...snow is announced, it's the end of Hanukkah, Christmas is around the corner and Kwanzaa is at the end of the straight line. It's time for family reunion, or to get back to it...!!! I'll be celebrating Christmas with M, the tree is ready, I can't wait!

But before that, we want to give a last Hommage of the year to one of the dish we cherish the most : SUCKLING PIG. Marinated in olive oil with some fresh herbs & garlic, then slowly roasted for about 4 hours. Super moist with the crispy skin, tell me about it.

Paolo Bea is in da house. His words are : "Nature should be observed, heard, understood, not dominated.", his vision is all about diversity, terroir and culture. Located in the Montefalco region. We picked a table white, "Santa Chiara" Umbria Bianco 07. A blend of Malvasia, Garganega, Graqueto, Sauvignon & Chardonnay, yes. Amazing turbidity with a dark yellow color, the wine is so alive with a constant changing floral nose, reminding me a little of the white Crozes-Hermitage "K" from Dard & Ribo. Very mineral with white fruits notes, each sip is different from another!!!

For red, the choice went to the Montefalco Rosso Riserva "Pipparello" 04. Mostly Sangiovese with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo & Sagrantino. Rich with high acidity, green bell pepper aromas, Cabernet style, and with a silky red fruit mouth, like a touch of Gamay. Absolutely delicious, well balanced with a great minerality, it's a keeper.

We are very sad, Moussamousette is out of stock... The pinkish from Agnes & Rene Mosse got a little lazy this year so it is still fermenting... So welcome back to "Preambulles", the sparkling Mauzac from Causse Marine.

The whole Ten Bells Team want to thank you all for your support. For discovering with us, weeks after weeks, new wines, new winemakers, new vintages. For being curious and understanding about wines you might not be used to, or just for enjoying a cold beer while munching. We are looking foward for 2010 with big expectations on the 2009 vintage, with new visions and extensions, with M...!!!