Tag: sparklers

  • April Sparkles with Chandon Brut, California’s French “Wine” Connection

    There’s no doubt that the makers of Chandon Brut Classic are proud of their accomplishments in Napa Valley – it says so right on their label.

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    Founded by Moet & Chandon in the early 1970s, they’ve been praised as the “First French-owned sparkling wine venture in the U.S.,” having utilized, as they point out, their “French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines.” And, although we’ve only tasted one of their sparklers, we’re impressed with the Brut Classic!

    • Fresh fruit on the nose, tiny bubbles
    • Clean, no excessive acidity on a smooth finish
    • Food Friendly (paired well with pretzels)
    • Great event wine (better value than most)

    Chandon says:

    • Apple, pear, citrus flavors & aromas
    • Hint of spice leading to a soft, dry finish
    • Crisp, fresh flavor profile
    • Pairs well with salty, creamy, or nutty foods (Caesar salad, fried calamari, oysters, or fresh sashimi & sushi)

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    Chandon Brut Classic …

    • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
    • Made with lots of wines from multiple vintages
    • Methode Traditionnelle
    • ABV: 12.5%

    Available at several locations, including: Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s

    Suggested Retail Price: $22 (we paid $18)

    During our opinion search, we often read, “If you’re in Napa Valley, visit Napa Domaine Chandon for both food and wine.”

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    As the winery explains, “We draw on our French heritage and innovative American spirit to create vibrant and sophisticated sparkling wines to enliven all occasions.”  

    We say, "A perfect way to toast the arrival of April and spring!"

     

    Check Out these Related Posts:

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    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 

  • Brix Wine Shop Makes Our Nino Franco Dreams Come True!

    Last Thursday, we had the opportunity to taste five wines from Nino Franco Spumanti srl and to meet Silvia Franco.

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    For years we’ve told you of our love for Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco. And, we’ve been unsuccessfully scouting sources for other wines from this vineyard. 

    Imagine our elation when we were invited to a tasting at Brix Wine Shop that included the opportunity to not only try more of this winery’s sparklers, but also to meet Silvia, in person, after a couple of years of internet communication about her family’s wines.

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    Brix Hosts Gracious and Hospitable Tastings

    They provided everything from the right glassware for sniffing and sipping to an antique copper spittoon for those limiting their alcohol intake. And, this tasting attracted a charming crowd who chatted with both Silvia and among themselves. We were all assisted by a most helpful staff.  

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    We tasted and loved each of the five wines brought in for this event:

    • Nino Franco Rustico NV
    • Nino Franco Faive Rose 2012 
    • Nino Franco Primo Franco 2012
    • Nino Franco V. Della Riva San Floriano 
    • Nino Franco Grave di Stecca 

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    Silva Franco Was as Gracious as Brix

    The Brix invitation to meet “Prosecco’s Princess Silvia Franco” said, “If the bubbles don’t win you over (which they will), Silvia’s charming personality and in-depth knowledge will captivate you.” And, they were right. 

    She greeted guests, poured wine, talked wine, answered questions, and signed bottles upon request. Her warm personality and vivacious Italian spirit added as much sparkle to the evening as her wines. We look forward to seeing her again the next time she’s in Boston.

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    30 Years of Primo Franco 

    We had Silvia sign one of our bottles of Primo Franco, a wine named for her father. Later this month, as she and her family celebrate the 30th Vintage of Primo Franco in Valdobbiadene, we’ll open this bottle and toast them here in Boston.

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    Thanks to the Brix team for making this possible. We recommend that wine lovers sign up for their email announcements of tastings. They have introduced us to other favorite winemakers and wineries over the years.

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    Get there soon to enjoy this special and intriguing selection of Nino Franco wines. If you can’t stop by, give Brix a call and ask about putting together a few bottles or a case for delivery.

    Breaking News about the Primo Franco!

    We just saw this announcement in Glass Of Bubbly:

    “In the the world of elite bubbles Primo Franco 2013 has been recognised & awarded in the first edition of The Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships”:

    • Gold Medal
    • Best In Class Medal 
    • World Champion Medal” 

    Congratulation to the entire Nino Franco team and family. 

    If you love sparkling wine, consider joining Our Sparkling Resolution and begin each month with a glass of bubbles.

    And, 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: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Favorite Holiday Sparklers from Cava to Champagne– Our Friday Link!

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    Our favorite sparkling wines for your holiday shopping list make up today's Friday Link.

    During the past four years, we’ve been saluting each new month with a glass of bubbly– it’s Our Sparkling Resolution.

    Here are some of our favorites, beginning with the more budget-friendly…

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    Always on hand, it’s that good! Nino Franco Prosecco

    A relatively inexpensive sparkler for beginners and experts alike,
    Segura Viudas Brut Rosé

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    An inexpensive sparkler with nice balance, Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine

    Looks like a party! La Rosée 2009 

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    A lovely way to greet your guests, Adami Prosecco

    An old friend, in more ways than one, Argyle Brut

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    Excellent growers choice, Pierre Peters Champagne

    Getting a bottle of Movia Puro Rosé open could be the hit of the party!

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    Sparkling Wine Can Be a Small Luxury or a Big One, Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé

    To help you with your shopping for New Years Eve, we’ve added a Sparkling Wine Tab (Top of Page) to make it easier to keep up with Our Sparkling Resolution selections.

    Enjoy!

    Our Sparkling Resolution

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Fine wine glasses that are dishwasher safe? While Ed insists on washing our stems, I can't swear to it but the manufacture says that, the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Forte Collection can go in the dishwasher. We do put our barware from the same line through the dishwaser all the time.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

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