Happy Bastille Day! - Bell Wine & Spirits

Oui, mes amis! We have a French Grand Tasting on Wednesday. The list of fantastique French values is set forth below - and remember ALL FRENCH WINES (still 750ml) are ON SALE (up to 15% in a case purchase)! Stock up on your favorites and snag that trophy bottles of Burgundy or Bordeaux as well!

Although the luscious libations are sure to please, we must confess there will be one bitter-sweet undertone: Brian Leger has accepted a management position at a major Washington wine distributor and thus will be leaving Bell in a couple of weeks. This new role on the wholesale side of the wine industry is an exceptional and well-deserved opportunity for one of the hardest working people in the business. We are thrilled for Brian, and his wonderful wife Donna, but he will be missed greatly. Of course, managers Jeff Harrison and Destin Fairman are ready to to step into Brian's (lime green and purple) shoes and, along with the rest of the Bell team, will continue Bell's commitment to customer service, exceptional product knowledge and bringing you the finest beer, wines and spirits values available. Brian's news is accompanied by the planned departure of our good friend and "franchise player," Jeff D'Onofrio, who has capably led our team of assistants for several years, to take a teaching position in Washington, DC.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Jeff -- and especially Brian -- for their contributions to Bell Wine & Spirits over the years. They have left indelible marks on Bell (okay, we tried to clean a few of those up ) with their expertise, good spirits and commitment. We wish you much success and look forward to crossing paths as the Bell Wine team continues to build on the strong foundation that you have helped develop. Bonne chance!

BELL'S WEEKLY SALE:

Events Calendar

Upcoming Bell Wine & Spirits events:

- July 13th: "Red, White & Bleu" French Grand Tasting (5:00-8:00pm)

- July 15th: Friday Tasting (5:00-8:00pm) Wine + Laird's Applejack

- July 16th: Saturday Tasting (12:00-3:00pm) Wine

- July 22nd: Friday Tasting (5:00-8:00pm) Wine + Beer

- July 23rd: Saturday Tasting (12:00-3:00pm) Wine

- July 29th: Friday Tasting (5:00-8:00pm) Wine

- July 30th: Saturday Tasting (12:00-3:00pm) Wine

Saturday Tasting -

Wines On Sale

The wines below will be on sale through Saturday, July 16th:

Many of our regulars and new tasters alike had a tough time with the mystery wine. Guesses ranged from Pinot Grigio to Riesling to Viognier. The identity of the Mystery Wine is:

Do Zoe Albarino 2010 (reg. $11.99) $10.79/10.19
Spanish Albarino is one of the greatest wines to enjoy on a hot summer day. This wine has nice bright, brisk, tropical fruit notes. It is crisp and balanced with a lip-smacking freshness.

Other wines in the tasting included:

J Vineyards Pinot Gris 2010 (reg. $14.99) $13.49/12.74
This crisp, clean wine is made by the excellent Judy Jordan. Pinot Gris can often be a bit flat or muted, but this wine has bright acidity, making it interesting and mouthwatering. Melon and yeast notes are found on the nose, and rich fruit carries through on the finish.

Yalumba Y Series Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (reg. $9.99) $8.99/8.49
This Australian Sauvignon Blanc is light and refreshing with pineapple aromas and lime and pear flavors. A nice flinty quality makes this a memorable (and affordable!) white.

Masciarelli Rosato 2010 (reg. $11.99) $10.79/10.19
Hailing from Italy’s Abruzzo region, this Montepulciano-based rose is deeply colored, bright and refreshing. Pronounced sour cherry flavors come through, with little acidity.

Foris Pinot Noir 2008 (reg. $19.99) $17.99/16.99
This Pinot from Oregon’s Rogue Valley is light and earthy with bright cherry notes. A touch of smoke adds a nice edge to a smooth, very drinkable wine.

Rioja Vega 2009 (reg. $10.99) $9.89/9.34
Full-bodied and nicely structured, this Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain, is meaty and balanced. Twelve months in oak results in a nice palate of vanilla, toast and spice. A complex red with bright, ruby red colors, this is a great value.

Cave de Roquebrun Chemin des Olivettes 2009 (reg. $12.99) $11.69/11.04
This Languedoc blend received 92 points from Wine Spectator, and it’s easy to see why. A blend of Carignan (35%), Grenache (30%), Syrah (20%), Mourvedre (15%), it has red fruit flavors with a nice smoky quality on the palate. Hints of dark chocolate come through on a rich finish. A favorite, and a screaming deal for the price!

"RED, WHITE & BLEU" FRENCH GRAND TASTING:

Wednesday, July 13th, 5:00-8:00PM

Wines to be presented at our upcoming French Grand tasting include:

2009 L'Aujardiere Muscadet Cotes de Grand Lieu

2009 Complices Des Loire Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

2008 Lascaux Coteaux Du Languedoc Rouge

2010 Domaine Chanteleuserie Bourgueil Cuvee Alouettes

2010 Lascaux Coteaux Du languedoc Rose

2007 Chateau de Chasseloir Muscadet

2009 La Porte du Caillou Sancerre

2010 Domaine le Murmurium CDV Rose

2009 Chemin des Olivettes

2009 Seigneur de Lauris Vacqueyras

2010 La Roche St Jean Blanc

2010 Chateau Des Alouettes Rose

2009 Chateau Haut Bonneau Rouge

2009 Chateau Mylord

2009 Chateau Grand Bateau

2010 Chateau de Segries Tavel

2009 Chateau Gaudrelle Vouvray Clos le Vigneau

2008 Domaine Guillemot-Michel Macon Villages Quintaine

2009 Grand Veneur Lirac Clos de Sixte

2009 Grand Veneur Chateauneuf du Pape

NV Domaine de Martinolles Blanquette de Limoux

2010 Chateau Magneau Graves Blanc

2009 Domaine D’Elise Petit Chablis

2010 Domaine de Martinolles VDP Pinot Noir

2009 Domaine Gerard Charvet Moulin A Vent VV

Plus a few surprises!

BELL WINE on the WEB

You can follow the latest updates and comments about wine at Bell Wine& Spirits at twitter.com and stay apprised of events such as wine, beer and liquor tastings on Facebook. Here are the relevant links (remember to log in first):

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And on Facebook!

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HOW TO ORDER

Come by the store! We are located in the heart of DC on M Street--just blocks from Metro's Red and Orange lines).

Order by phone: 202-223-4727. We will have it ready for pick-up.

Order by fax: 202-466-8070. Please include your name, credit card information and phone number so we can contact you to confirm your order.

Order by email: sales@bellwineshop.com. Again, please include your name, credit card information and phone number so we can contact you to confirm your order.