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.