Some of my favorites from the week in the categories of wine, food, travel, and lifestyle. I haven’t had travel on the mind lately, so this week it is left out.
WINE
NV Ferrari Brut
Trento DOC, Italy
$25 (Media Sample)
I usually avoid comparing sparkling wines made outside of Champagne to actual Champagne. Good Champagne derives its incredibly distinct flavors from where it is made. It is uniquely different from sparkling wines made outside the region. That being said this week I had a remarkable sparkling wine from Italy’s Trentino region. It was as close to a Champagne I have had in a wine from Italy.
Ferrari was founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari. After living and learning about sparkling wine production in the Champagne region, Ferrari returned to the Trentino region in Northern Italy to plant Chardonnay – one of the primary grapes used in traditional Champagne production. Now recognized as one of the top sparkling wine producers in Italy, this was my first time trying the wines of Ferrari.
This wine, made from 100% Chardonnay, amazed me with its yeasty aromas followed up by freshly baked bread, lemon peel, crisp red apples, and hazelnuts. Brioche like flavors coat the palate along with a slightly oily texture and a mild (but very refreshing) sweetness lingering. Everything about this wine is well balanced — from the delicate bubbles when you first pour it into your glass, to the complex and evolving flavors on the palate, to the lingering finish. A great wine for $25!
FOOD
Smoked Brisket and a new series on leftovers
When my husband decided he wanted to smoke another brisket for dinner on Sunday my immediate response was, “Really? A whole brisket for just the two of us?” (Our kids don’t really appreciate the delights of smoked meat… yet). His response? “Uh, yeah, think of the leftover meals we can make all-week-long!” He had a point. I’ve realized I enjoy utilizing the leftovers of brisket way more than the day of. Game on.
So we made the brisket, and it sparked the idea of a new series here on the blog — “101 Uses For Leftover Brisket”. Look for the first post next week!
LIFESTYLE
Ben & Jerry’s Free Day vs. Pinkberry
Tuesday was the first day where it finally felt like spring. Actually it felt more like summer with blazing sun and temperatures in the mid 70’s. It was perfect. My day got even better when I heard Ben & Jerry’s was having its “Free Cone Day”.
That evening I, and apparently the entire state of CT, had the original idea to take advantage of this offer. The kids and I walked up to our local Ben & Jerry’s and when I saw the never-ending line I quickly proclaimed “heeeeeelll no!”
But I was really in the mood for a cold sweet treat.
So the kids and I walked across the street to Pinkberry instead for the world’s most expensive frozen yogurt (seriously, the bill was $12.71 for three teeny tiny cups of yogurt). But I didn’t care. I didn’t have to wait in a long line with two antsy toddlers (in fact there was no line at all at Pinkberry) and we ate our goodies in a peaceful silence. Everyone was happy. That was priceless!
Want more? If you liked what you read you can and have new posts delivered directly to your inbox.
Related Posts
Friday Favorites — First Edition
Friday Favorites — Homecoming Edition
Friday Favorites — Guilty Pleasures
{ 1 trackback }