Billecart-Salmon Rosé Champagne 2010 This wine is I couldn’t keep it in the bucket. This wine is strawberries. This wine is Old World. This wine is birthday toasted in a bottle. This wine is longevity. This wine is bright. This wine is earth and chalk. This wine is pink. This wine is effervescence at its finest. This wine is delicate. This wine is Aÿ-Champagne. This wine is family. This wine is history. This wine is elegant. This wine is champagne. This wine is 55% Chardonnay from the Crus of Chouilly, Mesnil, and Cramant and 45% Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Mareuil, and Ludes. This wine is clear. This wine is Billecart-Champagne rosé 2010. This wine is. Drink now or hold. Hold, if you can. Better yet, buy two bottles. This wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, from oysters and caviar to beef burgers with stinky cheese, charcuterie boards, roasted chestnuts, salmon beurre blanc, sushi, eggs Benedict, ice cream, chocolate cake and soufflé. This wine retails range is $119-$250 USD 750ml. Where to buy the goods? Ice buckets, champagne stoppers, wine corkscrew, stemware and other stuffs? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. Please know I may receive compensation for eligible purchases. Thank you so much! Cheers!
Yellow Label: Veuve It’s one of the most recognizable labels in the world. This wine is a vibrant explosion of life with strong flavors of Pinot Noir grapes (its the dominant grape), followed by Chardonnay and the masterpiece of balancing blending grape Pinot Meunier. As I sit on my floor in my silk floral, shoveling heaping mounds of caviar topped with diced purple onions onto my blini and washing down each sip of this pale yellow nectar, each bubble exploding and dissolving on my tongue simultaneously, I am grateful, thinking about my life. I also, while mentally counting my blessing, took a moment to sip and spit. Just a moment, as it had taken us all night to get here. I stood on chairs, rearranged, changed lights, and used reflective paper to take photos of this group of eggs and vintage coupes with the bottle. Then, I begin, clearing my throat to call the wine. This wine is sparkling. This wine is pale yellow. This wine is apple. This wine is peach and citrus with toast. This wine is minerals and bright. This wine is crisp. This wine is Old World. This wine is Veuve Clicquot. This wine is nostalgia. I wouldn’t say that calling it for the Court of Master Sommeliers, or maybe. I had a made me think of that time drinking it while sitting on another floor across the country in my kitchen in NYC. I loved that apartment. This wine is a good idea always. It was then for me, it is now. There’s reason it’s been around for all the years. This wine is bold. This wine is promise. This wine is magic. This wine is luxury. This wine is history. This wine has been sparkling for 250 years. Madame Clicquot, also known as Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, played a significant role in the development champagne. Champagne was created in the 17th Century and while Madame was not responsible for inventing champagne but what she did do was create techniques to refine the champagne-making process known as riddling. Riddling is one of the processes which is responsible for the clarity and quality of champagne as we know it today. Riddling (remuage in French) happens after the fermentation (Millard reaction) and aging process. Over time, the bottles are rotated and tilted, enabling the yeast and sediment to shift towards the neck of the bottle. This action consolidates the sediment in the bottle’s neck, facilitating its removal. After the riddling process is finished, the bottle’s neck is frozen, and the sediment is removed through a procedure called disgorgement. Riddling mostly happens using machines these days; however, some houses do so by hand even today. This wine retails for around $70 USD for 750ml. Smaller and larger formats also available. Pricing of size and location varies. Drink now. Always drink now. Hold if you want to but my vote is drink now. This wine pairs well with or without food. This wine pairs perfectly with caviar, oysters, triple crème cheeses and toast, grilled and poached salmon, olive oil covered angel hair or penne pasta with Parmesan Reggiano and black pepper, crème brûlée, black truffle French fries, and duck. Side Note: if you haven’t seen the documentary Truffle Hunters, I certainly recommend. Please enjoy responsibly and of the legal drinking age. Where to buy the goods? Couple glasses, champagne buckets and stoppers and such? BlondeBehindtheBucket Storefront. Please know I may receive commissions from eligible purchases. Thank you. Labels from the Veuve Clicquot book I purchased while visiting the exhibition
Ruinart Blanc Singulier Champagne This wine is bubbles. This wine is delicate and crisp. This wine is slate and mineral. This wine is chalk and citrus. This wine is acidic and bright. This wine is an offering of subtle sweetness. This wine is vanilla and spices with pear. This wine is champagne. This wine is Reims, France. This wine is Ruinart Blanc Singulier. This wine is. This wine is a sweet, satisfying, lingering on the tongue finish, leaving me wanting more. This wine pairs well with pasta and parm, mushroom and pork, a crusty butter and jam-slathered baguette, French fries with Dijon mustard, oysters, and triple cream cheese doused in aged balsamic. Lemon meringues. In the early hours of New Year’s Day, I enjoyed it alongside a spaghetti noodles olive oil Parmigiana Reggiano and a Dom Perignon back. This wine retails for $150 USD. Hold or drink now. Best served chilled between 46-50 Fahrenheit. Find out more about this wine on the Ruinart website. Where to buy stemware, ice buckets and champagne stoppers (won’t need it with this one though) Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course **I may receive commissions from eligible purchases** thank you
Ruinart Rosé Champagne 375ml This wine is pink and sparkling. This wine has a floral, fruity nose. This wine is red berries. This wine is crisp with bright mineral character. This wine is delicate and vibrant. This wine is champagne. This wine is specifically Ruinart Rosé Champagne. This wine is. This bottle is in a smaller format, measuring 375ml. This size bottle is equivalent to about two and a half glasses. Smaller format wines tend to age faster and are typically brighter and crisper. This wine is predominantly made from Pinot Noir grapes. It was gifted to me with the agreement that if I opened the bottle to pour a single glass, I would take the remainder home. This wine does not disappoint. This wine pairs with shellfish, cheeses (cow and vegan), pork pâte, salads and chocolate mousse and ganache desserts. This wine retails for about $50 USD retail. Drink now. Ruinart is one of the oldest Champagne houses in the world, founded in 1729 in Reims, France. Ruinart has a rich history and has been associated with art and culture throughout the years. The house has collaborated with renowned artists to create unique and artistic packaging for their Champagnes, reflecting their commitment to craftsmanship and creativity. Find out more from their website and social media accounts. Where to buy stemware, champagne toppers, ice buckets and stuffs? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. Please know I will receive commissions on all eligible purchases.
Pet Nat and Cake This wine is pale pink. This wine is sparkling. This wine is light fruit forward with delicate bubbles. This wine is acidic and bright. This wine is from France. This wine is Pet Nat. This wine is. What is Pet Nat? Pet Nat is a sparkling wine lower in sugar and alcohol content. It’s known for being unpredictable because it is bottled before first fermentation takes place and without additional yeast. This method is known as methode ancestrale. This method is completely different than that of champagne’s Méthode Champenoise despite both being sparkling wine and both originating in France. Friendly reminder, champagne isn’t Champagne if it’s not from Champagne, France. Domaine Saint Cyr Pet Nat Gamay Rosé is a light sparkling wine made from 100% Gamay grapes. It is priced at an average of $28 USD per bottle. I purchased this particular wine from my local Erewhon Market. I decided to pair it with my sour cream buttercream-frosted sour cream vanilla cake due to its acidity, fruitiness, and texture. In addition to cake, this wine also pairs well with shellfish, sushi, and salads, and squash and cheese. It is a fun, bright light wine with a pop top that can be enjoyed on any occasion, whether it’s a regular everyday kind of day or a special event. I say everyday as life is the special occasion after all. Don’t you just love the label? “Oh, and what is Gamay, you ask?” Gamay is a red grape variety that is primarily grown in the Beaujolais region of France. It is known for producing light-bodied, fruity wines with flavors of red berries, cherries, and sometimes a hint of banana. Gamay wines are typically low in tannins and have a refreshing acidity, making them an easy to drink wine. Gamay rosé wines, which have a pale pink color and exhibit similar fruit-forward characteristics as the lighter red wines. Gamay rosé is often enjoyed as a refreshing summer wine. This, Domaine Saint Cyr Pet Nat Gamay Rosé, certainly fits the bill indeed. Waiting for the light.. Where to buy the food? You know sparklers, glasses, bottle opener and such? I may earn commissions with eligible purchases, FYI. Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. Please enjoy responsibly and be of the legal drinking age.
wine tasting The Domaines Rothschild Prestige Selection 2020 wine tasting The Domaines Rothschild Prestige Selection 2020 This wine is clear. This wine is ruby crimson. This wine is casis with berries. This wine is medium body with mild notable tannins. This wine is earthy. This wine is Old World. This wine is a Bordeaux blend. This wine is Rothchild Prestige Bordeaux Rogue Selection. This wine is. Domaines Rothschild Bordeaux wine refers specifically to wines produced by the Rothschild family, who are renowned for their winemaking heritage and expertise dating back to the 17th century. They have several prestigious wine estates in Bordeaux, France, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Clarke. These wines are highly regarded and sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Bordeaux wines are typically made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec for red wines, and Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle for white wines. The specific blend of grapes used can vary depending on the winemakers and the specific appellation (region) within Bordeaux. The Prestige Collection is a reflection the of Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild to producing wines even if they don’t undergo the same long aging process. This wine is can be found on various wine websites. The price is around $16-$18USD per bottle. It can be paired with marinated tofu, mushroom dishes, cheese, and meats. Drink now. Please enjoy responsibly and be of the legal drinking age Where to buy glasses and decanter and corkscrews and stuffs related? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront
Les-Rendez Vous De Billecart-Salmon No. 1 This wine is clear. This wine is a golden yellow. This wine is sparkling. This wine is Old World. This wine is apple and pear. This wine is citrus. This wine is brioche. This fresh crisp lively and delicate with fine bubbles. This wine is dry with subtle minerality. This wine is personality and finesse. This wine is Pinot Meunier. This wine is from maison Billecart-Salmon. This wine is limited edition. This wine is Les-Rendez Vous De Billecart-Salmon No. 1. This wine. Those that may have underestimated this one will figure out with a few sips that it does just fine all on its own. No. 1 is a fun sparkling wine that pairs well with shellfish, sushi, patte, caviar, soft cheeses and French fries. This wine retails $65-$110 USD depending on the site. Drink now. Pinot Meunier is Pinot Noir’s fraternal twin, let’s say. This grape is one of three grapes that is often used in many non-vintage champagne blends to balance or soften the non-vintage. Billecart-Salmon is located in the village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in northern France near Épernay. (Épernay is left bank of Marne and the capital of Champagne.) It was founded in 1818. This house has been family owned and operated for seven generations. Where to buy the glasses ice buckets and stuff? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront *i may receive commissions from eligible purchases Please be of the legal limit drinking age and please drink responsibly
the factory wine This wine is clear. This wine is ruby in color. This wine is berries. This wine is cherries and cranberries. This wine is light in body with little to mild but elegant tannins. This wine is strawberries. This wine is spice. This wine is silky smooth. This wine has oak. This wine is a red wine. This wine is New World. This wine is California. This wine is 2018. This wine Pinot Noir (also a grape found in champagne). This wine is Sleepy Hallow vineyards. This wine is l’usine 2018 Saint Lucia Sleepy Hallow Pinot Noir. This wine is art. This wine. l’usine translates from French to English meaning the factory. Yes, Warhol tribute. This wine in particular hangs out in French oak barrels in Saint Lucia Highlands Monterey County California for several months. It is available for purchase on their website and through select retailers (New York and Los Angeles looking at you). Unfortunately, at this time, there isn’t a formal tasting room on location. Drink it now or hold. This wine pairs with pork, duck, salmon, tofu, and morel mushroom dishes. It also pairs well with brie cheeses charcuteries caramels and chocolate mousse. The pricing of the l’usine is $100-110 USD. l’usine cellars Oh, I’m not sure who the model is on the bottle. I have a vague recollection of a couple of conversations about this from pre-COVID days. Is she a daughter, a niece, a friend, or a sister? I can’t say for sure. I called the number on the website, and the lady I spoke to wasn’t sure who the model was either. Where to buy glasses, wine openers and stuff? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront *I may receive commissions on eligible purchases
Billecart-Salmon Rosé Champagne This wine is light pink. This wine has hints of citrus and berries fruit. This wine has rose. This wine is sparkling. This wine has medium body with tannins. This wine is fresh. This wine is dry. This wine is bright. This wine is chalk. This wine is right amount of fruit perfectly moist crust doughy pie? (This is my kind of pie.) This wine is Old-World. This wine is a blend. This wine is from is from Champagne, France. This wine is non-vintage. This wine is champagne. This wine is elegant. This wine is finesse. This wine is Billecart-Salmon brut rosé champagne. This wine retails for $90-$100 USD. This wine can be enjoyed immediately or for the everyday or held and reserved for any special occasion. This wine can be enjoyed on its own or with food. This wine pairs perfectly with caviar, lox, salads, or anything really. Certain foods will be better of course but if you want this with steak or a burger with caramelized onions on brioche, by all means. This one is almost always in my refrigerator. The only reason it wouldn’t be is because an empty bottle sits on my counter. This house is over 200 years old located in Mareuil-sur-Ay near Épernay and has been making rosé champagne since the 1800s. It’s is Chardonnay dominate wine followed by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This wine. More about champagne check other blog posts here. Where to buy the goods? Glasses champagne buckets and stuffs Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront *i may earn commissions from eligible purchases an example of an ISO glass https://youtube.com/shorts/ECyw14UhX4k?feature=share
almond liqueur in a bucket Today’s drink? Amaretto on the rocks with an orange twist. Essentially, it’s an almond liqueur. This liqueur is made in my California kitchen, not in Italy. Despite that, I still feel a little Italian when I enjoy it. You may feel the same way too. Before we start making it, what is amaretto? Amaretto is a nutty, vanilla-tasting liqueur with a slightly bitter flavor and a cherry finish. The first amaretto was said to be made in the 1500’s by a couple in Saronno, Italy. It is recommend to be consumed as a digestif or shaken with an egg white for a sour cocktail. It can also be served neat, on the rocks (my choice today), alongside coffee, or with scotch (one of my favorites). Making your own amaretto can impress your guests. I have brought this and my Irish cream (premium content recipe coming soon) to many a dinner parties and given them as hostess and holiday gifts. The rich bottled goodness could be mistaken and rival those on the shelves in our markets, proving a perfect toast to perfection. If I so say so myself.. For the almond liqueur Ingredients: 1 gallon water 6 cups of sugar 1 x 16 ounces of dark corn syrup 1 Tablespoon of decaf coffee 2 ounces of vanilla 3 ounces of almond extract 2 pints of vodka Method: Combine water, sugar and corn syrup and boil for 50 minutes. Add instant coffee and cool. When cool add extracts and vodka. Store in a glass jar with a lid or vessel of choice. For the drink 2 ounces of almond liqueur Orange twist Pour 2 ounces of almond liqueur over ice. Express twist and rim the glass. Toss peel into glass. Glass: bucket glass Garnish: neatly trimmed orange peel (show and tell making of orange peel garnish click here) Please drink responsibly and be of the legal drinking age Where to buy the goods? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront. *please know I may receive commissions for eligible purchases, thank you so much.