Archive for July, 2009

This Week at Bella Vino – Judy from Vinextra

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

Judy from Vinextra will be joining us for the first time on Thursday night. We will be tasting a wonderful variety of wines all perfect for the summer season (now that summer is finally here)!

Last weeks Friday night wine tasting was a big success. We hope to do more higher end wine pre-sale tasting’s in the future.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Judy from Vinextra

2007 Emerald Bay – 100% Chardonnay - Central Coast, California - Fresh crisp citrus, toasted vanilla and ripe pineapple notes grace the palate with forward fruit aromas. A nice balance and acidity through the finish, enhanced by hints of malolactic and barrel fermented Chardonnay. ($12.99)

2008 Henry LaGarde Reserve Rose – 85% Malbec, 15% Pinot Noir – Mendoza, Argintina - Clear and bright, with outstanding cherry flavors. This blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir is fresh and complex in the mouth. ($15.99)

 “New Wine” 2006 Lemelson, Thea’s Selection – 100% Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon - The nose combines floral aromas of roses and violets with raspberry, framboise, boysenberry and earthy tones. The palate is sweetly fruited with plum, black cherry and blueberry showing on the rich mid-palate, while the finish remains lively and fresh with subtle tarragon and earth. ($39.99)

“New Wine” 2004 Wellington Vineyards Mohrhardt Ridge  - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma County, California - Mohrhardt Ridge is the most Bordeaux like of Wellington Vineyards Cabernets, very aromatic, with great complexity and elegant texture. The aromas are definitely those of a cool climate vineyard: raspberry, black pepper, violets, with hints of olive and spice. The oak (40% new French and American) is very well integrated, with hints of vanilla and caramel. The smooth entry, lively fruit, and hallmark Mohrhardt Ridge silky texture lead to a long, balanced finish with just enough slightly chewy tannin to ensure longevity. ($23.99)

New Wines

“New Wine and Customer Pick” 2007 Seven Sisters – 60% Pinotage, 40% Shiraz  - Stellenbosch, Africa - Pepper, plum and dark berry fragrances layered with savoury and spice aromas. The palate is smooth ripe plum and mild pepper flavors with a hint of spice. Firm, but smooth tannins and a pleasant long aftertaste. Overall: Pinotage/Shiraz is characterized by intense pepper and plummy fruit flavours, yet round, smooth and deliciously easy drinking. ($16.99)

“New Wine and Customer Pick” 2007 Screw Kappa Napa – 100% Merlot - Napa Valley, California - Dark ruby in color, with a nose of blackberries and plum preserves with hints of oak, cinnamon, and toasted walnuts. Screw Kappa Napa Merlot has flavors of bittersweet chocolate, cloves, and mocha coffee, with hints of licorice and raspberry, and finishes with toasty French oak notes. ($18.99)

“New Wine” Zorvino Vineyards  - Pomegranite Wine - Sandown, New Hampshire - Made with 100% Pomegranate juice and high in antioxidants, this is a wine that’s good for you! You can taste the fruit, but we leave in a little tartness so it’s great with food! ($13.99)

Returning Wines

Zorvino Vineyards  - Fragole Z and Pearz Wines - Sandown, New Hampshire

Saturdays Wine Tasting

We will taste our 2 new customer picks wines!

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

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New Wine Class

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Hi Everyone,

We had many requests to reschedule our wine classes due to vacation plans or unavailability. So we are combining our white and red wine varietal classes into just 2 classes – one white and one red – in addition to our wine aroma class.The first class will be or “White Wine” class offered on Friday August 14 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Each class will be held at Bella Vino and will include wine education, food pairing and 6 different and distinct wines to taste and compare. (see below for wine varieties)  The cost of each class is $30. Class size is limited, so please sign up early. Email me: paula@bellavinonh.com, call me: 426-5212 or just drop in. You will also receive a 10% discount on any purchased wines that we are tasting that evening and a free Bella Vino Wine glass.

Our “Wine Aroma” class (back by popular demand) will be held late September and our “Red Grape” class will be held in October. We will send out details as the dates get closer.

1. Chardonnay - One of the world’s most popular wines, Chardonnay is a white wine originating from Burgundy. Flavors range from clean and crisp to rich and complex, vanilla, butter and oak-aged wines. Chardonnay typically balances fruit, acidity and texture.

2.  Sauvignon Blanc - Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine best known for its grassy, herbal flavors and is a popular choice for shellfish or as a refreshing alternative to Chardonnay. Come taste and learn about the differences between new world and old world Sauvignon Blancs.

3.  Riesling  –  Riesling is the classic white wine grape from Germany and known for their floral perfume aromas. Depending on where they’re made, they can be crisp and bone-dry, full-bodied and spicy or luscious and sweet.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

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This Week at Bella Vino – Amanda from The Imported Grape and a special Friday night tasting

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

 Hi Everyone,

We’re happy to have Amanda join us for the first time for our Thursday night wine tasting. Amanda is with “The Imported Grape” whose portfolio represents wines from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. So please come give her a big welcome as we taste some of her delicious wines.

We will not have a wine tasting on Saturday but will have 4 outstanding red wines to taste on Friday from 4:30 to 7:00. This tasting will be a little different from our usual wine tastings. I have picked 2 very delicious, higher end wines that we will be tasting as a pre-sale. If you love them – I will order them for you and give you 10% off the regular price. I will also be pouring 2 additional fine wines that are currently in stock but many of you have not tasted – I’ll give a 10% discount on that as well. So come taste!

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Amanda from The Imported Grape

“New Wine” 2007 Bouza – 100% Chardonnay - Montevideo, Uruguay - Pineapple and pear aroma over lemon and vanilla notes. Balanced acidity, good volume in the mouth, and great persistance in which still remain the citric notes. ($17.99)

“New Wine” 2008 Pacifico Sur – Pinot Noir – Curico Valley, Chile - Aromas of cherries and raspberries, well combined wiht soft oak notes. In the mouth it boasts smooth and elegant tannins followed by a sophisticated finish. ($12.99)

“New Wine” 2005 Pacifico Sur – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot – Curico Valley, Chile - An intense ruby-red color and well-emphasized red fruit aromas. A gentle touch of oak and a well-structured and generous finish round out this delicious blend. ($12.99)

“New Wine” 2007 Bouza – 60% Tempranillo, 40% Tannat - Montevideo, Uruguay - Wine of intense red purple color. Delicate aroma of red fruits, cherries and raspberries, with spicy notes. In the mouth it has good volume and a silky texture, with sweet tannins and well balanced acidity. ($28.99)

New Wines

“New Wine” 2007 Nuova Cappelleta – Barbera  - Piedmont, Italy - An organic estate focused on quality wine making and vineyard management. Beautifully balanced with earthy, rustic tones and ripe Barbera fruit, the wine has well balanced acidity, notes of spice and leather, moderate tannins, and a juicy, food friendly personality. It’s perfect for summertime outdoor picnics and light, casual sipping. Especially good with fresh tomatoes. ($17.99)

Returning Wine – Back by popular demand and finally back in stock

2008 Perlage Terre di Chieti Bianco – Trebbiano – Veneto, Italy - Organic grapes from central Italy, a dry and fruity palate with with flavors of almonds and exotic fruits. ($13.99) 

Fridays Wine Tasting

2004 Karl Wente – The Nth Degree – Merlot – Livemore Valley, California - These prime Livermore Valley vineyards were selected for the Nth Degree program because of their consistent production of exceptional fruit. The selected blocks were farmed to the Nth Degree, using a method referred to as, “ultra farming”. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning into one ton bins, sorted, and then crushed into small stainless steel fermentors. 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) 

2004 Karl Wente – The Nth Degree – Syrah – 85% Syrah, 11% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon – Livemore Valley, California - The red cherries and raspberry aromas are ripe and thick with the sweet vanilla of expensive new oak. You get em’ all in your mouth, in an opulent, juicy package that’s surprisingly light on its feet despite a full comportment of grape and wood tannins. The wine has 11 percent Merlot and 4 percent Cabernet, which explains some of the plushness on the back end. Otherwise it’s all Syrah, from the purple color to the way the oak sinks comfortably into the texture and stays there. If you smell or taste a bit of charred meat, don’t worry: that’s Syrah at its ripe, ripped best. ($47.99) 

“New Wine” 2006 Stags Leap Wine Cellars – Artemis – 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot- Napa Valley, California - This winery gained world recognition after the now famous blind tasting in Paris when their 1973 SLV Cabernet was judged best above four First-Growth Bordeaux entries. One of Stag’s Leaps signature wines, the Artemis blends fruit from the winery’s Arcadia, Fay and SLV vineyards. The Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon is decadent, focused and complex. The wine opens with aromas and flavors of black fruit—blackberry, currant, and plum—that slowly give way to layers of nutmeg, rosemary, grilled game, and warm pie crust. The wine is dense with truckloads of mocha on the midpalate. This firmly structured and full-bodied wine gains depth and richness through the finish. Enjoy this wine with filet mignon with green peppercorn cream sauce or braised veal shanks with green olives and capers. Drink now with some decanting or age for 5-7 years. ($58.99)

“New Wine” 2005 Chateau St. Michelle Col Solare Red – 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc – Columbia Valley, Washington - 94 Pts WA, 93 Pts WS - The 2005 growing season started cool, followed by 90+ degree days in July and early August. A temperature drop in late summer cooled the vineyards and allowed the grapes extra hang time to enhance flavor development. Harvest commenced as one of the earliest on record, and moderate weather conditions during harvest contributed to mature fruit with intense flavor, good sugar development, and high natural acidity across red varietals. Tasting Notes: Aromas of black cherry, berry and dark chocolate fuse with smooth notes of vanilla and spice. Rich and balanced on the palate, this wine finishes with long, lingering flavors of cocoa, black fruits, and vanilla. ($65.99) 

Our wine tasting on Thursday and Friday are from 4:30 to 7:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

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This Week at Bella Vino – Megan from Crush Distributers

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

Mid July is just about here and we are looking forward to seeing Megan and tasting some of her wines that are be perfect for any indoor or outdoor feast.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Megan from Crush Dirtributers

“New Wine” 2007 Slingshot – 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10 % Semillon - Napa Valley, California - This wine is characterized by slight floral and melon notes typical of ripe Sauvignon Blanc. The blend includes Semillon, which contributes hints of fig to the flavor and a feeling of richness in the mouth. Partial fermentation in French oak barrels brings the wine complexity and a touch of vanilla. ($16.99)

2007 Napa Station – Chardonnay – Napa Valley, California - Aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks and small French oak barrels. The wine underwent partial malolactic fermentation to add richness without overpowering the fruit. Aromas of ripe peach, pear and citrus, with crisp green apple and hints of tropical fruit on the palate. The finish is long and clean with fresh acidity. ($17.99)

“New Wine” 2007 Skylark Red Belly Red - 47% Carignane, 47% Syrah, 6% Grenache - North Coast, California - The Red Belly smells and tastes like a basket of berries in a redwood forest, with spicy undertone and floral overtones. Ripe, juicy and with supple, well-integrated tannins, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. ($25.99)

2007 Arabella Cabernet Sauvignon, Robertson Valley Southwestern Cape, South Africa - Brimming with abundant blackcurrant aromas, this full-bodied wine is a mouthful of juicy plum flavours. Delightfully versatile, it makes a delicious partner to a wide variety of foods. ($12.99)  

New Wine

2008 Henry LaGarde Reserve Rose – 85% Malbec, 15% Pinot Noir- Mendoza, Argintina - Clear and bright, with outstanding cherry flavors. This blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir is fresh and complex in the mouth. ($15.99) 

Saturdays Wine Tasting 

“Customer Pick” 2007 Heartland Stickleback White – 46% Verdelho, 32% Semillon, 22% Chardonnay – South Australia - Citrus zest on the nose. The palate has flavors of lemon zest and pear balanced by refreshing, crisp acid and a long finish. ($15.99)

2004 Lake Sonoma Wine – Zinfandel – Dry Creek Valley, California - A beautifully crafted wine with rich cherry and plum flavors and a hint of black pepper. ($23.99)

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

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This Week at Bella Vino – Jill from Perfecta

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

Hope you had a great 4th of July celebration. I’m looking forward to this week’s tasting with Jill. We will have 4 new wines – 2 of them are our wines of the month – all priced to please!

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Jill from Perfecta

“New Wine and WotM” 2008 Ken Forrester - Chenin Blanc – Stellenbosch Eastern Cape, South Africa - Hand harvested, fermented cool and bottled early to show the freshest fruit flavors. Some floral notes, along with lime and green apple on the nose. The palate is fresh and bright with round fruity flavors. A great summer wine. ($12.99 WotM $11.70)

“New Wine” 2008 Carpineto Dogajolo Bianco - 40% Chardonnay, 30% Grechetto, 27% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Incrocio Manzoni - Tuscany, Italy - Estate grown and hand harvested with aroma’s that are both fruit and aromatic. On the palate the fruit and acidity perfectly compliment each other and there is a velvety texture that extends through the long, soft finish. ($15.99)

“New Wine” Bigi Vipra Rossa - 70% Merlot, 20 % Sangiovese, 10% Montepulciano - Umbria, Italy - A solid wine from Umbria that’s distinguished and rustic. The aromas and flavors of blackberry, leather and spice recall those of authentic Italian country wines. The depth and refinement of flavor are the touch of a master vintner. ($13.99)

“New Wine and WotM” 2007 Altos Del Cuco – 40% Monastrell, 30% Syrah, 30% Tempranillo – Yecla, Spain – 87 Pts. WA - Aromas of blackberries, mature fruit and a touch of vanilla and cinnamon. The tannins are soft with well balanced acidity and an elegant finish. ($13.99 WotM $12.60)

Saturdays Wine Tasting – Kinda local wines – Connecticut and New York

“New Wine” 2007 Sharp Hill Vineyard - Chardonnay – Pokfret, Connecticut - This American Chardonnay has received over 51 medals, is a barrel fermented, full bodied Chardonnay with just a hint of oak. ($17.99)

Salmon Run Meritage - Cabernet Franc and Merlot – New York Finger Lakes - This classic blend of red Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Franc and Merlot – extends the range of the Salmon Run into carefully crafted, age-worthy red wines. Barrel aged in mostly French oak barrels for a year, this blend offers both uncommon complexity and value. With its exquisite balance, soft tannins and smooth finish, this wine is certain to appeal to even discerning wine lovers. ($18.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

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