Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Sangria

Region: Spain

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $4.95

Winery Review: Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors. 7% Alc. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's growing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple. 

My Review: I quite literally did not taste any alcohol in this wine. I've actually tasted some foreign soda that tasted like it contained more alcohol than this Sangria. In terms of the typical wine flavors I would look for, this had about as much depth as grape juice. It actually tasted quite a bit like cherry Kool Aid. In the future, whenever I'm in the mood for a cold, refreshing soft drink to give me a good sugar buzz, this will be my first choice. 

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabarnet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabarnet Sauvignon
Variety: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabarnet Sauvignon

Region: Argentina

Country: Argentina

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Winery Review: It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone.

My Review: Though this wine contains almost half Cabarnet Sauvignon, I found that I noticed a lot more of the typical Shiraz flavors. I tasted pepper and cherry and it had more of a medium body than I would have expected from a wine with even a bit under half Cab. I did not detect the tobacco flavor that was mentioned in winery review, but overall I did enjoy this nice mixture of two of my favorite varieties, (even if the Shiraz stuck out considerably more than the Cabarnet Sauvignon).

I did not try this with food. 

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola
Variety: Nero D'Avola

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape. Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing. A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart acidity and soft but distinct tannins.

My Review: I didn't particularly enjoy this wine. I tasted plum, which is one of my favorite flavors in wine. The whole mid-palate was very nice; it was fruity and pleasant, with the plum and a spiciness making it interesting. I didn't like the finish, however, as it was bitter and dry. Overall, I would have really liked this if it didn't have such a strong, off-putting finish. 

I did not try this with food. 

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rose

Name: Tres Ojos Rose
Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $3.95

Winery Review: This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas.

My Review:  I found that this Rose packed a bit of a punch. It kind of assaulted my palate. I liked the nice spiciness and the cherry flavor but it was so unbalanced that I didn't enjoy it. It made my heartburn act up.

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul
Variety: Piquepoul

Region: Cotes de Thau

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke. Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind.

My Review: This wine was extremely aromatic. Even from a few feet away I could smell a melon and citrus mixture. It tasted fresh and mouthwatering, with the melon and citrus coming through the clearest. I found that there was almost no finish, but the mid palate was enjoyable enough that I did not mind that.

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: Chianti

Region: Italy

Country: Italy

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor. Even with it’s boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.

My Review: I found this Chianti very interesting. The dominant flavor I noticed was what seemed like a powerful, fruity apple flavor. There was a tartness to it that I enjoyed and a nice dryness. I've never had a Chianti before and this was certainly a pleasant introduction to the variety. 

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava
Variety: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macebeo

Region: Spain

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo. The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit  flavors. Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.

My Review:  This interesting blend of three grapes I've never heard of before was very fresh and tingly. It had a nice, tart apple flavor and a strong citrus that seemed like orange. The finish was soft and faded quickly. Overall, I found this pleasant and refreshing. 

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: Torrontes

Region: Mendoz

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate. 

My Review: This wine was extremely aromatic; I could smell it from a few feet away. I tasted a strong peach flavor along with other interesting flavors that I couldn't quite put my finger on. It didn't linger too long in my palate but, in this case, I found that I liked it that way. 

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Dom de Mirail Cabernet/ Merlot Rosé

Name: Dom de Mirail Rosé
Variety: Cabernet, Merlot

Region: Cotes de Gascogne

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character,  balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.

My Review: This was my first rosé but as I had heard about them before, I was not surprised by how light it was. It had a nice scent and it had just the slightest bit of acidity. The flavor was fruity and soft, almost underwhelming in a way. I couldn't detect any particular flavors in the mix, although I did taste notice the softer, less pronounced Merlot flavor, as Merlot is one of my favorite varieties. Overall, I did not favor this gentler version of red wine. 

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Lavarini Volpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico
Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, 10% Molinara

Region: Italy

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My Review:  I found this wine absolutely delicious. I first noticed a really cool, peppery spiciness. As strange as it sounds, the flavor then made me think of standing at the base of a giant waterfall, with water loaded with cherries and strawberries bouncing off of cavern walls covered in flowers and vegetation and washing over me. It was powerful and rich, but still managed to be very refreshing and drinkable. At the Vintage Cellar tasting, I bought a bottle of this without another thought and I greatly enjoyed drinking copious amounts of it that evening. 

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: Riesling

Region: California

Country: U.S

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends.

 My Review: I found this Riesling smooth and rich, with a prominent honey flavor. I also detected what I thought was some sort of melon, like honeydew or something similar. There was a strong peach flavor that I tasted last. Though the taste didn't linger very long, I still found it quite enjoyable and I would certainly drink this wine again. 

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Gotham’s 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish.

 My Review: This chardonnay was tingly and fresh. I found that the Chardonnay stood out more than the Semillon, most likely because I've had a lot of Chardonnay but so far no Semillon and so I wouldn't know what Semillon tastes like. I tasted the melon and apricot, but I couldn't pick out any other particular flavors in the delightful, fruity mix. It was somewhat dry and the finish was just long enough, in my opinion. Overall, I enjoyed it a lot.

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina
Variety: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel

Region: Oregon

Country: US

Year: NV

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry. It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill.

 My Review: I found this wine very interesting. The mix of grapes created a rich, dark flavor that I have never had anything similar too before. It was earthy and dry and I detected the cherry flavor, which added nicely to the complicated blend. It had a powerful finish that I particularly enjoyed.

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Variety: Syrah

Region: South Eastern Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley. Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice followed with rich plum flavors round out the palate. Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate. 

 My Review: This was the first Shiraz I've ever tried and I was certainly not disappointed. It was strong and fruity, but with an interesting peppery complexity that I really liked. I noted a nice plum flavor that contributed to an overall sourness. This was one of the first wines that I was able to taste tannins in. I enjoyed this wine enough that I couldn't resist buying a bottle. 

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato
Variety: Muscat

Region: Castilla La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts. 

 My Review: This Moscato was basically berry flavored Sprite. It was extremely tingly and I could barely taste any alcohol in it. As I generally prefer red wines, I wasn't blown away by it. It was, however, fairly refreshing and if I were in the mood for a soft drink, this would suffice. 

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Primo Amore Moscato

Name: Primo Amore Moscato
Variety: Muscat

Region: Puglia

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $10.95

Winery Review: This refreshing and fruit Moscato wine comes from the warm Southern vineyards of Puglia. Primo Amore, or first love expresses the joy of discovery experienced when a wine drinker first encounters the sweetness and enticing fragrance of the delicate wine. Moscato, known for its fruit-forward notes of melon and citrus, pairs well with salads and flatbreads, chicken and fish dishes, as well as desserts.
 My Review: This Moscato was particularly bubbly and aromatic. I found it tingly and enjoyable. The most notable flavor was pear, mixed with some other, lighter fruits. This featured the typical juice-like Moscato quality but in a way that was not overwhelming and had just enough dryness to it. I would certainly drink this particular Moscato again. 

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca Del Castillo Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $4.95

Winery Review: Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spic flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato.

My Review: Dark, bold, with very interesting peppery notes. It has a sweet start that blends into a dry, earthy finish. I particularly enjoyed the spicy pepper flavor that persisted throughout. This was one of the most complex, interesting wines I've tried so far.

I did not taste this with food.

Tasting - Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: George Deboeus Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: Gamay

Region: Beaujolais, Eastern France

Country: France

Year: 2012

Price: $3.95

Winery Review: Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish.

My Review: I found this wine quite interesting, despite not really enjoying it too much. It had a powerful mix of banana and raspberry flavors which wasn't balanced very well in my opinion. The other fruit flavors behind the banana and raspberry seemed interesting but I couldn't really focus on them. Overall, I think this mixture could have been pulled off a lot better and it is not surprising that this was only a four dollar bottle of wine. 

I did not taste this with food.

First Post - My Wine Experience

So far, my experience with wine has been somewhat limited. Before this semester I would not have been classified as a regular wine drinker. On occasion I would pick up a bottle with a friend, mainly just to shake things up and drink something that wasn't beer. I can't remember being able to differentiate between particular flavors, most likely because I had no clue how to properly taste wine, or that I was even supposed to attempt to taste it rather than just gulping it down like Bud Light.

The occasions when I did have wine, I was quite fond of it. My friends and I used to take advantage of the higher alcohol content as an exceptional pre-gaming tool from time to time, which usually meant a few of us taking turns chugging out of a bag of Franzia. My mom always preferred light, fruity wines with meals and some evenings I would have a few glasses with her and my dad. Overall, I would say that I've been very ignorant so far in my experience drinking wine, not really having much interest or respect for the beverage itself. 

I hope that this course will help me develop my budding desire to become a wine expert. Lately, I've become very interested in learning as much as I can about all different kinds of wine. After I graduate, I'd like to be the kind of dude who's got a well-stocked wine cellar and knows exactly how to use it. I'm hoping that this class will give me the proper direction to help me become a classy wine connoisseur and to show me how to properly enjoy the best beverage on earth.