Bellview Winery, located in Landisville in South Jersey, was established in 2001. In the ensuing years they have a trunkful of medals and awards for their wines. Jim Quarella, founder and President of Bellview Winery, presides over 45 acres that produce over a dozen varietals of wine and two dozen styles of wine, including blends and fruit wines. The Quarella family has farmed this land for over a century. Today, Jim is “allegedly retired.” Don’t tell his wife or sons that. He’s still very busy and “hands on.” In fact, as I was getting ready to leave after my tasting, I bumped into him in the tasting room. We had a nice chat and his passion for wine and the winery are still quite evident. Jim is a former president of the Outer Coastal Plains AVA, so his interest goes far beyond his home turf. I might add, this is still very much a family business and a family passion.
I decided to take a different strategy with my tasting this time. Like a lot of folks, I have a tendency to go back to my favorites, while trying something new here and there. This time I wanted to get to the blends that I almost never get to try due to the overwhelming diversity of choices, many of which are award winning. The Tasting Menus present a choice between their traditional menu and their Celestial Menu. The former offers eight dry whites, seven dry reds, three sweet wines, four fruit wines and four after dinner wines. I have always opted for the dry whites and reds from the traditional menu. This time I went with the Celestial Series Menu. These are wines that were originally offered only as wines on tap. The present lineup in bottles is due to their popularity.
The Celestial Series consists of the following wines:
- Ara-A dry white blend of Gruner Veltliner, Cayuga, Traminette and Chardonnay. This is a wonderful blend that has fragrant, floral notes that was great on its own, but would be a versatile wine to pair with many foods.
- Leo-A dry white, made from Cayuga grapes. I must say this grape does not get enough love. I have been one of those who is skeptical about this varietal. This one is a real surprise and it could also be served with a myriad of food choices. The six months in American oak also gives it some depth and complexity.
- Capella-A dry red blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
- Pollux-A 50-50 dry red blend of Merlot and Chambourcin.
- Arcturus-A dry red blend of Blaufrankisch and Cab Franc. A smooth wine with a long finish.
- Regulus-My favorite of the red blends. This one, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, and Petit Verdot. It was a Bronze Medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle. Unfortunately this one and Capella will not be available after current stock is depleted. This is because Bellview will not be producing any more Cabernet Sauvignon.
Due to our state’s archaic and illogical regulations, one cannot do two different tastings (allowing a more inclusive tasting). I needed to try an alternative strategy to expand the scope of my tasting, while not violating regs. I was able to try a glass of Blaufrankisch (from the regular menu and a glass of their Beujolais from their draft wines list). The Blaufrankisch was a very nice, full-bodied, velvety-smooth red, while the Beaujolais was a light and fruity red made with Chambourcin. They accompanied my impromptu lunch, pictured below:
The above cheese board consisted of three varieties of cheese, a sweet pepperoni and a spicy one, olives, hot peppers, pretzels and a honey mustard for dipping. It was great (and too much to finish). I enjoyed more of these goodies at home the next day with a glass of the 2017 Chambourcin.*
*Note: I must note here that in my last post about NJ Hybrid grapes I somehow neglected to mention one of my favorite Chambourcins (from here). Their 2016 Chambourcin won Best Hybrid in the state and received a score of 93! Having tasted their 2017 version I am certain this one should score well, too.
The photo below shows my other bottle purchases: Ara, Leo, Traminette, Gruner Veltliner and Chambourcin.
With all of the wonderful special events that they put on all year, I am sure I will be coming back soon. You can find more information about Bellview Winery at their website: bellviewwinery.com.
Cheers!
A Follow up on The Laughing Fox
The Laughing Fox is a new American-Style Tavern, located in Magnolia on the White Horse Pike. It is the former home of the “Woodstone Tavern.” It is a huge (16,000 square feet), upscale tavern that is both sports bar and restaurant with a great new menu. While the apps and “bar food” are great, consider going before a game and trying a full meal. I had two terrific crab cakes and my wife enjoyed her Grilled Chicken Paillard. The owner spent a bundle on the renovations and upgrades in the very attractive interior. The food is excellent and there is a nice selection of wines, beers and full bar menu. The meals are reasonably priced (most below $30), as are the wines (almost entirely below $30). It would be nice to see a New Jersey wine in the mix, but the choices are very good.
Besides the huge central bar area, there is another, smaller bar as you enter, to the right. There are additional unique areas for special events. The Green Room has a number of overstuffed recliners and couches and another room called, “The Guinness Room.” On the night my wife and I dined here (Thursday) there was a DJ scheduled for later that evening. Much to explore here. Check it out. I hope to get back soon.
More info is available at their website: thelaughingfoxtavern.com
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Coming Attractions
- Salem Oak Winery
- Working Dog Winery
- 2019 Top 10 Favorites
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