Hi Everyone,

Happy Spring to all!! It may not feel like Spring but it is good to know that warm days are on the way. 

Just a few wine reminders:

Londonderry artist and photographer Connie Price will be here on Saturday April 4 at 1:00 pm. We will have a wine tasting with Sandy from R.P. Imports as well as light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you.

Patrick Dunn From Dunn Wine Brokers will be be at Unum’s in Nashua on April 1 along with Chuck from Wineberries to present an Italian wine dinner evening. A 5 course dinner along with 6 wines will be served – the highlight, dueling Brunello’s with the main course. The cost is $85.00 and seating is at 6:00pm. For reservations or further information call Unum’s at 821-6511.

The Greater Londonderry YMCA will be holding their annual “Benefit Wine Tasting and Auction” on Friday April 17, 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Executive Court Banquet Facility. The tickets are $35 per person. You can purchase tickets at the event or I have some available at Bella Vino.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Roz from Vinilandia

“New Wine” Scagliola Dolcesvago Moscato – Piedmont, Italy – Dolcesvago means “sweet amusement” in Italian and this perfectly defines this wine. A beautiful Moscato with a touch of sweetness and fizziness to start leading into wonderful herbs and apples. This is not sticky sweet, yet light and refreshing with a dry, pleasant finish. ($15.99) 

“New Wine” 2007 Scagliola Barbera d’Asti Frem - Barbara -  Piedmont, Italy - The ‘Frem’ Barbera possesses all of the brightness of fruit and high acid of a young Barbera, coupled with very soft tannins and deep, dark berry fruits. With aromas of wild currants and blackberry, this red has the ideal amount of acidity and depth, giving it the ability to pair with grilled meats or heavy cheeses as well as lighter tomato dishes and fish. ($19.99)

“New Wine” 2005 Terre Rouge Tete-a-Tete – 56% Syrah, 28% Mourvèdre & 16% Grenache - Sierra Foothills, California - A peppery nose interwoven with black cherries, black currants, and roasted herbs is reminiscent of a classic southern Rhone Valley wine. Some blacker fruits make an impression on the palate, and the wine is textured, attractively pure, ripe, and delicious. ($18.99)

Saturday’s Wine Tasting

2007 Big Fire - Pinot Gris – McMinnville, Oregon - Fresh and crisp with aromatic lime blossom fragrance and flavors of pears, apples and delicate blossoms. ($19.99)

2006 Big Fire - Pinot Noir – McMinnville, Oregon - This Pinot Noir is like a ripe plum – juicy, fruity and very drinkable. ($25.99)

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 and on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00.

 Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

Happy St. Patrick’s day to all. What a great week. Today is St. Patrick’s day, Thursday Patrick (not sure, but I don’t think he is any relation to St. Patrick) will be visiting us and pouring 4 of his great wine’s and Friday is the first day of Spring. What a line up!

Our “Aroma Wine Class” was fantastic. It was a lot of fun and we all got so much out of it. Many thought it far exceeded their expectations and asked us to repeat the class. We’ll let you know when we do it again.

The Greater Londonderry YMCA will be holding their annual “Benefit Wine Tasting and Auction” on Friday April 17, 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The Executive Court Banquet Facility. The tickets are $35 per person. You can purchase tickets at the event or I have some available at Bella Vino.

Thursdays Wine Tasting

2006 White Oak – Sauvignon Blanc – Russian River Valley, California – Bright forward aromas of apple, kiwi fruit, honeysuckle and lechee nut.  Flavors of lemongrass, melon and pear combine and lead to a fresh, crisp finish. ($21.99) 

2004 White Oak – 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot -  Russian River Valley, California - Concentrated and rich aromas of dark chocolate and black fruit are framed by toasty oak and vanillia scents. Full and juicy in the mouth, the flavors of currants and black cherry are supported by ripe tannins. Black fruit and toasty oak combine to form the lengthy finish. ($29.99)

“New Wine” 2007 Macchia Mischievous - Old Vine Zinfandel – Lodi, California - This deep-hued wine is a blend from five different old vine Zinfandel vineyards. Each bring their unique personalities that, when combined, equal the classic fruit-forward characteristics that constitute the center-piece of all great Lodi wines. The rich, ripe berry flavors are high-lighted with a subtle hint of soft vanilla-oak. ($20.99)

2006 Le Tobele Valpolicella Ripasso – Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara - Russian River Valley, California - A rounded, velvet-textured wine with rich, complex aromas of berries and an impressively lengthy finish that seems to linger forever. ($21.99) 

Saturday’s Wine Tasting

2007 KWV Steen - Chenin Blanc  - South Africa - The aromas are inviting and include herbs, melon, crisp green apples and spice. The finish is simple, with maybe a hint of residual sugar well balanced by a tart acidic finish. ($12.99)

2004 Ray’s Station - 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 2% Syrah and 1% Cabernet Franc  - Bordeaux, France - Dark, garnet colored wine with a fruit-driven nose that hints at ripe black cherry, plum, tobacco and vanilla spice. On the palate, the mouth-filling fruit is balanced by smooth tannins. Look for a lingering vanilla oak sweetness. ($17.99)

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 and on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I want to let you know about a special event we will be having at Bella Vino on Saturday April 4. I have copied the press release below. We are always trying to serve you, our customers and our great community. We look forward to seeing you. 

LONGTIME LONDONDERRY RESIDENT TO HOLD ART EXHIBIT AT BELLA VIINO SPECIALITY WINES AND GOURMET

Bella Vino Specialty Wines and Gourmet of Londonderry, NH will host a showing by Londonderry artist and photographer Constance Price on Saturday April 4 at 1:00pm. The event is free and open to the public and will include light refreshments and a complimentary wine tasting by Sandy Rozek from R.P. Imports of Manchester, NH.

            Ms. Price, a twenty-five year resident of Londonderry, has long been inspired by nature. Her most recent works are large-scale canvases that celebrate the blooms and blossoms of New Hampshire. She has also produced a variety of personal journals, wine journals, and note cards, which will also be on display.

            The Price show is the most recent in a series of community events hosted by Paula Doucette, owner of Bella Vino, whose vision is for her wine cellar to be a community gathering place.  The event will also include a raffle for a signature Bella Vino gourmet food and wine basket, with proceeds going to Londonderry Comforts.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

It is hard to believe that next Friday the 20th will be the official first day of Spring and Tuesday the 17th is St. Patrick’s day. So to help us celebrate both events “This Week’s Special Offer” will feature 10% off any wine with green in the label. Happy hunting!

We’re looking forward to Thursday’s wine tasting. Sandy from RP Imports will be pouring 3 wonderful wines.

We have just 2 openings left for our “Aroma Wine Class.” Steve and Ambra, from F & F Wine Imports will help us fine tune our sense of smell, the most powerful key to unlocking the flavors of wine. Call or stop by for details.

We have a lot on “New Wines” this week. We are always searching for some new, tasty wines for a variety of food pairings and occasions.

Thursdays Wine Tasting

2006 Champalou Vouvray – Chenin Blanc – Loire, France - 88 Pts. WS -Fresh, with crunchy acidity carrying green apple, green plum and lime notes. Bright, floral finish. ($19.99) 

“Red Wine of the Month” 2006 Clayhouse Adobe Red - Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Malbec - California (grapes sourced mainly from Paso Robles, Monterey, Lodi and Santa Barbara) - The Adobe Red is a proprietary blend with ripe flavors of cherry, plum and vanilla bean, with rich spicy blueberry and cherry notes. The tannins are supple, and the balanced oak character adds an additional vanilla note. ($17.99 – WotM $16.20)

“New Wine” 2006 Klinker Brick- Old Vine Zinfandel – Lodi, California - Both complex and bold, showing typical Klinker Brick cherry/berry/plum fruit components with aromatic spices on the nose. This wine is incredibly well balanced with a silky smooth texture and a long lingering finish. ($21.99)

New Wine’s

2006 A Mano - Primitivo (Zinfandel) – Puglia, Italy - This unusual wine from the heel of Italy delivers deep purple fruits and a velvety finish. The strong taste of cedar, blueberries, and aniseed reveal a complex palate with a long finish. ($14.99)    

2005 G. Vigouroux Pigmentum - Malbec  - Cohors, France - From the home of Malbec, a grape which made famous the ‘Black Wines of Cahors’, this mellow earthy wine has a delicious warmth of flavour so typical of this region. Pronounced dark cassis and plum fruits, overlaid with liquorice and vanilla. A mature wine, rich and robust with a pleasant flavoursome finish. ($15.99) 

2008 Rain - Suavignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand - An atypical sauvignon, the characteristic minerality is pale and light, and the fruit notes are so balanced it is difficult to pick out the gooseberry, white currant, and kiwi flavors. Under it all lies a strong harmony of fragrant, flowery grasses. ($18.99)     

2006 Vina Sastre Roble - Tempranillo – Ribera del Duero, Spain - This tempranillo displays a beautiful violet color with aromas of truffles, earth & crushed fruit. Very elegant on the palate with bright fruit and sweet oak. ($22.99)   

2006 Patassy Vineyard - Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley, California - Expressive red fruit but not over ripe. Nicely balanced with hints of cinammon, spice and a very long finish. ($29.99)   

Saturday’s Wine Tasting

“New Wine” 2005 G. Vigouroux Pigmentum - Malbec  - Cohors, France - From the home of Malbec, a grape which made famous the ‘Black Wines of Cahors’, this mellow earthy wine has a delicious warmth of flavour so typical of this region. Pronounced dark cassis and plum fruits, overlaid with liquorice and vanilla. A mature wine, rich and robust with a pleasant flavoursome finish. ($14.99)

2005 Clarendelle - 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 60% Semillon  - Bordeaux, France - Medium-bodied with hints of grapefruit, citrus and pineapple. Balanced acidity with minimal oak influence. ($19.99)

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 and on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s snowstorm – I was just beginning to see grass in my yard. We’re looking forward to Thursday’s wine tasting. Chuck from Wineberries will be pouring 3 of his tasty wines. 

For our fifth week in the countdown to spring our “This Week’s Special Offer” will feature 10% off all New Hampshire Made Products – food, wine and gifts.

We have just a few openings left for our “Aroma Wine Class.” This class will be as fun as it is informative. Call or stop by for details.

Thursdays Wine Tasting

“Customer Pick – Gary’s Pick” 2005 Strele Soave – 100% Garganega – Veneto, Italy - Fresh and intense taste with hints of almond on the finish. This wine pairs nicely with a light appetizer, fish and pasta dishes and white meat with light sauces. ($16.99) 

“New Wine” Schug Cabernet Sauvignon - 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 1% Syrah – Sonoma, California - Supple and generous, this is a well-structured Cabernet blended in the classic Bordeaux style. A ripe mouthful of currant and cherry flavors are framed by fine tannins and a touch of spicy oak. ($26.99)

2005 Acorn –  Sangiovesse - Russian River Valley, California – A rich full-bodied wine with notes of ripe cherry and blackberry. This versatile wine will enhance any meal. ($29.99) 

New Wine and Wine of the Month

“New Wine” (Red Wine of the Month) 2006 Clayhouse Adobe Red - Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Malbec - California (grapes sourced mainly from Paso Robles, Monterey, Lodi and Santa Barbara) - The Adobe Red is a proprietary blend with ripe flavors of cherry, plum and vanilla bean, with rich spicy blueberry and cherry notes. The tannins are supple, and the balanced oak character adds an additional vanilla note. ($17.99 – WotM $16.20) 

Returning Wine and Customer Pick

“Customer Pick – Rhonda and Thom’s Pick” 2004 Silver Oak – Cabernet Sauvignon – Alexander Valley, California - The 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined and complex wine that combines subtlety and depth. It has a dark ruby color and displays aromas of fresh blackberries, violets, cola, nutmeg and licorice. In the mouth, the wine is juicy and offers great expression of fruit and spice on the mid-palate. Its fruit-driven finish is long and elegant. ($74.99)  

Saturday’s Wine Tasting

“Returning Wine” NV Don’s Lodi Blend – Lodi, California – Carignane, Syrah and a splash of sweet Symphony are the main components of this wine. This is an atypical blend of red and white wines. This is an easy-drinking, everyday, great quality, red table wine. ($13.99) 

(White Wine of the Month) 2007 Banyon – Gewurztraminer, Central Coast, California - Rose petals, honeysuckle, peaches and cloves make for a very aromatic wine. Firm acid and a luscious mouthfeel provide the structure to hold up to food. Slightly sweet to cleanse the palate when eating spicier foods. ($14.99 WotM $13.50)  

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 and on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula