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.

Wine Tasting: Rosemount Estate Moscato

Name: Rosemount Estate Moscato 

Variety: Moscato

Country: Australia

Region: N/A

Year: 2012

Price: $3.95

Review: Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours.  Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses.

My Review: This wine was a very crisp, sweet wine.  I got a lot of citrus flavors, and hints of fresh grapefruit.  A nice, cool wine for a summer day.

Wine Tasting: Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico

Name:  Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico
Variety: Baglioppo
Country: Italy
Region: Calabria
Year: N/A
Price: $7.95
Review: Don't let the pale garnet color fool you; this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins, and good body make for and incredible rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken.
My Review: This is the first Baglioppo I've had; it wasn't bad.  It was pretty bitter, but still a smooth "easygoing" wine.  Lots of fruity aromas and tannins.  

Wine Tasting: Angove Viognier

Name: Angove Viognier 

Variety: Viognier

Country: Australia 

Region: N/A

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Review: Bright light straw in color with some green hues, this wine has a lush tropical fruit aroma.  This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth wine heady flavors of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for todays relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chili and garlic or roast pork.

My Review: I was a fan of this wine mainly due to the citrusy/tropical flavors.  The full body made this one stand above other whites.  This one paired with pork sounds heavenly.    

Wine Tasting: Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Country: New Zealand

Region: Seaview Vineyard

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Review: This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme.  The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality.  This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels, and creamy scallops.  

My Review: I was able to detect the earthy aromas in this wine.  I also got hints of cinnamon and nuts.  It was a very delightful and crisp wine.  Unfortunately I don't like seafood so I won't be doing any of the food pairings listed.  

Wine Tasting: Toso Moscato

Name: Toso Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Country: Italy
Region: N/A
Year: N/A
Price: $9.95
Review: This Moscato is reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose petal.  The quality is equivalent to a top level Asti Spumante DOCG.  Sweet sparkling wine obtained from a careful selection of the Moscato grapes.  It has a pale straw yellow color with fine foam and bubbles.  Tropical fruit flavors, refreshing.  Excellent to match deserts, fruit and dried pastries.
My Review: This was an excellent sparkling wine.  The light bubbles complemented the crisp, tropical flavors and flowery aromas.  This was definitely my favorite wine of the day.  

Wine Tasting: El Sierro Tempranillo/Cab

Name: El Sierro Tempranillo/Cab

Variety: Tempranillo/Cab

Country: Spain

Region: N/A

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Review: Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices.  It is a real knockout with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries, and vanilla, all perfectly integrated.  The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with beautiful use of oak.

My Review: This was a nice wine.  I was able to detect much of the spices and vanilla flavors rather than fruits.  This was the one of few Tempranillos I have had, and definitely one of the best.

Wine Tasting: Omo Ze Bel Merlot

Name: Omo Ze Bel Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Country: Scicilia
Region: N/A
Year: N/A
Price: $6.95
Review: This bright, soft Merlot comes from a hilly vineyard on the Alcesti family estate in beautiful Sicily.  It has hints of red cherries and freshly cut hay.  Exceptional value.
My Review: This wine has a nice fruity/cherry flavor and a nice tartness to complement it.  I haven't had many Merlots, but I think this one is exceptional.

Wine Tasting: Atlas Cumbres Torrontes

    

Name: Atlas Cumbres Torrontes

Variety: Torrontes

Country: Argentina

Region: N/A

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Review: Yellow colour with greenish nuances.  Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches.  Fresh in the mouth.  Light and easy to drink.  Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food.  

My Review: I definitely got a big flower aroma on the sniffy sniff.  It was pleasant, but I didn't really care for the taste.   

Wine Tasting: Avery Quinn Chardonnay

Name: Avery Quinn Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Country: U.S.

Region: Napa Valley 

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Review: The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay.  The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter, and a touch of vanilla.  Then rich, ripe flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!).

My Review: This wine had a refreshing and crisp aroma, and then tons of flavors hit your taste buds.  This is a very nice Chardonnay; one of my favorites.  

Wine Tasting: Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Name: Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Variety: White Wine Variety   

Country: Spain

Region: La Mancha

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Wine Review: Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value. 

My Review:  Nice wine, it has a nice citrusy flavor and a refreshingly sweet finish.  A dry wine with a very soothing sniffy sniff.

Wine Tasting: Jam Jar Sweet White

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White

Variety: Sweet White     

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Wine Review: Soft floral hints add depth to the otherwise straightforward ripe peach and nectarine aromas. There's a good balance in he mouth, with a nice acidic lift and slightly lime edge to cut the sweetness on the finish and close with the faintest hint of honeydew melons. 

My Review:  This is a very very impressive sweet wine with a nice floral sniffy sniff.  Has the right amount of sweetness and is still evenly balanced with the fruit and melon hints.  

Wine Tasting: Entrada Malbec

Name: Entrada Malbec

Variety: Malbec    

Country: Chile 

Year: N/A

Price: $5.95

Wine Review: Firm and structured, this is a solid wine, laced with mineral acidity and tight tannins. It has a juicy, blackberry fruit component cutting through the texture. 

My Review: This wine is very earthy, mineraly, and only had a hint of blackberry/fruit.  This wine was well-bodied and it's a good buy!

Wine Tasting: Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Name: Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay   

Country: Australia 

Region: Barossa Valley 

Year: 2010

Price: $20.00

Wine Review: The 2010 chardonnay presents subtle notes of spiced apple slices and ripe peaches with hints of freshly baked bread and melon. Light bodied, clean and refreshingly crisph in the mouth, it offers just enough apple and pear flavor concentration, finishing with medium-long persistence. 

My Review: This wine, like many whites, was very crisp and had that light apple/fruity taste.  I also enjoyed this one a lot because of its sour and tangy flavor.   

Wine Tasting: Vina Borga Borsao

Name: Vina Borga Borsao

Variety: Red wine variety    

Country: Spain

Region: Campo de Borja

Year: N/A

Price: $6.95

Wine Review: Made from 100% Grenache, the 2012 vina borgia was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Its medium dark ruby color is followed by abundant notes of strawberries and black cherries offered in a straightforward, medium-bodied, soft, hedonistic, round style. It is hard to believe a wine this good can sell for $7 a bottle. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years. 

My Review: This wine was very good and easy to drink.  It had a light raisiny sniffy sniff and a very refreshing fruity taste.  

Wine Tasting: Dom Roger Perrin Cotes du Rhone

Name: Dom Roger Perrin Cotes du Rhone
Variety: Grenache, Syrah
Country: France
Region: Rhone                                                              
Year: 2012
Price: $14.95
Review: The back label calls this “Rouge fruité”; and it’s exactly as described, from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsaut. This offers a classic Grenache nose of crushed cherries and damsons, and then a deliciously forward, supple juicy gulp of raspberries and cherries, with a charming liqueur hint and a lovely perfumed finish. 
My Review: This wine had a pretty distinct nose, very fruity.  However, I didn't really enjoy it.  The fruit flavors seemed a little off/unbalanced to me.  I'd give this wine a 4 on the delightful scale.

Wine Tasting: Courege Longue Buzet

Name: Courege Longue Buzet

Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon 

Country: France

Region: Buzet Country

Year: 2011

Price: $16.95

Review: Displays deep blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, pepper and our signature sage spice.  The silky finish lingers from the ripe tannins with a touch of smoky oak. 

My Review: The sniffy sniff definitely had more of a peppery, spicey smell.  It was very smooth and silky, with a nice oaky finish.  I would certainly recommend this wine to family and friends.   

Wine Tasting: Cherry Cove Pinot Noir

Name: Cherry Cove Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Country: U.S.
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Year: 2011
Price: $17.95
Review: The ruby color of this wine suggests classic Pinot as the nose opens with fresh lavender and plum jam.  Across the palate are vibrant tones, from explosive red cherry on entry to the lush strawberry on the lively mid-palate.  Lingering floral tones hang just for a moment and carry through the soft finish.
My Review: I detected a very fruity nose on this wine.  This is also true with the flavors, exploding with cherry and other berries.  Its soft finish provides for a very mild, refreshing experience.   

Wine Tasting: gPG Gargenega/Pinot Grigio

Name: gPG Gargenega/Pinot Grigio

Variety: Gargenega/Pinot Grigio

Country: Italy

Region: N/A

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95
Review: A blend of two of Italy's best white wine grapes: Pinot Grigio and Gargenega.  The Grigio brings crisp apple and melon fruit to the party while the Gargenega serves up a creamy texture and a hint of toasted nuts.  It's super refreshing, easy to drink, and pretty darn delicious, all at a terrific value price.
My Review: A very crisp, fruity sniffy sniff.  A creamy white wine, yet a little less sweet than other whites I have tasted.  I'd give it an 8.5 on the delightful scale.

Wine Tasting: Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc                                  

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $11.95
Review: Sauvignon Blanc from France's Loire Valley are wonderfully aromatic and bursting with minerality and freshness.  Thierry Delaunay harnasses these characteristics magnificently in their Sauvignon Blanc from the Touraine sub-region that borders Vouvray.  Clay and gravelly soils help give this great Sauvignon its zest and complexity.
My Review:  The nose of this great wine was very explosive.  The taste was very earthy, and I tasted a very faint, refreshing fruitiness also.

Wine Tasting: Fattori Runcaris Soave

Name: Fattori Runcaris Soave 2010

Variety: White wine variety 

Region: Europe

Country: Italy 

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Wine Review: From the local Italian word for "to work the soil," Runcaris represents an easy, fresh expression of Soave Classico with lingering aromas of citrus, yellow rose, honey, jasmine and dried herbs.

My Review: I detected and crisp, fresh, candy apple aroma in the sniffy sniff.  This wine had a notable heat, but was complemented well by the sweetness and honey flavor.   

Wine Tasting: Baumann Gentil Classiq

Name: Baumann Gentil Classiq                                     

Variety: Blended White Wine

Region: Europe

Country: France

Year: 2012

Price: $9.95

Wine Review: A delicious and fresh blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Light aromas of fresh fruit and delicate white flowers start your journey, followed by crisp flavors of stone and citrus fruit. A well balanced acidity on the dry finish ends this french blend beautifully. 

My Review:  A very crisp and refreshing sniffy sniff.  A very nice and not too dry finish.  These varieties complement each other well, providing for a very pleasurable drinking experience.  

Wine Tasting: Champteloup Pinot Noir

Name: Champteloup Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Loire Valley

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Wine Review: In the heart of France's Loire River Valley lies the Touraine wine region. Although it produces vast amounts of well-priced, fresh, mostly white wines, lovely reds like this are broadening Touraine's appeal this wine may seem familiar to you. It is a sibling of the Touraine Sauvignon Blanc we've offered for years. Serge de Bucy employs a light touch in his winemaking, using no wood and doing as little as possible to preserve freshness. Bright cherry and strawberry fruits are followed by a soft, smooth palate.

My Review:  This wine is very fruity, almost as much as a white wine.  I get a red berry taste, complemented by its smooth palate and slight sweetness.  This was a very classy little wine.  

Wine Tasting: Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Neu Direction Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: South America

Country: Argentina 

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Wine Review: This Cabernet Sauvignon shows very good purity of fruit and skillful winemaking. This wine is full of black-fruit aromas, depth and style. The palate pushes ripe plum and berry fruit along with chocolate, and the finish is chewy and correct in terms of tannins and structure.

My Review: In the nose, I detected a bit of pepper and spice.  Like many reds, this wine was on the bitter side.  It wasn't too dry and had a pretty decent finish.  

Wine Tasting: Sonnenband Moscato

Name: Sonnenband Moscato Magnum                                  

               

Variety: Moscato Magnum

Region: Europe

Country: Spain

Year: Unknown

Price: $9.95

Wine Review: This wine is intricate with the delicate perfumes of white flower blossoms, profound tropical fruit sweetness, and energized by citrus nectars. 

My Review:  This is a very sweet Moscato.  It was a very smooth wine with a very citrusy nose.  I got a lot of lemon and lime in the sniffy sniff.