Hi Everyone,

We had 3 fun-filled days last week and I want to thank all of you for a wonderful weekend and a great year. We continue to look forward to seeing our “old friends” and greet new-friends to our ever growing family of “Bella Vino Wine Connoisseur’s!!”

For our first wine tasting in October, Jill from Perfecta will be pouring some “get ready for fall food” wines. 2 new German wines (both bottle designs are very unusual – making them great gifts), a new Chianti Classico and a new red blend from Oregon.

We had 2 gift baskets that we were raffling this weekend. Patti Irwin is the winner of the smaller “free raffle basket”. The larger basket, proceeds benefiting Londonderry Warm Homes, will be available for a few more weeks.

On Wednesday October 7 at 6:30 Patrick Dunn will be hosting a wine tasting/dinner event at Unum’s of Nashua. Special guest Frieda Guerico, national sales manager, will present the wines of Donum/Stemmler estate. The wines are all rated 91-93 points from the California Connoisseur with the Chardonnay and Donum Pinot Noir rated 90 and 95 points respectively. Please call 821-6500 for details and reservations.

We will be closed on Wednesday October 7 to attend a “trade portfolio tasting”.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Jill from Perfecta

“New Wine and WotM” 2005 Castell – 100% Silvaner, Troken – Fraken, German - Silvaner is most commonly grown in France’s Alsace region though there are significant plantings in Germany. It produces medium bodied, dry wines with a neutral fruitiness and earthy, nutty accents. ($19.99 WotM $17.99)

“New Wine“ 2007 Weingut Johannishof “V” – 100% Riesling, Kabinett – Rheingau, Germany 91 Pts. WS - Offers a terrific combination of fresh peach and nectarine fruit and mineral. Vibrant, succulent and harmonious, with a long, mouthwatering finish and a nice savory aftertaste. Drink now through 2022. ($23.99)

“New Wine and WotM“  2004 Cayalla RTW – 35% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Syrah – Rickreall, Oregon - Lively aromas of fresh berries and toasted vanilla beans are framed by faint herbal tones.  Supple and delicious, with waves of black cherry and chocolate flavors that flow over a foundation of earth and minerals.  Soft, silky tannins give way to a mouthwatering finish, flanked by gentle acidity. ($15.99 WotM $14.39)

“New Wine and Gary’s Pick“  2007 Carpineto Chianti Classico – 90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo – Tuscany, Italy 88 Pts. WE - Here’s a young Chianti Classico that already offers sophisticated aromas of leather, spice and pipe tobacco. The wine delivers fullness and richness that is followed by a lively, spicy finish. It’s ready to drink now. ($22.99)

Sheila and Paula’s  Pick - If you didn’t get a chance to taste the Morgan at our anniversary party or the Eternum when Patrick was here- you are in for a treat.

Hi Everyone,

What a great 3 days we have planned. Thursday’s wine tasting will “Celebrate end of Summer and welcome Fall”. Friday is our much anticipated “Aroma Class” and Saturday we celebrate our 2 year anniversary with a special wine pouring by Bob from R.P. Imports.

Thursdays Wine Tasting

“Sake” Mojito - Instead of using Rum we will be making a delicious, refreshing Mojito using Tozai “Living Jewel” Junmai Premium Japanese Sake ($10.99). Clean, smooth and tangy with the underlying sweet mint.

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)

2005 Spann Vineyards – Charbono – Glen Ellen, California - Charbono has very dark color and medium-firm tannins and good acidity for aging. Long thought to be an Italian grape variety UC Davis in 1999 traced this back to an obscure grape from the Savoie region of France. This wine has a lovely nose of black currants and plums. Rich in the mouth, this has rustic texture, moderate tannins and bright acidity.  A good comparison might be “Petite Sirah without the pepper”. ($21.99)

2006 Vinedo De Los Vientos – Tannat – Canelones, Uruguay – With complementing scents of cacao beans and Asian spices, this wine displays significant complexity all around. A powerful palate with hints of blackberry and delicate notes of toast, backed with a long finish of intense dark fruit and firm, but polished tannins, defining a true Tannat expression. ($19.99)

Saturday 2 year Anniversary Wine Tasting with Bob from R.P. Imports

“New Wine” 2008 Clayhouse Wines – 22% Viognier, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Grenache Blanc, 16% Roussane, 6% Chardonay, 5% Chenin Blanc – Central Coast, California - Floral notes of orange blossom and rose petals. Pear and apple aromas, and a varietal Chenin Blanc character, are also apparent. The full mouthfeel is rounded out by the structure of the Roussanne. The finish is crisp, but balanced with a bit of residual sugar. The mouthwatering fruit flavors are of red apple and stone fruit. ($17.99)

“New Wine”  2007 Decero Remolinos Vineyard – 100% Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina - 91 Pts. WS - Ripe but sleek, with a racy beam of dark blackberry and raspberry ganache flavors backed by hints of coffee and spicecake. The finish is long and supple. Rock-solid. Drink now through 2010. ($22.99)

“New Wine”  2007 Morgan Cotes du Crow’s – 55% Syrah, 45% Grenache – Monterey, California - The goal is to produce a wine that has the bold, spicy, rich flavors of the Southern Rhone with a dose of California sunshine. Medium-rich ruby red color with blue-black highlights. Nose and palate impressions of violets, blueberry jam, mint, pomegranate, strawberry, spice, and pepper. Medium-bodied, soft tannins. A versatile food wine, it walks the fine line between being a substantial wine and a wine that is easy to enjoy. ($19.99)

“New Wine”  2004 Merriam Vineyards “Block 21″ – 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot – Dry Creek Valley, California - This very dark purple wine opens with a pleasant spicy black licorice like bouquet with hints of menthol. On the palate, this full bodied wine is round, has some acidity, and displays sweet black cherry like flavors. The finish is very dry, has some fine tannins, and lingers for quite some time. ($43.99)

2005 Girard Artistry – 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petite Verdot, 9% Malbec, 1% Merlot – Sonoma, California - The nose is full of red fruit, cedar and graphite. Across the palate there are currant, cherry and pronounced mineral notes and a touch of spice. Richly textured and elegantly balanced with forward fruit and integrated tannins. ($42.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

We are looking forward to our wine tasting with Patrick on Thursday. We always a have great time when Patrick comes to visit – and his wines are always terrific too! For the third week of our “September Anniversary Specials” we will offer 10% off all oils and Italian food products – and to go with that Italian food – 10% off any Chianti.

Two reminders – We have just a few openings for our Wine Aroma Class on Friday September 25 (we have selected 8 wonderful wines that are very aromatic and very delicious) and Saturday September 26 is our Second Anniversary Party - I’ll let you know next week what super-delicious wines we will be tasting.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Patrick from Dunn Wine Brokers

2007 White Oak Vineyards and Winery – 100% 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. ($19.99)

2004 White Oak Vineyards and Winery – 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot – Napa Valley, California - Aromas of dark chocolate, black currant and rose hip. Full and juicy in the mouth with flavors of currants, black plum and tea that are supported by ripe tannins. Black fruit and toasty oak combine to form the lingering finish. ($31.99)

“New Wine”  1999 Luna Beberide Reserva – 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 33% Tempranillo – Bierzo, Spain - This is an incredibly rare, fully mature, Spanish gem. Produced from the steep, slate, terraced vineyards of Bierzo, Spain’s, here is a beautiful example of a perfectly aged Spanish wine that has developed beautifully in bottle. A balanced combination of exotic smoky elements and cassis flavors coat the palate, nuances of dark chocolate, dried herbs and more, with fine-grained tannins and gentle acidity providing spine and focus. ($21.99) 

“New Wine”  2007 Eternum Viti Toro Red – 100% Tempranillo – Castile and Leon, Spain – 90 Pts. Parker WA - Made from 100% Tinta de Toro – known in most regions as Tempranillo – this wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and 10 months’ maturation in French Oak barrels. Consisting of half new and half used, this judicious use of wood has imparted this bold wine with additional layers of complexity. This is an intense, complex wine displaying aromas of red berry, loamy earth, baking spices, smoke, and savory herbs. The palate is ripe, concentrated, and well-structured, with flavors of black cherry, toast, and bacon. ($22.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

We are looking forward to our wine tasting with Jackie on Thursday. 4 great wines to taste. And for our second week of “September Anniversary Specials” we will give you 10% off any single bottle of your choice.

Our Second Anniversary Party - Please join us for a fun Indian Summer afternoon on Saturday, September 26 from 1 to 4. Bob Barton from RP Imports will be pouring five select wines for the tasting. In addition, we will serve light refreshments and gifts of chocolates from Granite State Candy of Concord. There will be two raffles for Bella Vino gift baskets. One raffle will be complimentary, the other with tickets for $2.00, or three for $5.00. The net proceeds for this raffle will benefit Londonderry Warm Homes. We look forward to seeing you.

 Thursdays Wine Tasting – Jackie from Wineberries 

“New Wine”  2007 Budini – Chardonnay – Mendoza, Argentina - Tropical fruit and lemon aromas combined with oak notes provide an alluring complexity. It is medium-bodied and has well-balanced acidity with hints of lemon and pineapple fruit that lead to a dry, crisp finish. There is a kiss of oak flavor that frames the fresh fruit flavors. ($15.99) 

2003 Truchard – Syrah – Napa Valley, California- 92 Pts Wine & Spirits, 88 Pts. WA - This Estate Syrah offers sumptuous aromas of berries, herbs, pepper, and white chocolate, plenty of black fruits on the palate, and a round, medium-bodied, elegant, supple-textured personality. ($31.99)

 2004 Beaucanon Estate – Cabernet Franc – Napa Valley, California - Black cherry and raspberry fruit is touched with Franc’s signature aromas of rose petals and black tea.  The palate has medium, chewy tannins and rich blueberry, plum and cocoa flavors complemented by a delicate hint of spice and cedar from the American oak barrels.  Beautifully balanced by a European-Style touch of acidity, Cabernet Franc’s pair well with rich meats like pork or duck and cheesy Italian dishes. ($23.99)

“Returning Wine”  2007 McManis Vineyards – Petite Sirah – Ripon, California - A dense, jammy Boysenberry aroma, which is accompanied by a creamy vanilla and slightly smoky character. The wine is soft and round on the palate and is full of big, juicy, dark berry fruit flavors. A long fruit finish is accompanied by hints of milk chocolate. ($14.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi All,

Don’t forget to sign up for our “Aroma Therapy” class, “Unlocking the Mysteries of Wine Aromas”. Steve Fortune and Ambra Kash from F&F Wine Imports will be teaching us how to enjoy and identify wine’s aromas. Steve and Ambra will help us fine tune our sense of smell, the most powerful key to unlocking the flavors of wine. Our aroma class will feature 8 wines – 1 white, 6 red and 1 dessert wine and light refreshments. You will receive 10% off your purchase of wines tasted and your Bella Vino tasting glass to take home. Class size is limited and filling up – so call today! The class is Friday, September 25th from 6:00 to 7:30. Cost of the class is $35.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

What a beautiful start to September! The weather is beautiful and we have a great tasting planned for Thursday. This wine tasting will be slightly different from our usual Thursday night tastings. We’ll be tasting 7 wines! 3 will be on premise and ready to take home and 4 will be offered as a pre-sale. If you like it I will order it for you. The wines are all from Renwood Winery (and are all delicious) and Pine State Beverage has provided this great selection for us to taste. Unfortunately, Joe from Pine State Beverage will not be here but he will be here in October.

Don’t forget about our September 25 “Aroma” class. It’s starting to fill up – so reserve your space as soon as possible. If you need additional information on the class, please call or drop in.

For our first week of our “September Anniversary Specials” we will have a 2007 wine hunt. Since we opened Bella Vino in 2007 – all our 2007 wines will be 10% off this week. I counted 58 wines from the 2007 vintage (and I could have missed a few).

Thursdays Wine Tasting  

“New Wine”  2006 Renwood Winery – Viognier – Lodi, California – “87 Pts WS. Top Value”  - A tart, tangy style, displaying plenty of lime peel, white peach and lemon notes, with passion fruit and guava flavors that are vibrant, fragrant and fun. Leans toward a grassy, herbal style and is very refreshing. ($16.99) on-premise

“New Wine”  2005 Renwood Winery – Barbera – Amador County, California - The aromas are rich with cooked berry and new oak. Typical of Barbera is a tangy, smooth finish and lots of fresh fruit flavors. Scents of vanilla and caramel from the small oak barrel aging complement the fruit aromas and flavors. ($21.99) pre-sale 

“New Wine”  2005 Renwood Winery – 96% Syrah, 2% Viognier, 2% Semillon – Amador County, California - Aromas of fresh herbs, dark chocolate and fresh berry pie. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and rich. The fruit flavors mingle with the toast and vanilla from the oak barrels. A spicy finish and a good structure help round out the tasting experience. ($17.99) on-premise 

“New Wine”  2005 Renwood Winery Fiddletown – Zinfandel – Amador County, California - “90 Pts WS.” - A genuine Zinfandel, intense and appealingly rustic. Wild berry, dusty clay and fresh licorice aromas, with tart, minerally boysenberry and smokey pepper flavors. ($29.99) on-premise 

“New Wine”  2005 Renwood Winery Grandmere - Barrel Select Zinfandel – Amador County, California - Aromas of vanilla, caramel, holiday spices, raspberry and hazelnut. The flavors are deep and rich with layers of ripe fruit, toasted oak and spice. This wine is about the best of the best, with many Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards from which to choose each component of the final barrel select blend. Full flavored, generous and mouth filling best describe this wine. ($32.99) pre-sale 

New Wine”  2005 Renwood Winery Grandpere - Single Vineyard Zinfandel – Amador County, California - “88 Pts WS.”  - Ripe and a bit untamed, but that’s part of the appeal. Offers blackberry cobbler aromas, with firm cherry, licorice and pepper flavors that have an underlying minerality. I thought this Zinfandel had the aromas and flavors of a Cabernet – very delicious. ($37.99) pre-sale 

New Wine”  2007 Renwood Winery Amador Ice - Zinfandel – Amador County, California - Amador Ice Zinfandel is a cross betweeen cotton candy and a Shirley Temple. The flavors are rich, complex, balanced and lush. Pressing frozen grapes also preserves good acidity to balance the sweetness and allows the finish to linger. A touch of Muscat and a hint of Viognier round out the exotic aromas. ($34.99) pre-sale 

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

Until then – Cheers!