Sunday, February 24, 2013

Tasting- Morada Sangria


Name: Morada
Variety: Sangria
Region: N/A
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $4.95
Shop 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: Very juicy! Not heavy at all, almost like minute-maid juice. No hint of alcohol.

Tasted with food or not: none.

Tasting- Lost Vineyards


Name: Lost Vineyards
Variety:
Region:
Country:
Year:
Price:
Shop review:
60% Shiraz 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
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: Distinct cherry scent. Very dry but tasty. Has a hint of wood but good overall

Tasted with food or not: none.

Tasting- Villa Pozi Nero D'Avola


Name: Villa Pozi
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95
Shop 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: Very dry. No need for food, good on its own. Licorice taste with almost a bland finish, did not like this wine.

Tasted with food or not: none.

Tasting- Tres Ojos Rose


Name: Tres Ojos
Variety: Rose
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $3.95
Shop review:
50%Tempranillo 50% Garnacha
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: Distinct cherry taste, smell is good but not strong. Finish is very citrus-filled, not that dry.

Tasted with food or not: none

Tasting- Les Perles Piquepoul


Name: Les Perles
Variety: Piquepol
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95
Shop 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: Not very crisp or refreshing like a typical white. Sort of tart, somewhat dry finish for a white wine.

Tasted with food or not: none.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Tasting- Nathanson Creek


Name: Nathanson Creek
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $7.99
Shop review: Dry and medium-bodied, this wine has ripe berry-like aromas accented with a distinct note of American Oak. It is well balanced with soft tannins and pairs well with grilled and hearty foods
My review: Very pungent scent emanating from the glass. Strong berry flavor with a crisp after taste.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Gabriella Chianti 2008


Name: Gabriella Chianti 2008
Variety: 100% Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95
Shop 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: Bitter taste with an oak-like aftertaste. Incredibly dry, I felt like I needed water after this.

Tasted with food or not: None.

Tasting- Lavarini Valpolicella Classico 2010


Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico 2010
Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara
Region: Valpolicella
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95
Shop 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: Fruity with a strong finish. Somewhat dry but not too much. Enjoyed this so much I bought a bottle.

Tasted with food or not: none.

Tasting- Norton Torrontes


Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: Torrontes
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95
Shop 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: Very good! Citrus flavor with a light finish. Smell of peach.

Tasted with food or not: None

Tasting- Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava
Variety: Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo
Region: Penedes
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price:  $9.95
Shop 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: Scent of apple is very strong. Cider-like and sparkling with little to no aftertaste.

Tasted with food or not: None.