Wine Tasting: Lost Vineyards Spumante Italiano

Name; Lost Vineyards Spumante Italiano
Variety: Moscato
Region: Piedmon
Country: Italy
Year: NA
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Pale color. Confected, fruity aromas of yellow apple, honeysuckle, pear tartlet, and honeydew melon with a satiny, shy, spritzy, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a sleek, fast yellow apple, candied pear, honeycomb, and sweet papaya finish with no tannins and no oak. Simple and approachable with sweet apple, melon and candied pear on a framework of gentle, delightful bubbles.
 My Review: Fruity nose with peaches, pineapples, and melons coming through well. Mild acidity on the palate; tasted much like it smelled. A very subdued but tasty wine.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Jip Jip Rocks
Variety: Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Padthaway
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: Regular $19 on sale $8.95

Winery Review: This red wine is a well above average effort with lots of flavor as well as Australia's so easily obtainable, lush fruit. The 2013 Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon (55% and 45% respectively) exhibits a dark ruby/purple hue along with a layered, peppery, berry fruit-scented nose revealing licorice and meaty notes. From a much lighter vintage, it is a supple, easygoing red to enjoy now and over the next several years.

My Review: Woods like smell on the nose with hints of pepper. Licorice on the palate with some dark berries and maybe event a hint of a nice thick chunky steak. Smooth and delicious.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Cavit Alta Luna Pinot Noir

Name; Cavit Alta Luna
Cariety: Pinot Noir
Region: Vigneti delle Dolomiti
Country: Italy
Year; 2011
Price: Regular $20 on sale $9.95

Winery Review: On the nose cherry, plum and berry aromas mingle with notes of spice and tobacco. On the palate soft, supple tannins and refreshing acidity are beautifully balanced by ripe cherry fruit flavors on the finish which is dry, harmonious and elegant.

My Review: Spicy on the nose with cherry aromas. Also hints of pepper or the smell of a freshly opened bag of beef jerky. Smooth on the palate, tasted peppery and like dark fruits. 

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: El Cortijillo Verdejo

Name: El Cortijillo
Variety: Verdejo
Region: La Monacha
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $5.94

Winery Review: Golden straw color. Bright, attractive, tropical aromas of creme brulee and fruit tart with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, intriguing, snappy lime and apple finish with crunchy, fruit tannins and light oak. A super smooth and pure white sipper.
 

My Review: Fragrant on the nose with fruity scents like apples. Smooth and subtle body, but very tasty.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Pinot Grigio

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: A Venetian favorite!  It is crisp and dry, rich and spicy with hints of peach and honey…perfect with salads, pasta, chicken and fish!  Musaragno is an organic wine estate near Venice, Italy.

My Review: Strong on the nose with juicy fruits like peaches and pineapple. Spicy and crisp on the palate, tasted kind of syrupy or honey-like.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Fetzer Gewurztraminer

Name: Fetzer Gewurztraminer

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2014

Price: Regular $12 on sale $8.95

Winery Review: A rainy minerality on the nose of this sweet wine manages to cut through the sugared oranges, honeysuckle, and ripe, tropical white fleshed fruit, from peach to cherimoya. The palate is full of honeyed apples, white peach, and pineapple, but the decent acidity and chalky element stops it short of treacly. 

My Review: Wet rocks on the nose, kind of flinty with an aroma of sweet fruits and flowers. On the palate the fruits come through much stronger; apples, peaches, and pineapple are all present. Very crisp on the palate due to its medium acidity.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Maipe Malbec

Name: Maipe Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2015

Price: Regular $12 on sale $6.95

Winery Review: "The 2015 Maipe Malbac is another 100% Malbec, with a deep purple color and a style similar to the Lexicon, with chocolaty, blackcurrant, and blackberry fruit, as well as touches of licorice and earth. It is delicious, soft, and round." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (March 2016), 87 points-- Excellent Wine Values for Under $25

My Review: On the nose it smelled like cherries and plum, maybe a hint of blackberry. On the palate it was a little spicy but earthy at the same time. Smooth on the finish but not my favorite style of wine.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Manoir du Carra

Name: Manoir du Carra Beaujolais Nouveau Gamay

Variety: Gamay

Region: Beaujolais

Country: France

Year: 2014

Price: Regular $12 on sale $4.95

Winery Review: A pretty, floral wine, with a rose petal notes underscoring the rich pomegranate and sweet plum flavors. The fresh acidity is balanced, and a light spice note lingers on the finish.

My Review: A hint of oak on the nose but none on the taste. Also smelled peppery and spicy and maybe a little like licorice. Smooth on the palate, tasted like darker berries like plum or blackberries. 

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Mapreco Vinho Verde Rose

Name: Mapreco
Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2015
Price: Regular $10 on sale $7.95

Winery Review: The cherry color reveals a slightly fizzy wine that is a very fruitful rosé made from the traditional vinho verde white grapes. Adding a splash of red to offer flavors with notes of strawberry, cherry and berries. A delightful twist on the original.

My Review: Had some fizz to it with fruits on the nose as well as berries and cherries. Nice and lively on the palate and smooth on the finish.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Mars & Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars & Venus
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple.  Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.

My Review: Very fruity on the nose with hints of pineapple, pear, and citrus. Also smelled like fresh, crisp, deciduous vegetation. The taste was very similar to the smell. Smooth on the palate with a nice finish.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Beringer Chenin Blanc 2014

Name: Beringer
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: A fresh green-apple aroma and vivid citrus and crisp apple flavors are supported by vibrant acidity in this medium-bodied wine. The texture is smooth but crisp, making lots of good food pairings come to mind, from pre-meal cheese, to salads, seafood and veggie pastas.

My Review: Apple, citrus fruits, peach, and maybe a hint of pineapple on the nose. Nice, sweet, and smooth on the palate with low acidity. Definitely a wine I would drink if my sugar tooth was bothering me or if I wanted something to cool off with on a hot summer day.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Carraia Aglianico

Name: Carraia
Variety: Aglianico
Region: Campagna
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: Regular $15 on sale $9.95

Winery Review: Produced in the Campania region of Italy, this Aglianico has delicious black fruit flavors with hints of licorice, volcanic soil and tar notes. Classic in nature, yet in a lighter, more crowd-pleasing style, the Carraia is made of the ancient Aglianico grape. This black grape originated in Greece and today is widely grown in Basilicata and Campania.

My Review: Strong nose with odors reminding me of a linen closet. Also some darker cherries and fruits on the nose. On the palate it was spicy and tasted like cherries and blackberries and it had a hot finish.

I did not try this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Siema Vino Rosso

Name; Siemma Vino Rosso
Variety: Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: NA
Price: Regular $10 on sale $6.95

Winery Review: Intense ruby red with soft garnet nuances in the glass, the Rosso is intriguingly fresh, fruity and spicy on the nose. Perfectly round and balanced, the wine is particularly soft and dry. Pair with simple dishes like fresh cheese, ham, salami, or pizza for a divine culinary experience.

My Review: Bold aromas of cherry and darker berries with some lingering scents of licorice. Nice solid body, a little warm on the palate, but not overbearing. Slightly spicy as well. Overall a pretty good wine.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Dom de la Foret Grenache Cinsault Rose de Mediterranee

Name: Dom de la Foret Grenache Cinsault Rose de Mediterranee
Variety: Grenache
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: NA
Price: Regular $13 on sale $8.95

Winery Review: A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache.

My Review: Fruity scents on the nose as well as some underlying odor that I couldn't really put my finger on. It made me think of a parking lot right after a summer rain. On the palate it was smooth but it didn't have any flavors that stood. out. Wine was okay, but nothing to get too excited over.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Bricco dei Tati Cortese 2013

Name: Bricco dei Tati Cortese 2013
Variety: Cortese
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: Refular $10 on sale $6.95

Winery Review: Great Value! Treat this terrific little white like a red: Don’t chill it too much, then let it open for a half-hour to develop its enticing tropical fruit flavors. It’s dry, but the fruit gives an appealing illusion of sweetness. Great as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.

My Review: Strong smell of more acid fruits such as pears and apples. Tasted like it smells with a medium acidity on the palate and a warm finish. Interesting white wine but not really up my alley.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Crane Lake Riesling 2013

Name: Crane Lake Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: US
Year: 2013
Price $5.95

Winery Review: The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.

My Review: Subtle fruit scents on the nose, mostly berries. Smooth and soft with almost no acidity. Resembled grape juice more than wine. 

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Crane Lake Shiraz 2013

Name: Crane Lake Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: California
Country: US
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Beautiful ruby appearance, with blackberry and pepper notes. Tannins and fruit marry well for a soft finish. This wine pairs well with sharp cheddar cheese and hazelnuts. Also try it along with roast lamb at Easter time, veal marsala, or grilled salmon.

My Review: A good amount of tannins but not overpowering. Aromas of cherry, peppers, and spices on the nose. Nice body with a smooth finish. Not the best red I've ever had, but not too bad either.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Georges Duboeuf Nouveau 2015

Name: Georges Duboeuf Nouveau 2015
Variety: N/A
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: Regular $12, on sale $5.95

Winery Review: George Duboeuf is THE king of Beaujolais.  His wines are full of pop, charm and great flavor and his Beaujolais Nouveau is no exception.  A cornucopia of expressive fruit wrapped in an almost-bubblegum-like frame; it is the flagship Nouveau.

My Review: Very tannic and oaky which masked any good flavors. Maybe a hint of candy in there but overall it was a very dry wine that made my mouth pucker. I would not drink this wine again.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Maipe Torrontes 2014

Name: Maipe Torrontes

Variety: Torrontes

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2014

Price: Regular $14, on sale $7.95

Winery Review: The wine has a spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body. Well-balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.

My Review: Very floral wine, citrus fruits came to mind as well as melon and apples. Medium acidity with a healthy body and a smooth, long finish. Overall a very nice wine,

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Tonnino Pinot Grigio 2014

Name: Tonnino Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: Regular $14, on sale $7.95

Winery Review: Tonnino’s exotic example of Pinot Grigio has a straw to pale gold color. It is fresh and clean on the nose with fruity notes of pear, green apple and white peaches. The palate is true to the nose with a fresh acidity, coriander and lime notes followed by a crisp finish. This wine pairs well with youthful aperitifs, clams or mussels, pastas and risotto dishes.

My Review: Light gold in color, fruity on the nose with scents of green apples, peaches, pears, pineapple, and banana. Nice and crisp, medium acidity. A nice wine to drink on a warm spring day.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Review: Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder 2014

Name: Peter Mertes Sweet Red Dornfelder
Variety: Dornfelder
Region: California
Country: Germany
Year: 2014
Price: Regular $12, on sale $6.95

Winery Review: The trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine. Great with grilled red meat, sausage and chicken. Best served slightly chilled.

My Review: A very smooth wine, subtle hints of fruit, possibly cherry or raspberry.
Very soft on the palate and easy to drink. Would definitely drink this with a heavy meat meal such as steak or ribs.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Review: Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli 2010

Name: Castello Sonnino Chianti Montespertoli
Variety: Blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malyasia
Region: Chianti
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: Regular $15, on sale $8.95

Winery Review: A blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia del Chianti. Rich and modern, with a dark, saturated color and aromas of graham cracker and lemon rind. A juicy palate packed with plum and raspberry is carried by a creamy texture that’s rather toasty in terms of flavor. The finish is round, full and chocolaty.

My Review: A dark, choclaty wine that's very rich and sweet. Think of a chocolate mousse or maybe a thick creamy chocolate cake. Also tasted fruity with notions of raspberry and maybe even a hint of lemon cookie. Very interesting wine to drink as a little kick in the pants to satisfy that sweet tooth.

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Review: Bolla Bardolino Magnum 2013

Name: Bolla Bardolino Magnum 2013
Variety: Blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara
Region: Bardolino
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price:  Regular $18, on sale $9.95

Winery Review: A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara this bright ruby red wine has hints of black cherry on the nose.  It is soft and fruit-forward, with black-fruit flavors followed by a bright and fresh finish. Serve it as the Italians do – young and lightly chilled. Pairs perfectly with fleshy fish, beef, lamb, red-sauced pastas and pizza.

My Review: A gorgeous red wine with a lovely cherry scent on the nose. Pleasant on the palate, light body without much tannin. Maybe a hint of raspberry and blackberry. If someone were to tell me what a red wine was made of and I had never had it before, this is what I think it would taste like. 

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Tenuta le Velette Orvieto Classico 2011

Name: Tenuta le Velette Orvieto Classico 2011

Variety: Blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malyasia, 15% Verdello, 5% Drupeggio

Region: Orvieto

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: Regular $18, Sale $6.95

Winery Review: The Berganorio Orvieto is a subtle wine with a bright palate. It shows white flowers on the nose and light citrus notes in the mouth. Its neutral character means it can accompany a wide range of foods. A blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio. The estate has 103 hectares on the hill opposite the hill town of Orvieto.

My Review: Strong floral sensation on the nose leaning more towards light/more sharp floral smells like citrus and maybe a hint of lily. Very balanced with no noticeable acidity but slightly mouth puckering. Not a huge fan of it as it lacks character. 

I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Aveleda Praia Vinho Verde 2013

Name: Aveleda Praia Vinho Verde 2013
Variety: Blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura, 10% Azal
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: Regular $10, Sale $8.95

Winery Review: A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal.

Full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through the finish. It has the bite of salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines.

My review: A wonderfully fruity aroma on the nose with a sharp acidity on the palate. Reminds me of warmer weather and tropical fruit. Slightly tangy but delicious. Would definitely recommend this wine for a warm summer afternoon by the pool.

I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Crane Lake White Zinfandel 2013

Name: Crane Lake White Zinfandel 2013
Variety: 100% Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Light pink wine with floral and tropical aromas: flavors of strawberry, peach and raspberry with a touch of sweetness. This wine is an easy sipping wine that also pairs well with a wide variety of foods ranging from crab cakes or pâté to spicy Asian dishes, glazed ham, and grilled sea bass.

My Review: Light pink/rose color with noticeable tropical and floral aromas, peaches, mangoes, maybe a hint of melon. Definitely a sweet wine which I am more a fan of than dry wines. Smooth and a moderate finish. I did not taste this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet 2012

Name: Vina Galana Alicante Bouchet 2012
Variety: Bouchet
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: Regular $15, on sale $9.95

Winery Review: From the rare Alicante Bouchet, one of the few grapes in the world with red flesh  this wine has a plush texture carring flavors of brandied cherry and chocolate ganache in this round red. Light tannins and gentle acidity impart a lovely, balanced structure.

My Review: Full bodied wine with a prominent, musty, earthy aroma, Definitely a dry wine with a strong presence of tannins. Maybe a slight taste of chocolate with a moderate finish. As a new wine drinker, I do not particularly like full body, dry, red wines including this one. Not a very pleasant taste. I did not taste this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Tonnino Syrah

Name: Tonnino Syrah
Variety: 100% Syrah
Region: Sicilia
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: Regular $14, on sale $7.95

Winery Review: An intense red color. Aromas of violet and blackcurrant enriched by hints of liquorice and black pepper. In the mouth it is full, round, slightly tannic and with a spicy note on the finish.

My Review: An interesting red wine with a moderate sensation of raspberry and even a little blackberry, perhaps some floral smells similar to violets, and a subdued but noticeable spiciness which may pair well with some thicker meats such as steak or pork loin. Unfortunately, I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Tasting: Riebeek Cellars Viognier

Name: Riebeek Cellars Viognier

Variety: 100% Viognier 

Region: Swartland

Country: South Africa

Year: 2015

Price: Regular $12, on sale $7.95

Winery Review: This is a luscious viognier, featuring a deep yellow color, that explodes with juicy peach and honeysuckle flavors. Viognier can easily become flabby, but this one manages to keep its figure within bounds. I recommend this for immediate, lip-smacking enjoyment.

My Review: Yellow/gold color with a strong smell of fruits like apples and pears, maybe a hint of pineapple. Mostly dry wine that was relatively smooth but did have a solid finish. Overall a good wine. However, I did not have this wine with food. 

Wine Tasting: Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose

Name: Dom Michel Thomas Sancerre Rose
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: Regular $32, on sale $8.95

Winery Review: Bright orange-pink. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries, orange peel and honeysuckle, with a hint of anise building in the glass. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering vibrant strawberry and orange pith flavors and a suggestion of rose pastille. The floral element comes back on the finish, which lingers with very good spicy persistence.

My Review: Orange-pink hue, smells like slightly more acidic fruits such as oranges, maybe a hint of apple, a slight smell of strawberry. Dry with a slightly acidic edge to it, but rounded out with a wonderful mix of fruit and floral sensations. I did not taste this wine with food. 

About Me

To be completely honest, I have next to zero experience with alcohol, especially wine, so this blog should provide a good example between now and May of how much my knowledge of wine (and alcohol in general I suppose) has grown. Although it has been about a year since I could legally purchase alcohol, I can easily count the number of drinks I've had. Unlike most people my age, I never saw the appeal in drinking and still hold that opinion. Sure it's fun to go get a pint with the guys every now and then, but as far as going downtown or to parties and getting hammered is concerned, I have no interest in participating. I'm honestly amazed at how everyone can afford it, but I digress. 

In the limited tasting of alcohol that I have done, I prefer the drinks where the alcohol is almost impossible to taste. I credit Jim Beam for that preference as that was the first shot of alcohol I ever had. Bad idea. Beer has no appeal to me and mixed drinks can be hit or miss, but I am slightly fond of a good cider. As far as wine is concerned, I have very little experience so this course should help take care of that. 

While I'm not an avid consumer of alcohol, I am rather interested in this class. Since the majority of the world does consume alcohol, and wine is particularly popular the world over, I would like to learn enough by the end of this course to have a basic understanding of different wines, how they are made, why there are so many of them, and, most importantly, how to pair them with different meals. I don't expect to be a connoisseur of wine, but a I believe a general knowledge of wine and wine culture could prove to be useful in the future.

TL:DR, I don't drink a lot but I wouldn't mind learning about wine.