Archive for November, 2009

This Week at Bella Vino – Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

Just a few more days until Thanksgiving. I’m finding it hard to believe. I would like to wish you all a very happy day and give thanks to all of you for your support and friendships.

We still have one more wine tasting before we feast on Thursday; then onto the holiday shopping frenzy. The shop is filled with lots of great gift ideas from stocking stuffers to gift baskets. And to help out a little, just print this email and you will receive $20 off any purchase of $100 or more on Black Friday.

On Wednesday November 25 we will extend our hours. We will be open from 10 am to 7 pm.

Wednesday Wine Tasting – European Wines

“New Wine” 2008 Machherndl – 100% Gruner Veltliner – Wachau, Austria - Bright citrus-yellow, apples, pears, gooseberries, this wine surprises with its fruitiness, typical spicy and minerality on the palate, a hint of mint in the finish. ($18.99)

“New Wine” 2006 Domaine Monpertuis Cotes du Rhone – Predominantly Old Vines Grenache with Mourvedre – Rhone Valley, France - This little gem is consistently one of the finest values in the South of France; it drinks bigger for its modest price and appellation; ripe, plum-like fruit embraces with soft tannins. ($19.99) 

“New Wine” 2008 Side Yard Sweet Red – 100% Dornfelder – Mosel Region, Germany - This wine is for anyone who is looking for a sweet red wine, but can be enjoyed by all. It has an intense blueberry aroma, fragrant, medium bodied, with a sweet, very pleasant finish. Serve slightly chilled. ($12.99)

“New Wine” Europa ChocoVine, Holland - ChocoVine is a fine French Cabernet subtly combined with a rich dark chocolate from Holland, paired together to create a decadent, silky smooth drink. It can be served on the rocks or as the main ingredient to an array of sinful cocktails. After years of research the perfect union of wine and chocolate is not only a reality but the outcome is a true match made in heaven! With ChocoVine, the two concepts are blended to perfection to create pure bliss. Additionally, not only is wine and chocolate a tantalizing blend for its sensational taste, but research shows that they are both rich in antioxidant, making it a healthy combination as well. ChocoVine is gluten free. ($14.99) 

New Wines 

“New Wine“ 2008 Lange Reserve – 100% Pinot Noir – Willamette Valley, Oregon – The Reserve Pinot Noir is a select blend of barrels chosen by winemakers Don Lange and Jesse Lange. This “vintners’ cuvee” is always a classic “drink-now-or-hold-for-a-decade” Lange Pinot noir! The palate shows candied apple, dried cherry and red currant with hints of bittersweet chocolate. A long finish of savory spice. ($31.99)

“New Wine“ 2005 Comm. Armando Piazzo “Mugiot” – 100 % Barbara D’Alba – Piemont, Italy – A bouquet of withered roses, jam, blackberries, green pepper and vanilla. Starts out dry and warm and is rounded off with luscious, aromatic length. It shows softness, opulence and finesse. Pairs well with savory, hearty dishes from appetizers to second plates. (29.99)

“New Wine“ 2007 Vinas de Balbo – 70% Bonarda, 30% Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina – This excellent blend is created from the balanced combination of Bonarda and Malbec grapes. Ruby red color, soft, persistent aroma, and delicate bouquet. In the mouth, it has a rounded velvety body with red-fruit flavors and a delicious finish. It goes well with red meats, stews and pastas with tomato-based sauces. ($12.99)

“New Wine“ Justino’s Rainwater – Madeira 3 year old – Portugal – Translucent, with a shiny golden colour. A pleasant and intense aroma, with a sensation of freshness. Light with a long dry finish, with notes of cocoa, grape, apple and walnut. Great Buy! (15.99)

New Local Wines from Jewell Towne Vineyards

“New Wine“ 2009 Vignoles – Jewell Towne Vineyards – South Hampton, New Hampshire – This sweet white wine is rich in honey and lemon flavors. It is excellent with dessert or as an aperitif. ($9.99)

“New Wine“ 2009 River’s Edge Red – Jewell Towne Vineyards – South Hampton, New Hampshire - A delightful semi-sweet wine with soft balance, brilliant color and a distinct fruity character. Serve slightly chilled as an aperitif or with fruit or cheese ($11.99) 

“New Wine“ 2009 Marechal Foch Private Reserve – Jewell Towne Vineyards – South Hampton, New Hampshire - Full-bodied, dry red wine, rich in black fruit, red currant and cranberry flavors. Excellent with beef or pasta. ($16.99)

Customer Pick – Sheryl’s Pick 

“New Wine“ 2006 Irony Life’s Strange Twist – 100% Pinot Noir – Monterey, California - Wild strawberries dominate the nose along with touches of vanilla and an appealing hint of cream. Throughout the palate, cherry and raspberry characteristics are on the forefront and underpinned by subtle spice. Earth, wild mushroom and white pepper are all part of the finish. (19.99)

Returning Wine 

2008 Bitch (she’s back) – 100% Grenache – Barossa Valley, Australia - The nose and palate are a delicate mix of fruit characters; perfumed raspberries, peach, and quince. The palate extends to a juicy, fleshy texture with confectionary flavors of strawberries and cream and finishes with spicy, cloves, and nutmeg.  ($13.99)

Our wine tasting on Wednesday is from 2:00 to 7:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

This Week at Bella Vino – Lots!!!

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

I can’t believe it’s that time of the year to start thinking about holiday shopping. And next week is Thanksgiving!! We look forward to 3 fun wine tastings in the next week. Thursday with Jill tasting wines from around the world, Friday with Joe tasting German wines and Wednesday (day before Thanksgiving) with us, pouring Vinilandia wines – 2 of them unusual and delicious. Hope you can make all 3 of our tastings because each feature wines to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner or wines that are just fun to drink.

We have MANY new wines, new gifts and new food products. We’re happy to help with gift ideas and we have some wonderful pre-made or made-to-order gift baskets. Think of us as your one stop shop!

On Wednesday November 25 we will extend our hours. We will be open from 10 am to 7 pm.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Jill from Perfecta Wine Company – Around the World Wines

“New Wine” 2008 Weingut Villa Sachsen Rheingraf  - 100% Riesling (Troken) - Rheinhessen, Germany - 88 Pts WS – Bright yellow color, slight aromas of citrus fruit and gooseberry. Mineral and vital interplay of acidity with good substance and a light spicy finish. ($22.99)

“New Wine” 2003 Dr. von Bassermann-Jordan Forster Jesuitengarten  - 100% Riesling (Spatlese) - Rheinhessen, Germany - Musky, herbal and floral notes comprise the aromatic bouquet. The palate is silky and rich and beautifully filled with tropical fruits, mint, sage and wet stones. Superb length. ($31.99)

“Returning Wine”  2006 Alpha Domus – The Navigator – 41% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Franc – Hawkes Bay, New Zealand - A complex aroma of ripe berryfruits, plums, violet, licorice and hints of leather. Influences of sweet vanilla and toast result from oak barrel maturation. Plum and blackberry are supported by clove and spicy notes. The ripe fruit, sweet oak and firm tannins create a robust, complex wine with excellent length. ($23.99)

“New Wine  2007 Vinosia – 100% Primitivo (Zinfandel) - Puglia, Italy Best Buy of 2009 W&S - There’s a spicy, peppery edge to freshen the ripe black cherry fruit in this primitivo. The texture is broad and rich, with lasting flavors of blackberry and wildflower honey. ($14.99)

“New Wine“ 2007 Vinosia – 100% Aglianico – Campania, Italy  Intense aromas of black fruit, licorice and leather with hints of pepper and violets that evolve in the glass. Following trough with full bodied, chewy layers of tannins and intense fruit. Incredibly long finish. This is a characterful, concentrated and intense wine. ($18.99)

Friday Wine Tasting  -  Joe from Pine State – German Wines

“New Wine” 2004 Hammond Troken – 100% Pinot Noir – Germany - Ruby red, aroma of raspberry, blackberry, cherry and light vanilla. On the palate the richness and suppleness of the Pinot Noir is full of expression. Dry and delicious a very good value. ($23.99)

Henkell Trocken – Germany - Makers of Sparkling Wines Since 1856 - This dry, fully matured sparkling wine owes its elegant character to a unique Cuvée of excellent wines originating from such classic grape varieties as French Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc de Noir from French Pinot Noir and Chenin from Saumur. The taste is fresh, tingling, with a lingering finish, while a subtle fragrance suggestive of tropical fruit develops in the bouquet. ($17.99)

2007 Nachtgold Eiswein – Undisclosed Grape Varietals - Rheinhessen Region, Germany - This ice wine is golden-yellow in color, with intense aroma’s of peaches, melons and apples. “Nachtgold”, refers to the picking of the grapes at night when they are fully frozen. At only 9.5% alcohol by volume, its elegant, mature sweetness can be enjoyed as an apritif or a dessert wine to accompany those very special occasions. ($18.99)

Wednesday Wine Tasting – European Wines

“New Wine” 2008 Machherndl – 100% Gruner Veltliner – Wachau, Austria - Bright citrus-yellow, apples, pears, gooseberries, this wine surprises with its fruitiness, typical spicy and minerality on the palate, a hint of mint in the finish. ($18.99)

“New Wine” 2006 Domaine Monpertuis Cotes du Rhone – Predominantly Old Vines Grenache with Mourvedre – Rhone Valley, France - This little gem is consistently one of the finest values in the South of France; it drinks bigger for its modest price and appellation; ripe, plum-like fruit embraces with soft tannins. ($19.99) 

“New Wine” 2008 Side Yard Sweet Red – 100% Dornfelder – Mosel Region, Germany – This wine is for anyone who is looking for a sweet red wine, but can be enjoyed by all. It has an intense blueberry aroma, fragrant, medium bodied, with a sweet, very pleasant finish. Serve slightly chilled. ($12.99)

“New Wine” Europa ChocoVine, Holland - ChocoVine is a fine French Cabernet subtly combined with a rich dark chocolate from Holland, paired together to create a decadent, silky smooth drink. It can be served on the rocks or as the main ingredient to an array of sinful cocktails. After years of research the perfect union of wine and chocolate is not only a reality but the outcome is a true match made in heaven! With ChocoVine, the two concepts are blended to perfection to create pure bliss. Additionally, not only is wine and chocolate a tantalizing blend for its sensational taste, but research shows that they are both rich in antioxidant, making it a healthy combination as well. ChocoVine is gluten free. ($14.99) 

New Wines 

“New Wine“ 2007 Moobuz – 100% Chardonnay – Sonoma Coast, California  Beautiful straw color gives way to a zesty nose of lemon, baked Red Delicious apples and vanilla.  Full tropical fruit shows through on the palate, with honey and crisp acidity. Light hints of toasted marshmallow and spice linger in the finish. The balance of this wine’s medium body with its lively acidity opens up a wide array of possibly food pairings. It could pair equally well with a broiled lobster tail, or as an accompaniment to simple creamy risotto. ($16.99)

“New Wine“ 2007 Italo Pietrantonj- Monetpulciano d’Abruzzo – Abruzzo Region, Italy  This wine is full of dried floral and fruit notes complemented by soft leather and earthy aromas. Montepulciano’s deep color, its fulsome perfume, and soft but thick body create a wine great for many food pairings and occasions. ($16.99) 

Returning 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)

Our wine tasting on Thursday is from 4:30 to 7:00 – Friday from 4:30 to 7:00 – Saturday from 2:00 to 7:00.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

This Week at Bella Vino – Thursday Book Signing with Carla Snow and Bob from R.P. Imports

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

We had a great time on Thursday with Jim and Patrick. The book signing was a lot of fun and Patrick’s wines were delicious.

We have another fun event planned for Thursday. Carla Snow will joining us at Bella Vino to discuss her new book, Wine and Dine in New Hampshire. Carla is a noted wine consultant and owner of A Grape Affair in Portsmouth. Ms. Snow has written an in-depth look at New Hampshire’s award-winning wines. The book is Illustrated with stunning color photography and features recipes created specifically to pair or incorporate the beverages covered in the book. Bob Barton from R.P. Imports will be pouring sparkling wine, ports and a dessert wine.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – Bob from R.P. Imports

“Returning Wine“ Champalou Vouvray Brut - Chenin Blanc – Loire, France - Floral on the nose, dry and clean as a whistle on the palate, this 100% chenin blanc sparkler is less austere and less effervescent than Champagne, but every bit as fun to drink and versatile with food. ($23.99)

“New Wine Quinta do Noval 10-year-old Tawny Port – Touriga Nacional – Portugal – 90 Pts WS - This smells just like English Christmas cake. Full-bodied and very sweet, with plenty of toffee and dried fruit character on the finish. Really yummy. ($34.99)“New WineQuinta do Noval LBV – Touriga Nacional – Portugal -  Smooth and silky, with a solid tannic structure and a long harmonious finish. Ideally served as an accompaniment to cheese, dessert, or on its own at the end of a meal. ($26.99)

Clayhouse Vineyard – Late Harvest Petite Sirah – Paso Robles, California - Seductively perfumed scents of ripe boysenberry, plum and incense. Lush, creamy dark berry flavors are given a bitter edge by cherry skin and anise. Quite sweet and jammy, with no rough edges and impressive finishing cling. ($31.99)

New Wine

“New Wine2007 Vinosia – Aglianico  - Campania, Italy  Intense aromas of black fruit, licorice and leather with hints of pepper and violets that evolve in the glass. Following trough with full bodied, chewy layers of tannins and intense fruit. Incredibly long finish. This is a characterful, concentrated and intense wine. ($18.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula 

This Week at Bella Vino – Thursday Book Signing Release Party with Jim Beauregard and Patrick from Dunn Wine Brokers and Saturday Wine Tasting with Judy for Vinextra

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

I hope your all enjoying this fabulous weather! We have 2 fun events planned for this week. Our Thursday event will feature a book signing and wine tasting. Jim Beauregard, who writes the weekly “Regarding Wine” column for the New Hampshire Union Leader, will introduce his new book, New Hampshire Wine. A treasure trove of information for wine enthusiasts, Mr. Beauregard’s book highlights viniculture in New Hampshire with visits to and information about the wineries, along with tasting notes. The book also covers the Granite State wine “scene,” with information about wine dinners, wine bars, and wine shops (there’s even a photo of George Taber and me in the book) throughout the state. This will make a great holiday gift. And Patrick Dunn will be pouring 7 exceptional wines.

On Saturday we will have a wine tasting with Judy Gilliland who will be pouring our 2 wines of the month.

Thursdays Wine Tasting – 7 Wines with Patrick Dunn from Dunn Wine Brokers

“New Wine“ 2007 White Oak – 100% Chardonnay – Russian River Valley, California - Classic Russian River Chardonnay exhibiting aromas of vibrant tropical fruit married to toasty oak. Full bodied, round, good depth of fruit, medium long finish. Flavors of citrus fruit, apple, lime, roasted nut and toasted oak. ($26.99)

2006 Robert Stemmler Nugent Vineyard- 100% Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, California Complex aromatics of blackberry, cherry pit, cigar box, saddle leather, hints of minerality and dark chocolate. A wine of weight and silky texture delivering sweet cherries, plum, and fresh raspberries. ($39.99)

2005 Robert Stemmler Ferguson Block – 100% Pinot Noir – Napa/Carneros, California - 91 Pts WE, 92 Pts Wine Report – “From its very rich, well-defined, ripe-cherry aromas to its ample, and impressively concentrated flavors, this tour de force Pinot Noir hits all the right marks, and, while as generous as any of the month’s contenders, it vies for top honors both for its keen balance and for its enormous fruit.” 93 points, Connoisseurs’ Guide ($51.99) 

2007 Eternum Viti Toro Red – 100% Tempranillo – Castile and Leon, Spain - 90 Pts. Parker WA - 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)

2002 Hunt Cellars “Unfrogettable” – 100% Merlot - Paso Robles, California - A Cabernet drinkers Merlot offering profiles of zesty dark cherry, plum, vanilla and camp fire smokey oak. ($48.99)

2008 Macchia “Mischievous”- 100% 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. ($21.99)

“New Wine“ 2007 Macchia “Adventurous”- 100% Zinfandel - Amador County, California - Deep purple edges with a dark core. This Zin has beautiful peppery notes, spices, and oak. Heavy ripe plum and blueberry characteristics. Very smooth, with little tannic kick, it has a very nice sweet zin nature without any syrupy feel. A nice clean finish that is powerful and cleansing. ($29.99)

Saturday’s Wine Tasting – Judy from Vinextra from 1pm to 3pm

“New Wine  2008 Illahe Vineyards - 100% Gruner Veltliner - Willamette Valley, Oregon Aromatic with flavors of red grapefruit, peach, melon and white pepper. ($17.99 WotM $16.19)

“New Wine  2007 Illahe Vineyards - 100% Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, Oregon - Ruby red in the glass, with intriguing fruit and earth notes on the nose. Flavors of strawberry fruit with balanced acidity leading to a long, tasty finish. ($25.99 WotM $23.39)

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 Wine

“New Wine  2007 Vinosia Primitivo – Primitivo (Zinfandel) - Puglia, Italy Best Buy of 2009 W&S - There’s a spicy, peppery edge to freshen the ripe black cherry fruit in this primitivo. The texture is broad and rich, with lasting flavors of blackberry and wildflower honey. ($14.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!Paula