Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving.

In my last email I neglected to mention our wine tasting on Saturday. We will have a Sauvignon Blanc from France and a Tempranillo from Spain. 

We still have a limited number of ticket’s available for the George Taber/wine tasting event. The best part is that you will home in time to watch the Patriots!  Just call to reserve your tickets or stop in – we’d love to see you.

Saturday’s Wine Tasting – noon to 4

2006  Les Pierres Plates Reuilly – Sauvignon Blanc – Loire Valley, France - Floral aromas with fresh apple flavors. ($17.99) 

2005 Ribera Duero Protos – Tempranillo, Spain - On the palate, the wine is round, easy to drink and mild flavored. The finish is slightly tingly and dry. ($17.99) 

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

This will be even better than our Thursday night wine tastings!

On Sunday, November 30th at 1 pm you will not only get to meet George Taber but will also have the opportunity to taste 36 wines poured from 9 different wine representatives. There will be local wines, wines from Italy, France, Australia, Germany, Uruguay, California and Washington State. Where else will you get a chance to meet a fascinating author, get your book signed by the author, listen to him discuss the experiences that led to Judgment of Paris; California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine, taste 36 wines and eat some wonderful appetizers that you don’t have to prepare!

Tickets are $30.00 each. For details or reservations, call 426-5212, email or just stop in. 

On Wednesday from 4:00 until 7:00 we will have a wine tasting to try more wonderful wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal. Labelle Winery Cranberry wine, LaBelle Winery Blueberry wine and McManis Viognier. 

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. HAPPY THANKSGIVING. 

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I can’t believe how cold it is getting. I am not ready for winter! And I can’t believe there are only 9 days until Thanksgiving. Where did the month of November go.

We will have 3 wine tasting’s before Thanksgiving giving you plenty of opportunities to find the perfect wine and food pairing. And we will have extended hours next week. We will be open Monday 11:00 to 6:00, Tuesday 11:00 to 7:00 and Wednesday 11:00 to 7:00.

Don’t forget to reserve ticket’s for the George M. Taber/wine tasting event. The day will be here before you know it – actually 12 days! We’re up to having 36 wines to taste (and still growing). 12 of the wines will come from 3 local NH winery’s.

For this Thursday’s wine tasting Sandy from RP Imports will be pouring 4 teriffic wines – 2 white and 2 red. 

Thursday’s Wine Tasting – 3 from Washington State, 1 from Oregon

2007 “Walla Voila” Le E’Coel #41- Chenin Blanc – Walla Walla, Washington State - Transparent, light straw color. Pears and melons, ripe, white fruit on the nose and palate. Juicy and fresh pear and citrus flavors, gentle sweetness more than adequately balanced by a vibrant edge of fresh-fruit acidity. ($17.99) 

2006 Buried Cane, 80% Riesling, 10% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, Washington State - Off-dry white with the honey, peach and melon aromas and flavors that define Washington State Riesling. ($17.99) 

Buried Cane, 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.5% Merlot, 10.5 Syrah, Washington State - Rich, dry red wine with full black currant, cherry and vanilla spice characters. ($18.99)  

2006 The Eyrie Vineyards – Pinot Noir – Dundee Hills, Oregon - These are the oldest pinot vines in Oregon. Strikingly fragrant nose offers a complex bouquet of fresh red berries, Asian spices, pungent herbs and rose. Juicy strawberry and raspberry flavors are silky in texture, with mounting sweetness and fine-grained tannins adding gentle grip. An extremely elegant, fresh and vibrant wine, with excellent finishing lift, clarity and persistence. ($34.99)  

Saturday’s Wine Tasting – 1 from Oregon, 2 from Jewell Towne, NH

2006 Foris – Pinot Noir – Rogue Valley, Oregon - The Wall Street Journal recently blind-tasted over 50 Oregon Pinot Noirs under $60. The panel selected the 2006 Foris Pinot Noir as one of its favorite wines and rated it “Very Good – Best Value”. Their description: “Classy, with tightly wound fruit and a raspberry-spice-oak-nutmeg finish. Even a touch of chocolate.” ($22.99)

Reisling - Jewell Towne - Semi-sweet with a floral nose and hints of lime and orange zest. ($13.99)  

Port - Jewell Towne - An intense red berry aroma with hints of coconut, chocolate and vanilla. ($17.99) 

Wednesday’s Wine Tasting – not sure – will send in next weeks email

New Wine’s – 4  from Zorvino Vineyards, 3 from Jewell Towne

Zorvino Vineyards – Sauvignon Blanc - These grapes come from Chili and show some mineral as well as citrus tones. The finish has pear and green apple flavors. ($13.99)

Zorvino Vineyards – Pearz - Light and crisp with some nice acidity and subtle fruit notes. The finish has flavors of caramel and white raison. ($11.99) 

Zorvino Vineyards – Fragole Z - This wine is a Reisling with a touch of Strawberry. Like drinking a fruit salad, this wine is light, refreshing and well balanced. ($15.99) 

Zorvino Vineyards – Bacca Z - A full-bodied Merlot with a hint of Black Raspberry. Wonderful plum and dried fruit are blended with the brambley dark berry fruit flavors. ($15.99)

Jewell Towne - Pinot Grigio - Slightly sweet, crisp, with delicate aromas of honeysuckle and melon. ($13.99)   

Jewell Towne - Reisling (at Saturday’s Tasting) - Semi-sweet with a floral nose and hints of lime and orange zest. ($13.99)  

Jewell Towne – Port (at Saturday’s Tasting) - An intense red berry aroma with hints of coconut, chocolate and vanilla. ($17.99)

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 and on Saturday from noon to 4:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

Are you a member of a BOOK CLUB? If you are and are thinking about your next book club get-together, why not have it on November 30th at 1 pm at our amazing George M. Taber event. Where else will you get a chance to meet the author, get your book signed by the author, listen to him talk discuss the experiences that led to Judgment of Paris; California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine, taste over 30 wines and eat some wonderful appetizers that you don’t have to prepare!

A limited number of tickets are still available – so whether you’re a book club member or are just looking for a great way to start the holiday season – be sure join us for an afternoon of fun. And get some early holiday shopping done. 

For details or reservations, call 426-5212, email or just stop in. 

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

Since today is Veteran’s Day – I’d like to take the opportunity to thank every veteran and their families. Thank You.

Don’t forget to reserve ticket’s for the George M. Taber/wine tasting event. The day will be here before you know it! 

For this Thursday’s wine tasting Karen Eldridge from Southern Wine and Spirits will be pouring 4 teriffic wines.  2 are our Wines of the Month.

Thursday’s Wine Tasting 

2006  Cape Mentelle, 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, Margaret River, Australia - Aromas of zesty lime & fragrant citrus blossom. Lively lemon & lime zest on the palate. Generous texture, balanced by long and even citrus acidity. ($13.99) 

2004 Cape Mentelle, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, Margaret River, Australia - Aromas of black currant, red cherry and lavender. Juicy, ripe plums, blueberries & currants mixed with subtle cedar lead to a bright, well structured palate. ($16.99) 

“new wine and WotM” 2004 Karl Wente – the Nth Degree, Merlot, Livermore Valley, California - Showing a vibrant red color, this Merlot has rich aromas of herbal tea, and black cherry married with vanilla that continue in the mouth with luscious tannins and mouth-filling fruit leading to a long, intense finish. ($51.99 – WotM $46.80)

“new wine and WotM” 2004 Karl Wente – the Nth Degree, Syrah, Livermore Valley, California - Showing a vibrant purple color, this Syrah has rich aromas of bittersweet chocolate and roasted coffee that continue in the mouth with black cherry and coffee bean flavors. Aggressive tannins lead to a wine that is full bodied with a lingering fruit finish. ($47.99 – WotM $43.20)

The Karl Wente Nth Degree wines are as beautiful tasting as they are looking. They would make a great holiday gift. I am offering both wines at a 10% discount plus a free gift box. A great value for great wines.  

Saturday’s Wine Tasting

2005 Handley – Chardonnay – Dry Creek Valley, California – A balance of fruit and oak. Flavors of apple, peach and citrus fruit combine with butter and creme brulee. Great balance of fruit, texture and acidity. ($21.99) 

Mosby non-vintage “Lucca” – Sangiovesse/Dolcetto – Santa Barbara, California - Lucca is a blend of mostly estate-grown Sangiovese with some Dolcetto and is every bit as good as many Chianti Classicos. Named after a picturesque village in Tuscan. Crafted in the style of Chianti Classicos, this wine is rich, flavorful and lightly oaked.($14.99)  

 New Wines

2006 The Eyrie Vineyards – Pinot Noir – Dundee Hills, Oregon – These are the oldest pinot vines in Oregon. Strikingly fragrant nose offers a complex bouquet of fresh red berries, Asian spices, pungent herbs and rose. Juicy strawberry and raspberry flavors are silky in texture, with mounting sweetness and fine-grained tannins adding gentle grip. An extremely elegant, fresh and vibrant wine, with excellent finishing lift, clarity and persistence. ($34.99) 

Nicolis Seccal- Ripasso- Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina, Molinara – Veneto, Italy – Bright ruby red color. Intense characteristic perfume that reminds of ripe fruits and spices. In the mouth it is well bodied, generous, warm, and long-lasting. ($24.99) 

2006 “Walla Voila” Le E’Coel #41- Chenin Blanc – Walla Walla, Washington - Transparent, light straw color. Pears and melons, ripe and forward white fruit on the nose and palate. Juicy and fresh pear and citrus flavors, gentle sweetness more than adequately balanced by a vibrant edge of fresh-fruit acidity. ($17.99)  

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 and on Saturday from noon to 4:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I want to send a little more information regarding the November 30 George M. Taber Event. I’ve copied the press release (at the end of this email) that will be placed in newspapers from Concord NH to Boston MA. Tickets for the event ($30.00 per person) will be sold in advance with a limited number of tickets available. There will be over 20 complimentary wines for you to taste and the event will be catered by Celebrations of Nashua NH. 

[Press Release] 

In May, 1976, the year of America’s Bicentennial, a second American Revolution took place in Paris when, in a blind test, nine French wine experts chose relatively unknown California wines to be superior to the best French wines.  American journalist George M. Taber was the only member of the press present at the tasting, and his report of the event in Time magazine sparked the turning point in the history of California wines.

            Mr. Taber, who told the detailed story of the event in his book Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine (Scribner, 2005), will present a lecture, slide show, and book signing at Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, NH on Sunday, November 30 at 1:00pm.

Hosted by Bella Vino Specialty Wines and Gourmet, located below the Music Hall at 2 Young Road, Mr. Taber’s talk will be accompanied by a complimentary tasting of over twenty wines representative of the globalization of wine that began with the Paris event. A light buffet will be served during the tasting.

Mr. Taber’s books, including his more recent To Cork or Not to Cork: Tradition, Romance, Science, and the Battle for the Wine Bottle (Scribner, 2007) will also be available for sale at the event.

A limited number of tickets are available for the lecture for $30 and may be purchased at Bella Vino, by phone at 426-5212, or by emailing Bella Vino at paula@bellavinonh.com.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for 2 emails in one day but I wanted to send along information on the special George Taber/wine tasting event as well as our weekly wine tasting update.

For this Thursday’s wine tasting Brenna Cavanaugh from Perfecta Wines will be pouring 3 German wines and 1 Oregon Pinot Noir in preparation for your Thanksgiving wine selections. (yes, it will be here before we know it!) 

Thursday’s Wine Tasting 

2006 – Duck Pond Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon - Great Pinot Noir from the Oregon Williamette Valley. The wine is rich in color, fruit-forward, and full-bodied with spectacular aging potential. ($21.99) 

“new wine” 2006 Urban, Riesling, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Germany - Urban Riesling is a contemporary wine with traditional roots. The best grapes available from neighbors’ vineyards are selected to produce a wine which reflects the authentic taste profile of top quality Mosel Rieslings: racy and spritzy with ripe aromas, smoky and floral in the nose, with brilliant fruit and the typical Mosel slate minerality. ($13.99) 

“new wine” 2007 Prinz Salm, Riesling, Kabinett, Nahe, Germany - Exotic flavors of apricot, nectarine and yellow plum are enhanced with a crisp lime acidity and a long, mineral finish. ($23.99)  

2005 Joh. Jos. Prum, Riesling, Kabinett, Mosel Saar Ruwer, Germany - J.J. Prum is a leader in winemaking in the Mosel region, and thus throughout Germany. This wine offers a nose that is floral with tropical fruits and lime. It displays a similar palate with some peach. Rich, fresh, fruity and delicate flavors. ($27.99)

Saturday’s Wine Tasting

2006 Peter Paul – Chardonnay – Mendocino County, California - Fruit and floral character framed by subtle oak followed by crisp acidity and clean minerality. ($22.99) 

2005 Peter Paul – Zinfandel – Dry Creek, California - Supple tannins support a core of black cherry and cassias, with hints of clove, black pepper and anise. Toasty vanilla notes and a good long finish. ($23.99)  

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 and on Saturday from noon to 5:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I want my favorite customers to be the first to know about an upcoming special event. On Sunday, November 30th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Bella Vino will be hosting Mr. George Taber, author of Judgment of Paris; California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting that Revolutionized Wine. Mr. Taber was the only reporter present at the tasting were California wines went head to head against France’s finest in a blind tasting before a panel of French wine experts with remarkable results.

The event, which will be held upstairs at the Tupelo Music Hall, will include a lecture by Mr. Taber, opportunities for book signing of Judgment of Paris and his more recent book To Cork or Not to Cork. He may also give us information on his upcoming book on wine touring. Everyone who attends will receive a Bella Vino Wine glass that will be put to good use during a complimentary wine tasting. We will also have an assortment of food to compliment your wine tasting.

Reservations for the event are just $30.00 per person. Please call, e-mail or drop in for further information or to purchase tickets.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula