Wine Tasting: Martini & Rossi Rosata Vermouth

Name: Martini & Rossi Rosata Vermouth

Variety: Vermouth

Country: Italy

Region: N/A

Year: N/A

Price: $7.95

Review: Rosato falls somewhere between the red and white spectrum — indeed it’s a blend of red and white wines, plus a lot of spice. The pink color belies its intense flavor: Roses, brier thickets, and the essence of the woods. All brought together with an aromatic, if a little strange, blend of red and white wines.

My Review: I was not a fan of this Vermouth.  It didn't have a pleasing taste, especially after taste.  One of the first wines I tried for this course was a port, and I liked it a lot.  I was hoping this one would be similar, but it was too spicy and not my favorite.

Wine Tasting: Rojo Garnacha Gran Rojo 2011

Name: Rojo Garnacha Gran Rojo 2011

Variety: Garnacha

Country: Spain

Region: La Tierra de Castilla

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Review: Red and purple violet aromas are underscored by bits of leather on the nose of this Garnacha. The palate is smooth and even-keeled with red and black fruit flavors in abundance. Blackberry and red raspberry are of note. Spices such as black pepper and a tiny hint of cocoa emerge on the finish, along with a touch of graphite. 

My Review: This was a very good red wine.  It's a very smooth wine with good spice and earthy flavors.  This is also the first wine I've actually detected a cocoa flavor.  This is a very solid Garnacha. 

Wine Tasting: Juliet Primo Amore

Name: Juliet Primo Amore

Variety: Garganega/Moscato

Country: Italy

Region: Verona

Year: N/A

Price: $5.95

Review: Has an enchanting floral perfume as alluring as a bouquet of spring flowers. One taste of this lovely wine and you’ll be enamored of the intense crushed grape and white peach flavors that dance across your palate in perfect harmony with the delicate bubbles, crisp acidity and whispery sweetness.

My Review: This was by far one of my favorites.  This is the first Garganega I've had and it didn't disappoint.  It was a very crisp, sweet wine.  The sweetness wasn't overwhelming as it sometimes can be.

Wine Tasting: Fetzer Zinfandel Valley Oaks 2010

Name: Fetzer Zinfandel Valley Oaks

Variety: Zinfandel

Country: U.S.

Region: California

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Review: On the nose there's black pepper, soap, raisin & dried berries ~ The palate is medium bodied with soft tannins & moderate acidity with flavors of cocoa powder, dried cherries, strawberry & a bit of tart wooden notes ~ Very simple & unremarkable

My Review: This Zinfandel was not one of my favorites.  It had a peppery/red berry aroma, was well-balanced, but just didn't do it for me.  Perhaps I'll try it with a meal because I am normally a fan of Zinfandel.

Wine Tasting: Molly Dooker The Violinist Verdelho 2010

Name: Molly Dooker The Violinist Verdelho

Variety: Verdelho

Country: Australia

Region: McLaren Vale

Year: 2010

Price: $11.95

Review: This gorgeous Verdelho, our only white wine, has a lovely, creamy texture, great acidity and long, persistent flavors of honeysuckle, pineapple and citrus. It's all the things we love about white wine. We hope you'll love it too.

My Review: This was a very refreshing, crisp white wine.  It wasn't too sweet and was very well-balanced.  I definitely picked up on the honeysuckle flavor and also detected a floral nose.

Wine Dinner- Home, "Steak n Stuff"

This wine tasting was an awesome time with roommates and friends.  I look forward to making this an ongoing tradition whenever we are all able to get together.

The night started off with a dope pairing of a Villebois Sauvignon Blanc and a light cranberry cheese on garlic herb crackers:

This pairing went well together.  The sweetness of the cranberry in the cheese went well with the wine, a more bold, old world flavor.  The contrast was very appealing to the taste buds.

The main course consisted of a pan fried ribeye, mashed potatoes, and seasoned asparagus.  Of the wines we tried, my favorite pairing with the steak was a nice 2012 JC van Staden Zinfandel:

This wine was the first I have had from Lodi, California.  It paired well with the steak because it had a very good balance of spicy and sweet.  I also tried a Shiraz with the steak, but it was too bitter in my opinion.  

A friend also brought over some London Broil, which we tried with a 2012 Sangiovese Negroamaro from Italy.  Others weren't fans of the pairing, but I thought it was delightful.  The wine was on the spicy/bitter side, which I loved with the flavors of the grilled beef: 

This was my first experience with wine and food pairings.  The knowledge I have gained over the course of this semester really helped to form my opinions.  I hope to continue exploring the wine world as I age, developing my pallet, and experiencing new and exciting styles! 

Wine Tasting: Garnacha de Fuego Old Vine Grenache

Name: Garnacha de Fuego Old Vine Grenache
Variety: Grenache
Country: Spain
Region: Aragon
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95
Review: The Garnacha de Fuego, a 100% Garnacha cuvee, was aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak.  There are 10,000 cases for the United States.  This amazing wine boasts a dark ruby/purple color along with a sweet kiss of jammy black cherries intertwined with crushed rock notes that give the wine an undeniable minerality.  As it hits the palate, a full-bodied, voluptuous texture takes hold and the flavor profile moves towards blacker fruits (ripe raspberries and black currants) intermixed with camphor and forest floor.  This full-bodied, rich, glycerin-filled effort should drink well for 4-5 years, perhaps longer.
My Review: This was a very spicy, peppery, earthy, bitter wine.  It scored 92 points, but wasn't one of my favorites.  That shows how important it is to know your own pallet and what you prefer in order to maximize your wine drinking experiences.