Saturday featured two stellar tastings at Bell!  First, we had Fr. Carr and Paul Scolese from Stift Klosterneuberg to feature several of their delicious Austrian wines. Tasters greatly enjoyed their offerings and their wines went flying off the shelves!  Second, we continued a great afternoon with our traditional Saturday tasting and included the Austrian wines for a super-sized offering.  All of the wines tasted are featured below.  The identity of the Mystery Wine is:

Finca Luzon Verde Monastrell 2009 (reg. $8.99) $8.09/7.64

 This Monastrell from Jumilla, Spain, is made from organically grown grapes.  The wine is a deep, purplish red, with flavors of ripe red fruit and a slight spice. A well-balanced red, it is lighter in body than your typical Monastrell, making it a nice, lighter red for the summer.  Other wines in the tasting included:

A l’Ombres des Fontaines Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2010 (reg. $9.99) $8.99/8.49

This rosé from the Côtes du Rhône is a blend of Grenache (70%), Syrah (20%), and Cinsault (10%).  Light and refreshing without being overly acidic, this is a great food wine and delicious drink for a hot afternoon.

Klosterneuberg Weissburgunder 2008 (reg (19.99) SALE $17.99

Weissburgunder is the Austrian name for Pinot Blanc.  This wine has mango and papaya fruit aromas, a light and balanced body, with a nice nutty finish.  Elegant and flavorful, this wine is a nice surprise to gift to oenophile friends.  

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2010 (reg. $13.99) $12.59/11.89

This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has the typical zesty and aromatic nose and palate of this region’s offerings.  With tropical fruit flavors and strong floral notes, this is a very crisp and refreshing white.

Klosterneuberg Riesling Franzhauser 2008 (reg. 19.99)  SALE $17.99

A drier Riesling than most you see in the US, this wine has a delicious palate of fresh peaches and  apricots.  Lively acidity and distinctive minerality make this a very enjoyable wine that avoids an overly sweet quality.

Klosterneuberg Weiner Nußberg 2008 (reg. 14.99) SALE $13.49

This "Gemischter Satz" from the Nußberg region is fresh with a bouquet of green apple and floral aromas.  Stone fruit flavors and luscious acidity make this an interesting wine, not easy to compare to common international varietals. Perfect to pair with light dishes!

Byron Chardonnay 2009 (reg. $14.99) $13.49/12.74

This Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County is balanced and rich, without being flabby.  The nose is packed with stone fruit, honey, and spice.  The palate has a nice apple note with a mineral finish.  A new wine to Bell, this is a refreshingly different Chardonnay.

Terre del Nero d’Avola 2008 (reg. $7.99) $7.19/6.79

This very drinkable red is made from 100% Nero d'Avola.  A deep burgundy color, it is ripe and concentrated with a wild, red fruit character. The finish is soft and velvety.  When you’re in the mood for “something Italian,” pick up this yummy wine.

Klosterneuberg Escorial 2006 (reg. 26.99) SALE $21.59

This blend of St. Laurent, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has a deep ruby red color.  Blackcurrant, cinnamon and vanilla are found on the palate, with fresh berries and coffee notes in the finish.  This light red is very smooth and flavorful.

Klosterneuberg Chorus 2006 (reg. $37.99) SALE $30.39

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and St. Laurent are combined in this medium-bodied Austrian red.  Dark ruby hues, and aromas of blueberries and vanilla combine with light  chocolate and coffee flavors. With a long finish and bright tannins, this is a substantial wine.

Klosterneuberg St. Laurent Barrique 2006 (reg. $36.99) SALE $29.59

This St. Laurent is aged for 18 months in small French oak barrels, giving it soft, flavorful tannins.  Cherry aromas and flavors are highlighted in this substantial red.  The fullest in body of the reds we presented today, it was a taster favorite.