Hi Everyone,

I can’t believe that Thursday’s wine tasting will be the first day of July! I don’t know about you but that really snuck up on me.

We are looking forward to our wine tasting on Thursday – Brendan from R.P. Imports will be joining us. It is Brendan’s first wine tasting at Bella Vino so I hope can join us for a “Hello” and taste some of his wines.

Bella Vino Special Event

We are very fortunate to have another “Special Event” at Bella Vino. On Thursday July 15, Peter Merriam from Merriam Vineyards will be hosting our Thursday night wine tasting. Peter and his wife Diana are New England natives who have had a love of wine for over twenty years. Their love of wine and wine making culminated in the purchase of their first vineyard in the Russian River Valley of California. We invite you to join us to meet Peter and taste his incredible wines. We hope to see you. There are not too many opportunities we have to meet and talk with a California wine owner.

Thursday’s Wine Tasting – Brendan

“Returning Wine” 2008 Clayhouse Adobe White - 22% Viognier, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Grenache Blanc, 16% Roussanne, 6% Chardonnay and 5% Chenin Blanc and 16% Princess – Paso Robles, California - The Adobe White is a proprietary blend with a golden straw color, and fine floral notes of orange blossom, lemon citrus and rose petal. Pear, peach and honeydew melon aromas jump from the glass. The creamy mouthfeel comes from a short time on the lees. The mouthwatering fruit flavors are of apple and stone fruit, with nuances of pumpkin pie spice and tea. The finish is crisp, but balanced with a touch of residual sugar. ($17.99)

“Returning Wine” 2008 Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare – 58% Grenache, 18% Cinsault, 10% Roussanne, 7% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 3% Grenache Blanc - Santa Cruz, California – A pretty salmon hue, simple notes of fresh strawberries, herbs (basil, thyme) and a pleasant muskiness on the nose. An impressive silky texture, fresh acidity and nice balance on the palate, this was a delicious patio wine. ($17.99)

2004 Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant- 34% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 27% Mourvédre, 2% Viognier, 2% Cinsault, 2% Carignane. Santa Cruz, California -Smoky aromas of raspberry, cherry, herbs and flowers are complemented by minerality. Midweight red berry and sweet cherry flavors are given spine by gentle acidity and silky tannins. The red fruit takes a darker turn on the finish, which leaves black raspberry and succulent herbs behind. ($36.99)

“New Wine” 2006 X Winery – Petite Syrah – Paso Robles, California – Beautiful aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, and blueberry. Dark berry flavors continue to dominate the mid-pallet with just a hint of coffee and pepper accompanying the strong but balanced tannins. ($19.99)

New Wines and Wines of the Month – A Great Opportunity to Try Some New Wines at a Discuonted Price

“New Wine” Jewell Towne Vineyards – 2009 Aurore Hampton NH- similar to a Pinot Grigio. Clean, crisp, with hints of grapefruit and pepper.($12.99 WotM &11.69)

“New Wine” 2007 Vina Honda -100% Monastrell, – Jumilla, Portugal - 90 Pts. WA- A fragrant nose of mineral, spice box, and blueberry. Layered, mouth-filling, and succulent. ($16.99 WotM &15.29)

“New Wine” 2003 Clos St. Thomas – Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah   Lebanon - deep cherry color and is distinguished by its character and complexity. It has fruity flavor with a hint of liquorice, and has fine and balanced tannins. ($21.99 WotM $19.79)

New Wines

“New Wine” 2006 Dierberg – 100% Chardonnay – Santa Ynez, California –  92 Pts. WE -  Smoky tangerine, apple and quince paste on the nose, with a good lashing of oak spices. Lush, creamy citrus and orchard fruit flavors are complemented by notes of peach pit, vanilla and clove, with gentle minerality lending spine. Supple, creamy and smoky chardonnay with strong finishing lift and sweet persistence. ($28.99)

“New Wine” 2007 Rombauer El Dorado – 100% Zinfandel – Napa Valley, California -  This fruit-forward, full-bodied style is deeply concentrated and jammy with layers of dark wild berries and rich cherries. Fruity through the finish, flavors of boysenberry and raspberry linger on the palate. ($34.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I hope every dad out there had a great Fathers Day. It was sure a nice hot one!

I am getting more and more value priced white wines to enjoy with the long summer days. Be sure to check the list of new wines every week for some tasty white and red new wines.

Patrick will be here on Thursday to taste some old favorites!

Thursday’s Wine Tasting – Patrick

2008 Terre D’Alteni – 100%  Moscato Bianco – Lombardia, Italy – (We can’t get enough of this wine) Soft white mousse; clear golden-yellow color; generous bouquet, very assertive, with notes of musk, rosewood, sage and ripe fruit; the palate is sweet, exceptionally gracious, fresh and lively, with a persistent backdrop that is, by turns, fruity and musky. Ideally savored with: cakes, oven pies, desserts in general, strawberries, raspberries, peaches. ($18.99)

2006 Robert Stemmler Nugent Vineyard- 100% Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley, California – 90 Pts. California Grapevine - 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. This wine would pair well with a lightly seasoned pork tenderloin. This wine is drinking great now!! ($39.99)

2007 Eternum Viti – 100%  Tempranillo - Toro, Spain – 90 Pts. WA – The 2007 Eternum Viti was sourced from Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) vines at least 30 years of age. It was barrel-fermented and aged in French oak, 50% new, for ten months. A glass-coating opaque purple in color, it offers up a fragrant bouquet of earth notes, mineral, spice box, and blackberry. This leads to a dense, ripe, powerful wine which manages to keep its tannins under control. ($23.99)

“Returning Wine” 2002 Luna Beberide – 40% Cabernet, 30% Merlot and 30% Mencia – Castilla y Leon, Spain – Savory cherry, hints of sage leaf, green and black peppercorn and an unmistakable character of mature Cabernet family aromas (many people liken Mencia to Cabernet Franc, which completes this Graves style blend) make for one gorgeous bottle of wine ($22.99)

“Returning Wine” 2007 Angels Landing – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California – This is a deeply colored Cab with loads of blackberry, currant, and lots of mocha. Very good structure and the tannins are very ripe. This will be a real crowd pleaser for any occasion. It’s worth every penny if you’re looking for a delicious Napa Cab that won’t put a dent in the wallet. ($22.99)

New Wines

“New Wine” NV Montsarra Cava Brut – Blend of three grape varieties – Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada – Penedes Region, Spain - 90 Pts. W&S - A pale, sparkling wine with lasting bubbles and a crisp finish. The bouquet is fruity and vigorous. Extremely refreshing: finishing on the flavor of Marcona almonds - an ideal aperitif! ($18.99)

“New Wine” NV Broadbent Vino Verde – 50% Loureiro, 40% Trajadura and 10% Pedernã – Portugal - Vinho Verde, the most popular white wine from Portugal, is a deliciously refreshing, light wine with gentle spritz. “Verde”, meaning “green” refers to the hints of lime color.  Broadbent Vinho Verde is the only Vinho Verde imported on a refrigerated container. The result is the freshest tasting Vinho Verde on the market. An ideal warm weather wine, excellent for lunch and picnics, this wine is equally as lovely as an evening aperitif. It makes a brilliant pairing with any fish, shell fish and poultry. “Is the world’s greatest pairing for a Caesar salad” according to wine writer Jordan MacKay. ($12.99)

“New Wine” 2009 Borealis: The Northern Whites – 45% Muller Thurgau (a Riesling cross from Germany), 24% Gewurztraminer, 18% Pinot Gris, 13% Riesling – Willamette Valley, Oregon - A terrific wine for summer. The fresh fruit just pours out. It’s all white fruits: grape, pear, peach and apple. The mouth is zesty, luscious, sweet and chin dribbling juicy. It’s actually a daring blend considering the amounts of Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris in here. The sweetness is so perfectly balanced; the wines just roll for ever. An absolutely fabulous summer refresher. Serve with grilled shrimp and scallops. ($12.99)

“New Wine” 2006 Ramon Bilbao Crianza Limited Editon – 100% Tempranillo – Rioja, Spain - 90 Pts. WS - Intense dark garnet-red with a purple rim. On the nose its impressive fresh red berries aromas of ripen cherries and plums develop to the range of candied fruit. It is compact on the palate and reveals smoked notes of mineral and liquorice. Its solid tannins hold the fruit and give structure that is well kept along time. ($19.99)

“New Wine” 2008 Luca Laborde Double Select - 100% Syrah - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina - 90 Pts. ST - Full ruby. Blackberry, violet, licorice and bitter chocolate on the nose, with hints of fresh herbs. Plenty of energy to the dark fruit and peppery spice flavors. ($24.99)

“New Wine“ 2005 Meeker Vineyards Handprint Collection – 83% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot - Sonaoma Valley, California - Before you say “I hate Merlot’s!” you need to try this bottle. The Meeker  Merlot drinks more like a Cabernet. Plum, cherry, vanilla and dried herbs on the nose. Blackberry, plum, ripened cherries, vanilla and leather on the palate with a dry Cab. like finish. ($42.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. This weekend is all about dads!! At least the weather will be cooperating.

We have 3 fun events planned for this week. On Wednesday we will be having our “Tour Italy” class. We still have a few openings so if you are interested, just let me know. On Thursday Jill from Perfecta Wine Company will be pouring and on Saturday we are having a wine tasting to help celebrate Fathers Day.

Thursday’s Wine Tasting 4:30 to 7:00 – Jill from Perfecta Wine Company

“New Wine” 2009 Commanderie de la Bargemone Rosé - Blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsaut, Cabernet Sauvignon – Provence, France - Commanderie de la Bargemone is among the foremost estates of the Coteaux d’Aix, a small fine wine district within Provence. The Commanderies’ red, white and rosé wines are grown on poor, stony soil which gives limited yields of high quality wine. This 2009 rosé is a pale, salmon color typical of Bargemone Rosés. Classic Bargemone aromas of slightly under-ripe wild strawberries and mountain herbs. Dry and piquant, with excellent intensity of flavor and great balance. The texture is mouth-coating, but also fresh and mouthwatering, with a fresh and clean finish. Produced in very limited quantities. ($18.99)

“New Wine” 2008 Alta Vista – 100% Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina - 90 Pts. Wine Buyer – This Malbec has an intense nose with aromas of fresh red cherries, currants, and plum with hints of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. Light bodied, leading to a fresh, soft rounded tannins on the palate, accompanied by subtle coffee, and cedar notes. Well structured, showing a lot of complexity, finishing off with a light and dry spiciness. This wine is ideal for pairing with pizza, pasta, or cold meat and cheese platters ($14.99 )

“New Wine” 2006 Seabisquit Ranch – 89% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon – Mencocino County, California - Seabiscuit Ranch Merlot is a limited-release version of their true “reserve” quality wine. Full-bodied red fruit flavors predominate, with good acidity balance and a soft mouth-filling silky finish. The wine is styled to accompany foods. Serve with grilled meats or poultry. Merlot also is a great complement for rich tomato-based pasta sauces and risotto. ($22.99)

2006 Alpha Domus, The Navigator – Bordeaux Blend of 41% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Franc – Hawkes Bay, New Zealand – A complex, full-bodied blend showing rich ripe plum, blackberry, hints of spice and fine oak. Savoury notes, sweet ripe tannins and a long finish. ($23.99)

Saturday’s Wine Tasting – noon to 3

“New Wine” 2007 Big Claw – Blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Chenin Blanc – North Coast, California – The perfect wine to pair with Lobster - During the winter of 2009 some wine and food professionals from the Portland, ME area gathered to sample California white wine blends while eating freshly steamed lobster with melted butter. This white wine blend was the unanimous choice as “The perfect wine to go with lobster” – as well as any fresh seafood. It has just the right crisp flavors, good balance, acidity and finish to enhance your meal. It is also really good to just drink on its own. ($16.99)

“New Wine” 2007 Dutsche WillowBend – 38% Shiraz, 33% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon – Barossa Valley, Australia – Superb bright, rich blackberry fruit nicely captured here. There’s an earthy nuance too and an impressive ball of flavoursome fine tannin with oak boosting structure through the finish. Balanced, lingering and impressive.($19.99)

“New Wine” 2004 Castillo De Molina  Reserva – 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon - Lontue Valley, Chile - Presents a very aromatic, fruity nose that primarily features red fruits that combine with subtle aromas of toast, toffee, and vanilla from the French oak aging. Good fruit on the palate, well-rounded with good body, ripe and well-balanced tannins that lead the wine to a long finish. Great Value. ($11.99)

“New Wine” 2007 B Side – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California - 91 Pts. WE - Holds its own in a tasting of Napa Cabs that cost, three, four, even five times as much. Made with a drop of Petite Sirah, it’s dry, firmly tannic and complex, with black currant, beef jerky, miso, pepper spice and smoky oak flavors. B Side Cabernet Sauvignon tells the story of the flip-side of Napa Valley. Nestled in rural areas and rolling hills along the eastern edge of the Valley, these vineyards are just a few miles from the glamorous, high-priced wineries featured along Highway 29. The eastern side of Napa Valley includes areas such as Pope Valley, Chiles Valley, Wooden Valley, Stags Leap District and lower Calistoga. Vines in these areas are grown in thin volcanic soils, which yield smaller, more concentrated fruit, producing Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignons with classic berry and cassis flavors. ($32.99)

A list of the New Wines we will be tasting at our “Tour Italy” class – Starts at 6:00 pm – Cost $25.00

“New Wine” 2008 Tola – 100% Grillo – Sicily, Italy - Grillo is an ancient, native Sicilian grape. It is one of the grape varieties traditionally used in Marsala wine. This fresh mineral and elegant wine with aromas of citrus and peach is made from all estate grown grapes. ($15.99)

“New Wine” Belpoggio – 100% Verdicchio – Marche Region, Italy - Clean, intense straw hues, Meyer lemon & kiwi flavors meld with the pleasant richness on the palate. This wine has a nice mouthfeel with crisp acidity bringing balance to the finish. ($15.99)

“New Wine” Palazzo Montanari Valpolicella Classico – 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara – Veneto Region, Italy - Medium intense ruby-red color with light violet reflections early on, which turn to garnet upon aging. Delicate nose with hints of red fruit such as cherries, sour cherries and light spicy notes of pepper, natural to the corvina grape. On the palate the wine is dry, with a good structure. Ideal with poultry, pizza or with fish such as salmon. ($17.99)

“New Wine” Luigi Baudana Barolo – 100% Nebbiolo – Piedmont Region, Italy - 88 Pts. WS - Shows intense aromas of ripe plum, with hints of cocoa powder and citrus fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Combines well with meats, tasty main courses and aged cheeses.($55.99)

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I know this time of the year can be hectic for many of us. Between graduations, weddings, kids sporting events and nice weather yard work, it’s tough to find time to unwind. I hope Thursday nights wine tastings can provide that well needed retreat.

Our “Tour Italy” class is filling up fast. If you have any questions regarding the class just call or send me an email – or better yet, stop in, I would love to see you.

This Thursday Jackie from Wineberries will be pouring some 2 white and 2 red wines. They are all really delicious so be sure to stop in.

Thursday’s Wine Tasting – Jackie

2008 Pezzi King Vineyards – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – Dry Creek Valley, California – Floral notes of pear and white peach. Bright and refreshing, medium weight, finishes with notes of honeyed grapefruit and lemon zest. ($16.99)

“New Wine” 2008 Talbott Vineyard Kali Hart – 100% Chardonnay – Montery, California - Named after Robb Talbott’s youngest daughter, Kali Hart is the most recent addition to the Talbott Vineyards family of wines. Kali Hart Chardonnay is a fresh, exuberant, medium-bodied wine with the distinctive Talbott style of lush, tropical fruit, toasty oak and minerals, and a long citrus-filled finish. This regionally inspired wine has great acid balance and is made to enjoy upon release. ($19.99 )

“New Wine” 2008 Pizzella Family Vineyard, La Posta – 100% Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina – Ripe and flashy, with a showy layer of mocha leading the way for spice cake, raspberry and boysenberry fruit flavors laid over a lush, creamy finish. Dense but sule, with the fruit echoing through the finish.($19.99)

“New Wine” 2005 Michael and David Earthquake – 100% Petit Sirah – Lodi, California – Big, ripe dark berries leave just a hint of sweetness on the tongue with overtones of chocolate and tobacco. A long peppery finish follows. Ample tannins and substantial body make this one enormous and delicious swallow of wine. ($29.99)

Additional New and Returning Wines

“New Wine” 2007 Dutsche WillowBend – 38% Shiraz, 33% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon – Barossa Valley, Australia – Superb bright, rich blackberry fruit nicely captured here. There’s an earthy nuance too and an impressive ball of flavoursome fine tannin with oak boosting structure through the finish. Balanced, lingering and impressive.($19.99)

“New Wine” 2004 Castillo De Molina  Reserva – 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah – Lontue Valley, Chile - WE Best Buy – Presents an expressive and complex nose primarily marked by red fruits such as black currant, cherries, berries, forest fruits, and spices that are well integrated with the toasted notes that come from the oak barrels. Fruity and well-integrated with good volume and soft, ripe tannins that lead to a long finish. Great Value. ($11.99)

“New Wine” 2004 Castillo De Molina  Reserva – 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon - Lontue Valley, Chile - Presents a very aromatic, fruity nose that primarily features red fruits that combine with subtle aromas of toast, toffee, and vanilla from the French oak aging. Good fruit on the palate, well-rounded with good body, ripe and well-balanced tannins that lead the wine to a long finish. Great Value. ($11.99)

“Returning Wine” 2007 Cambas Mantinia – 100% Moshofilero – Peloponnesos Region, Mantinia, Greece - 87 Pts. W&S – Flowery scent of lemon buds and rich flavor with pronounced fruit components of sweet orange that are revved by tangy acidity and lavender highlights. We sold out of this wine when Jill poured it 4 weeks ago.($15.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I want to tell you about our first class in a series of upcoming classes. Kevin from Vinilandia NH will be taking us on a tour through Italy. We will be tasting 6 different wines and learning about the grapes, soil, climate and regions of each particular wine.

We will feature 3 White and 3 Red wines. (White Wines) Our tour and tasting will start in the Friuli Region in Northern Italy with a wonderful Pinot Grigio. We will then travel to the Marche Region and taste a Verdicchio. Our selection of whites will end in Sicily with a Grillo. (Red Wines) We will start our red wine tour in Abruzzi where we will taste a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. We will then move to the Veneto Region into the hilly area of Valpolicella and taste a Valpolicella Classico (60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara). We will finish the night in Barolo within the Langhe wine region of Piedmont. We will taste the wine that is referred to as the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings – a Barolo (Nebbiolo grape).

The class is Wednesday June 16 from 6 pm to 8 pm. The cost for the class is $25.00 and will include wine education, wine tasting, food sampling and 10% off wines tasted that evening.

For further information or to register for the class please email me at paula@bellavinonh.com or call 893-8466. We look forward to seeing you.

Until then – Cheers!

Paula

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had a great long weekend. The weather was very cooperative for outdoor barbecues and get-togethers with friends and family!

I’m putting together some ideas for summer classes. If anyone has anything in particular they are interested in learning about or tasting please let me know.

We’re looking forward to having Jeff with us on Thursday. This is his first visit and you will be happy with the selection of wines he his pouring. Two of the wines are our wines of the month – giving you a 10% discount.

Thursday’s Wine Tasting – Jeff

2008 Valley of the Moon – 99% Pinot Blanc, 1% Chardonnay – Sonoma, California - Aromas of honeysuckle, guava and pink lady apples with hints of mineral and lychee. Integrated and rich fruit flavors of pears, apple and kiwi lead to a lengthy finish balanced with zesty acidity. ($16.99)

“New Wine” 2007 Hangtime – 100% Chardonnay – Central Coast, California - Along California’s cool Central Coast, Chardonnay grapes can take their time ripening. This results in the slow, steady development of pure fruit balanced by natural acidity. The character of these grapes is enhanced by fermenting the wine in oak barrels to contribute a creamy mouthfeel and beautiful notes of spice and toast. ($19.99 WoTM $17.99)

“New Wine” 2007 Hangtime – 100% Pinot Noir – Central Coast, California - Lots of blueberry fruit, good structure and balanced acidity. This is the kind of wine you like to have around the house, to crack a bottle when the day is long or for impromptu guests. Good value! ($19.99 WoTM $17.99)

“New Wine” 2005 Christian Moueix Encore – 100% Merlot – Bordeaux Region, France - W&S Best Buy – Moueix uses traditional vinification methods for optimum extraction of the 100% pure Merlot fruit. Careful blending and aging balance the acidity and tannins for a finished wine that is ready to enjoy upon release. Rich layering of smooth, round tannins and sweet, supple berry and wild cherry fruit flavors. ($21.99)

2008 Valley of the Moon – 96% Zinfandel, 4% Petit Sirah – Sonoma, California – 91 Pts, two stars and a “Good Value” designation from the Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine - Jammy and berry aromas are accented with vanilla and baking spices. Ripe, rich blackberry jam with notes of black currant on the palate: complimented by red and black pepper spice and dark chocolate. Soft tannins, balanced acidity and light toasty oak frame the finish. ($17.99)

Additional New and Returning Wines

“New Wine” 2008 CAKEBREAD Cellars – 100% Sauvignon Blanc – Napa Valley, California – W&S 90 Pts. – A beautifully fragrant nose of ripe pomelo, Golden delicious apple, honeydew melon, lime and mineral, with little of the herbaceousness that sometimes characterizes the variety. On the fleshy, full-bodied palate, ripe melon, grapefruit, kiwi and lemon-lime flavors lead to a long, flavorful finish enlivened by bright mineral tones. “Golden” and “sun-kissed” are words that pop to mind when sipping this delicious Sauvignon Blanc, which makes both a wonderful apèritif and a delectable companion to simply prepared seafood, poultry and vegetarian entrees. ($26.99)

“New Wine” 2009 Merieau Touraine L’Arpent des Vaudons- 100% Sauvignon Blanc – Loire Valley, France –  Subtle aromas of orange, pear and honeysuckle, with a subtle mineral undertone. The fresh, supple palate conveys a restrained sweetness, good intensity, and a light touch. A smooth, easy-going rendition of sauvignon blanc, with good finishing breadth and sneaky length. ($14.99)

“Returning Wine” – 2009 KWV – 100% Chenin Blanc – Western Cape, So. Africa - The color is pale straw. 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. ($13.99)

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

Until then – Cheers!

Paula