a rose by any other name!!

We got a wine truck in today and I am always looking for the most intriguing label.  This time it happened to be a wine from Southern France, Perrin Nature ( I have a fondness for butterflies) from the Cotes du Rhone.  I LOVE wines from this region for they tend to have just the right spicy fruitiness for my taste.  Beverly and I thought that it would be fun to compare this young 2010 wine with Domain Clavel, a 2007 wine from the same region.   Wow was it fun to tast and see the differences!  Domain Clavel had a nice brick color.  It was very pleasing to my nose as I smelled deep black cherries or currants.  There was full fruit with lots of peppery spices in the back.  Comparing this to the Perrin Nature, the colors were strikingly different.  The Perrin Nature was more solid with dark plummy colors.  It had a more earthy smell with hints of flowers.  The tast was even more young tasting, as it was brighter and seemed to be softer in body.  It had more fruits than the Domain Clavel had, and with only hints of spices.  I had lots of fun tasting these side by side as it helped me understand how wines can come from the same place but still have their differences.  For the ending thoughts on both of these lovely wines, I have to say that I like them both!  For dinner I would have the Domain Clavel and for sipping, bring on the Perrin Nature! 

Maggie

Pasqua Prosecco

I happened to be in the mood for a sparkling wine to celebrate the arrival of my friends baby and wanted something different to experience.  We have a stack of Pasqua at both stores and being as it is also at a GREAT value, it was time to take this one home!  I was immediatley impressed!  I loved the fruity smell it gave and once I tasted it, it immediately became my new favorite celebratory wine.  It is very soft, and is fruitier than most sparkling wines I have had.  I had an easy time drinking this as it was creamy and had this great sweetness right up front.  It was just so light and went well with the peaches and strawberries. 
Take one home and enjoy!
Maggie

BABY BELLA

Mushroom Jack Cheese that is. Sierra Nevada, Organic Baby BELLA Jack Cheese, is such a delite. This creamy, hearty cheese invites you in with just a glance from across the room. It caught my eye while I was standing just feet away.  Moments later I knew that I had to take it home with me. We dined together enjoying such a richness, with added notes of sea salt and garlic, atop a fabulous grilled chicken pasta. This delectable cheese would pair nicely with a Pinot Gris from the Northwest or your favorite Viognier from France.  Whatever you choose, your cravings are sure to be fulfilled.
Thanks Maggie for the kind introduction...

Jen

Walldette....another Forgeron Cellars wine

I would have to say that wines from Forgeron Cellars has to be impressing the BELLA crew this month for we keep writing about them!  One of the new additions to our wine selections is Waldette, a white wine blend of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Orange Muscat.  A wonderful combination of grapes that had me curious!  When I first smelled this, I got a lot of citrus and floral notes, which I have not noticed particularly with chardonnays before.  So, to take a sip of this wine, I found myself taken away by the soft white peaches and pears with the creamy heartiness a chardonnay carries with just a touch of spice.  I love this new found wine and could say that it went well with my crackers and brie!  I would also love to have this with some chowder!    
Maggie

Forgeron Cellars '09 Ambiance

    One of the best parts of wine, to me,  is learning more about it than just the taste.  There is so much "in" a bottle of wine.  I first loved Forgeron when I found out that it is a woman making these wines!!  I love the thought of an intelligent and truly talented woman crafting my wines.  I had never tasted a Merlot with so much depth and character until BLACKSMITH with its strong bold flavor and lasting silky finish.  Keep in mind I have not had that many Merlots, but I can taste the art of crafting with love for what it is and will become.  I am certain this woman loves what she does.  In the beautiful white blend she has made, AMBIANCE it strikes that certain chord in my mind that puts my mind at ease.  Its sensational aroma of honeysuckle flowers and stone is the first characteristic that made me close my eyes and say Mmmm.  This white wine is silky, full bodied, and complex.  One can taste honeydew, a little green pear and the Roussanne brings this stunning reflection of terroir.  My favorite part is the lasting power of the finish. I am thinking I need to try this one with some lobster!!
Lynn