like Formaggio, so we can go and buy one perfect cheese or outstanding jamon, just for us.

Related Posts:

Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs

Surryano Ham from Virginia is Peanut-Fed Berkshire Pork

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©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

Pig out with a Spanish specialty at Jamon Iberico Pata Negra

Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs

Going local in Andalucia

Spanish Chronicles: Jamón Jamón

Boston Tweet's Terrific Late Night Dining List

February 19, 2013
Plan a Jamón Ibérico Tasting

A twitter conversation with Peter, a West Coast friend, reminded me of our New Year's Eve jamón tasting.

Lovely curls of Jamón ibérico

We splurged on a bit of Jamón Ibérico and tasted it with a larger portion of Jamón Serrano. We combined a great bottle of grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs, with a wooden board covered with crusty breat, great cheese, salumi, and the two jamónes.

Piles of Jamón Serrano

We love the combination of salty meat with Champagne. And, when we decide to stay in and enjoy the bounty of our own wine rack, we think it's okay to splurge a bit on the food.

There is a theory that your taste buds are most receptive to the first 1 to 4 bites of something. Why not take advantage of that when you want to splurge. Buy the best in a small quantity. Then, buy a larger amount of something wonderful but a lot less expensive.

We took our time and savored those curls of Jamón Ibérico and then went on to enjoyed the lovely pile of Serrano.

Someone wrote on twitter today that she loved having guests because she could go to Formaggio for a cheese tray. We love having shops like Formaggio, so we can go and buy one perfect cheese or outstanding jamon, just for us.

Related Posts:

Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs

Surryano Ham from Virginia is Peanut-Fed Berkshire Pork

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©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

Pig out with a Spanish specialty at Jamon Iberico Pata Negra

Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs

Going local in Andalucia

Spanish Chronicles: Jamón Jamón

Boston Tweet's Terrific Late Night Dining List

February 19, 2013
Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs
The most intriguing thing about crossing the threshold into a new year can be the uncertainty of what lies ahead. So to help improve our odds of success, we’ll be uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs.

Since we’ve discovered some astonishing examples of these artisanal wines during 2012, why stop now? We’ll ring-in the new year with this bottle from Cédric Bouchard, a producer who’s gained an almost rock star status in the wine world.

He’s known for “single-vineyard, single vintage and single-grape bottlings.” (Imperatrice Fine Wines) Bouchard founded his own champagne house, Roses de Jeanne, in 2000 looking “to produce the unique and recognizable champagne wines different from all [of] others.”

Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010 (from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors) is described as …
- “sweet red berries … flowers and mint … a weightless, crystalline finish” (Wine Library)
- “hand harvested … crushed by foot … unfined … unfiltered” (Polaner Selections)
- “stunning textural elegance … fabulous balance” (56 Degree Wine)
The drinking window for maximum enjoyment is open through 2018, but after reading these comments, we just couldn’t wait. We’ll uncork this bottle on the eve of 2013, see if it lives up to the hype, and report back in this post – watch our tweets for an update notice.

Update (1.2.13) Our Tasting Notes: Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010
- “scent of sugary caramel … loved the back-of-the-throat grab”
- “good, long finish (can still taste that sip long afterwards)”
- “appley, citrus character on first taste”
- “yin-yang on my tongue (sweet in front, tart in back)
- “All the terroir is here. This is what 2010 tasted like at this vineyard.”
- “No one messed with this wine, they just delivered the best of the vineyard’s flavor to our glasses, with a dash of sparkle!”
Not surprisingly, this special Champagne benefits from not being over-chilled. We enjoyed it more as it warmed and opened over a couple of hours. It was the perfect complement to our New Year’s Eve plates of salumi, cheeses, and breads – even holding its own with our favorite Boston Cream Pie from Flour Bakery.

We were impressed and can’t wait to discover more gems from the vineyards of Cédric Bouchard – the search is on!

Related Posts:

It’s New Year’s each month with Our Sparkling Resolution

Here’s 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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny 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

Shopping for Champagnes for the Holidays: 10 Favorite Bottles Under $60

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Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2012 in Boston

Argyle Brut Rosé – a Treat to Greet November!

What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2012 – 2013
December 31, 2012
Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs
The most intriguing thing about crossing the threshold into a new year can be the uncertainty of what lies ahead. So to help improve our odds of success, we’ll be uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs.

Since we’ve discovered some astonishing examples of these artisanal wines during 2012, why stop now? We’ll ring-in the new year with this bottle from Cédric Bouchard, a producer who’s gained an almost rock star status in the wine world.

He’s known for “single-vineyard, single vintage and single-grape bottlings.” (Imperatrice Fine Wines) Bouchard founded his own champagne house, Roses de Jeanne, in 2000 looking “to produce the unique and recognizable champagne wines different from all [of] others.”

Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010 (from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors) is described as …
- “sweet red berries … flowers and mint … a weightless, crystalline finish” (Wine Library)
- “hand harvested … crushed by foot … unfined … unfiltered” (Polaner Selections)
- “stunning textural elegance … fabulous balance” (56 Degree Wine)
The drinking window for maximum enjoyment is open through 2018, but after reading these comments, we just couldn’t wait. We’ll uncork this bottle on the eve of 2013, see if it lives up to the hype, and report back in this post – watch our tweets for an update notice.

Update (1.2.13) Our Tasting Notes: Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010
- “scent of sugary caramel … loved the back-of-the-throat grab”
- “good, long finish (can still taste that sip long afterwards)”
- “appley, citrus character on first taste”
- “yin-yang on my tongue (sweet in front, tart in back)
- “All the terroir is here. This is what 2010 tasted like at this vineyard.”
- “No one messed with this wine, they just delivered the best of the vineyard’s flavor to our glasses, with a dash of sparkle!”
Not surprisingly, this special Champagne benefits from not being over-chilled. We enjoyed it more as it warmed and opened over a couple of hours. It was the perfect complement to our New Year’s Eve plates of salumi, cheeses, and breads – even holding its own with our favorite Boston Cream Pie from Flour Bakery.

We were impressed and can’t wait to discover more gems from the vineyards of Cédric Bouchard – the search is on!

Related Posts:

It’s New Year’s each month with Our Sparkling Resolution

Here’s 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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny 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

Shopping for Champagnes for the Holidays: 10 Favorite Bottles Under $60

DeRusha Eats: Grower Champagne

5 Reasons to Have Cider on Your Holiday Menu

Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2012 in Boston

Argyle Brut Rosé – a Treat to Greet November!

What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2012 – 2013
December 31, 2012
Uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs
The most intriguing thing about crossing the threshold into a new year can be the uncertainty of what lies ahead. So to help improve our odds of success, we’ll be uncorking 2013 with a Grower Champagne, Inflorescence Blanc de Noirs.

Since we’ve discovered some astonishing examples of these artisanal wines during 2012, why stop now? We’ll ring-in the new year with this bottle from Cédric Bouchard, a producer who’s gained an almost rock star status in the wine world.

He’s known for “single-vineyard, single vintage and single-grape bottlings.” (Imperatrice Fine Wines) Bouchard founded his own champagne house, Roses de Jeanne, in 2000 looking “to produce the unique and recognizable champagne wines different from all [of] others.”

Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010 (from Gordon’s Fine Wines & Liquors) is described as …
- “sweet red berries … flowers and mint … a weightless, crystalline finish” (Wine Library)
- “hand harvested … crushed by foot … unfined … unfiltered” (Polaner Selections)
- “stunning textural elegance … fabulous balance” (56 Degree Wine)
The drinking window for maximum enjoyment is open through 2018, but after reading these comments, we just couldn’t wait. We’ll uncork this bottle on the eve of 2013, see if it lives up to the hype, and report back in this post – watch our tweets for an update notice.

Update (1.2.13) Our Tasting Notes: Inflorescence Champagne Blanc de Noirs 2010
- “scent of sugary caramel … loved the back-of-the-throat grab”
- “good, long finish (can still taste that sip long afterwards)”
- “appley, citrus character on first taste”
- “yin-yang on my tongue (sweet in front, tart in back)
- “All the terroir is here. This is what 2010 tasted like at this vineyard.”
- “No one messed with this wine, they just delivered the best of the vineyard’s flavor to our glasses, with a dash of sparkle!”
Not surprisingly, this special Champagne benefits from not being over-chilled. We enjoyed it more as it warmed and opened over a couple of hours. It was the perfect complement to our New Year’s Eve plates of salumi, cheeses, and breads – even holding its own with our favorite Boston Cream Pie from Flour Bakery.

We were impressed and can’t wait to discover more gems from the vineyards of Cédric Bouchard – the search is on!

Related Posts:

It’s New Year’s each month with Our Sparkling Resolution

Here’s 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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny 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

Shopping for Champagnes for the Holidays: 10 Favorite Bottles Under $60

DeRusha Eats: Grower Champagne

5 Reasons to Have Cider on Your Holiday Menu

Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2012 in Boston

Argyle Brut Rosé – a Treat to Greet November!

What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2012 – 2013
December 31, 2012
Toasting a Sparkling December!

Long ago, we decided that we weren’t waiting for New Years Eve to raise a glass of sparkling wine and toast a happy ending and new beginning. So we’ve started each month with a bottle of bubbles since 2007! And, we’ve been sharing our bubbly selections with BostonZest readers since New Years Eve 2009.

That means we have amassed quite a collection of wine recommendations. They are all available any time you want them from the “Sparkling Wine & More” tab at the top of each page.

With a month of gift buying, parties, and holidays in front of us, we’ll say “Happy New Month,” sip a glass of Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco, and link you to a few bottles you might add to your holiday shopping list.

A Case of Sparkle

Ordering a case of a good, inexpensive, sparkling wine can be a great idea this time of year. Many shops will give you a case discount. If the store does not promote it, ask. You can also call ahead and have the wine merchant bring in the extra case of the wine you want.

We can suggest Dibon Cava, Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs, or the Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco we’re opening this month.

Pre-wrap a few bottles and you will be prepared for hostess gifts, thank you gifts, client gifts, or something special to hand out with a holiday cash tip.

Gift Wines For Wine Lovers

For someone who loves wine and would like to try something that will expand their wine life list or add a new category of taste to their holdiay, we would splurge on a “Grower Champagne.”

Central Bottle in Central Square Cambridge always seems to have a supply of these special bottles on hand. We recommend both the Champagne Chartogne-Taillet and Pierre Peters shown from ledgendary importer and wine educator Terry Theise. His annual catalogs are available online and provide a champagne education.

Pink for Romance!

Wrap up a romantic evening with the gift of a pink sparkler. It can be a value priced Louis Bouillot Rosé cremant. Or a splurge with a bottle of Delamotte Brut Rose from the maker of Salon Champagne.

Other pinks that tickle our fancy are Argyle Brut Rosé from Oregon, 3B Sparkling Rosé from Portuguese winemaker Filipa Pato, and for the utlimate fun evening try opening a bottle of Puro Rosé! (We had to make a video to show you how to open this one.)

Please add to our list by telling us about your favorite sparkling wine for the holidays. You can add a comment at the bottom of this post, sent it to @bostonzest on twitter or send us an email.

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: © 2009-2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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December 1, 2012