Wine Festival- Fork and Cork

On Saturday April 28th, my 8 closest friends and I shivered in the rain waiting to catch the shuttle bus to drive us to the much anticipated Fork and Cork at First and Main.  This is Fork and Cork's 4th food, wine and art festival and the first festival I've been able to legally enjoy.  The festival brings innovative winemakers, chefs, and artists from all around the state of Virginia to soak in the local culture that surrounds us.  Additionally, this was the 2nd annual Can do! which is a canned food sculpture competition that takes place right outside the festival.  All the cans collected assist local food banks and shelters in need of a helping hand.  The proceeds from this event go towards The Blacksburg Partnership, which is a non-profit economic development organization formed by Blacksburg officials, local businesses, and the Virginia Tech community.

Our group arrived a little after 12 and immediately began to make our journey through the exciting wineries on display.  The event as a whole was smaller than what I had envisioned, but I was impressed with the array of activities available to me.  The festival begins near Sal's Italian eatery and weaves toward the back of the shopping district.  The first few tents on both the left and right are all local Virginia wineries.  If you make your way further there's a small stage set up for guest speakers (including our very own John Boyer) to discuss their wine knowledge.  Further down there are tents that showcase local restaurants from the New River Valley and Roanoke area.  Intermingled within the food tents there were a couple of tents set up for local artists and jewelers to display and sell their craft.  Closer to the parking lot there were about 5 additional winery tents as well as a main stage and table area to enjoy live music as you sample your wine.  For the most part I thought the event was organized very well and was able to manage the crowds in an effective manner.  I never felt like I had to spend a substantial amount of time waiting in line and was able to visit many different venues over a four hour time period.  At the end of the festival I finally needed to sit down and unwind and the cooking demo was the perfect way to do just that.  I thought it was a great idea to bring in local chefs to teach the crowds how to cook quick and easy dishes to compliment the wine we tried.  Unfortunately, at the end of the event the microphones weren't working well and all I could really hear was static, which eventually started to give me a headache.  All in all, I found the festival to be a great way to end my four years at Virginia Tech and truly epitomized the local, friendly vibe that I associate with Blacksburg.  I would certainly recommend Fork and Cork for anyone looking to have a great saturday afternoon with great friends, great company, amazing wine, and wonderful food. 

During Fork and Cork I successfuly sampled wine from five separate wineries: Well Hung Vineyard,  Notaviva, Naked Mountain, and Fincastle Vineyard & Winery. 

Well Hung Vineyard:
This winery hails from Charlottesville and was started by three bold women hoping to embark on a new, exciting adventure.  They were sampling 5 of their biggest wines, which were reds,whites, and roses:

• 2010 Everyday Chardonnay- priced at $20 I was actually happily surprised by this Chardonnay.  It was definitely lighter and less oaky than the typical California style white wine.  On the nose I could detect citrus, grapefruit and lemon which are perfect for summer night, relaxed drinking.  Pairs well with light fisgh and white meat dishes
• 2011 Viognier- priced at $25 this is a perfectly light white wine to enjoy with or without food.  Well balanced, easy drinking, but isn't overwhelmingly sweet.  Perfect for spicy dishes and bold flavors.
• 2011 Blush- priced at $ 18 this is Well Hung's variation of a Rose.  Pairs well with barbeque, pork and other heavy dishes.  I found this wine to lack substantial flavors and was a bit too sweet for my liking.  At the finish I could detect a little bit of whipped cream, but wasn't strongly displayed.
• 2010 Cabernet Franc- priced at $20 this wine had rich plum and cherry flavors with a little bit of spice and heat behind it.  Like all of the other Cab Franc's I've had I didn't enjoy it
• 2010 Merlot-Verdot: priced at $22 this a blended wine with Merlot and Verdot grapes.  The blend balances well, because it masks the typical dry characteristic of Merlot and pairs it with the strong berry, fruity aspects of the Verdot.  Pairs well with red meat, particularly burgers and steaks.

Naked Mountain:
This vineyard is based in Markham,Va with the Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop.  The winery is chalet-style and appeals to those looking for a calm weekend getaway to be one with nature.  The first vines were planted in 1976 and has grown into a 6 acre vineyard that makes 6,000 cases annually.  At Fork and Cork they brought four of their premier wines for us to try:

• 2008 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay- was an example of a New World Chardonnay with minimal oak,buttery components in the wine.  Was a very light, white wine with a puckery, green apple aspect on the mid palate.  Pairs well with Mac & Cheese and roast chicken.  I was not overly impressed with this wine, was a bit too sweet for me
• 2011 Chardonnay/Riesling- this was one of their blended wines that combined Riesling and Chardonnay.  On the nose I could detect peaches, pears and other citrus fruit.  The sugar content was too high for my tastes and was overly sweet.  Best for summer nights and pairs well with peach cobbler and swordfish
• 2007 Cabernet Franc- this was a medium bodied, dry red wine.  I found the alcohol content was too high in this wine, there was a lot of heat on the palate.  I was unable to detect any of the berries and fruit characteristics that they suggest you should be able to taste.  Was not impressed with this wine at all
• 2010 Make Me Blush- the server described this light rose as a "fruit cup" because of the strong fruit components of this wine.  Was way too sweet for me, but I did enjoy the variety of herbs and fruits I could find while tasting this wine.  Pairs well with chocolate, cherry mouse, and strawberry shortcake

Fincastle Vineyard & Winery
This small-scale winery is located roughly 20 minutes North of Roanoke and sits on the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Fincastle is known for producing old, small- scale Bordeaux style wines. 

• Chardonnay- this was an example of an Old World style chardonnay with its bold buttery and oaky components.  I could also detect a hint of caramel on the front of my palate.  After the initial taste I couldn't find any other welcome flavors or characteristics that would excite my interest.  I found this wine to largely be dull
• Cabernet Sauvignon- high alcohol, high acidity, bold red wine.  Had strong cherry and black currant characteristics that appealed to my senses. 
• Cabernet Franc- was extremely dry with a tremendous amount of spice and heat.  Did not enjoy this wine at all
• Rose- blend of Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc this wine is perfect for easy, summer drinking.  I thought this wine struck a great balance between the alcohol and sugar content.  Could detect some light fruit flavors, particularly cherry and strawberry
• Hybrid Vigor- blended from French-American hybrids of Chardonnel, Vidal Blanc and Traminette.  I was excited to try this wine, because the description suggested that I'd find bold tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango.  Mango is by far one of my all time favorite fruits to consume.  Unfortunately, this was horrendously sweet to the point that it reminded me of artificial sugary candy.  Very disappointing
• Sangria- made with their Rose and fresh strawberries, this was a sour adaptation of the traditional sangria with a blend of lemonade added at the end of the process.  A bit too sugary and less pure fruit than the sangria's I typically enjoy.

Notaviva Vineyards
Notaviva is located in Western Loudoun County, Virginia which is in Northern Virginia.  The interesting aspect of this vineyard is that all of their wines are named after a musical genre or lyrical inspiration. 

• "Vincero" Viognier (2010)- priced at $17 per bottle this Viognier has 88% stainless steel Viognier and 12% barrel-fermented Vidal Blanc.  Had a lot of heat and spice on the front of the palate. However, this was still a very light, easy wine to enjoy.  Didn't get much fruit or other appealing flavors from this tasting
• "Ottantotto" Viognier (2010)- priced at $19 per bottle this Viognier was completely fermented in French Oak barrels.  I enjoyed this wine better than the first Viognier I tried.  I could detect soil and earth on the nose with subtle vegetable aromas.  I found this wine to be refreshing with peach and pear fruit on the palate.
• "Calor" Chardonnay (2010)- priced at $22 this wine is made with 100% Chardonnay that is fermented in French oak barrels.  Although it was fermented in oak barrels it did not have the typical buttery components of Chardonnay.  Perfect for light, easy drinking
• "Celtico: Chambourcin (2010)- priced at $17 this wine is composed of 90% Chambourcin, 4% Merlot, 4% Cab Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.  On the nos there was an overwhelming buttery, oak component that shown through.  This had a great, dark, ruby red color with intense berry flavors.  I enjoyed this wine as a whole.

Winery Visit-Chateau Morrisette

On Saturday, April 21st my close friend and I braved the impending storm to visit the well acclaimed Chateau Morrisette.  Chateau Morrisette is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, but of course our GPS told us to take the dangerous, unpaved back road, which made the ride their very curvy and bumpy.  Once our little car survived that little adventure we were immediately captivated by the elegance of Chateau Morrisette.  The staff immediately welcomed us to the property and a friendly valet driver quickly offered to park our car for us.  Chateau Morrisette has a separate building that contains their well reviewed restaurant and is the first building you notice when you drive onto the property.  The design and architecture of the restaurant and winery blend well with the rural aspects of Floyd.  I particularly liked the rock fountain right by the parking lot, because it sets a relaxing and calming tone for the experience. 

Once we entered the winery we were amazed by the beautifully adorned main entrance with a classic chandelier and wooden balcony in which visitors may look down and enjoy the atmosphere of it all.  Apparently we went on a good day, because the staff informed us that it was an official open house day, which meant our tasting was complimentary.  Unfortunately, because the tasting was free we were unable to keep our wine glass, but I was thankful to save a few bucks.  The local kennel club was hosting an event when we went so we were unable to take a tour of the winery, because that part was closed off.  Many wine enthusiasts brought their dogs with them so I was overwelmed with all the cuteness that surrounded me.  The tasting area reminded me of a classic tavern bar with classic, dark wood and dim lighting.  Our tasting included 10 of Chateau Morrisette's well esteemed wines with an array of different types that included red, white, and dessert:

• 2010 Chardonnay- boasting 13.3% alcohol, this Chardonnay was higher in alcohol than most white wines I've tasted thus far.  I don't typically like Chardonnays, but I found this one to be a light and refreshing change from the typically over buttery characteristics of old world Chardonnays.  On the nose I could detect vegetable, soil aromas, which are commonly found from the oak barrel fermentation process.  On the palate, it tasted sour, tart, could definitely feel the pucker sensation often found when biting into a green apple.  Wouldn't mind drinking this wine during warm summer nights out on my back porch, very light and easy drinking.
• Independence- a blended wine made from Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay grapes with 12.2% alcohol.  I wasn't very impressed with this wine, seemed a bit dull with very little aroma to detect.  This is a very light, easy drinking wine with very subtle flavors.  There wasn't enough going on in this wine to entice or excite me.
• 2011 Dry Rose-made by extracting juice from the grapes prior to fermentation allows for the pink color of the wine.  This wine is best paired with fish and other lean proteins and is best suited for light summer meals.  I found this wine to be very sweet, yet no visible fruit or other flavors from this wine. 
• 2010 Chambourcin- 12.5% alcohol this a light bodied and light violet red wine. Black pepper and spice are definitely evident in this light red wine with subtle plum and berries to balance the heat from this wine.  This wine would particularly pair well with dark chocolate as well as grilled meats and mushrooms.  Although I wasn't particularly impressed with any of Chateau Morrisette's red wines I found this one to be my favorite of the ones I tried.
• 2010 Cabernet Franc- medium-bodied red wine, one of Virginia's best planted grape varieties with plenty of spice and heat on the mid palate.  This best pairs with spaghetti, marinara sauce and steak dishes.  Dark raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are welcomed from this medium-bodied wine.  This wine was a little too dry and had a little too much spice for my liking, which is rather disappointing since this considered Virginia's premier grape.
• 2008 Petit Verdot: the server informed us that this is Chateau Morrisette's special wine and should be paired with higher cuts of meats and cheeses.  This wine was appealing, because it was velvety and smooth without being overly dry like many red wines can be.  The berry components were not detected during my sampling, but perhaps that can only be extracted when paired with food. 
• The Black Dog: blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot and is described as a semi-dry red wine.  On the nose it was very earthy, soil, nature aromas that are common from oak barreling red wines.  I found this wine to be a bit too sweet for a red wine for my wine preference. 
• Our Dog Blue: a semi-sweet blend of Riesling-Traminette blend with the addition of Vidal Blanc and Petit Mensanf for depth and character.  On the nose I was excited to find pear and melon components that would indicate a light and refreshing white wine.  This wine is perfect for easy, summer drinking because it is light and refreshing, but isn't too overly sweet.  I would certainly like to drink this wine again.
• Sweet Mountain Laurel: this was the first dessert wine I tried and was made from Native American grape varieties.  This both tasted and smelled like grape juice, way too sweet for me.  I couldn't even tell that this was a wine that I was trying
• 2010 Frosty Dog: this was the last wine we tried for our tasting and was by far the absolute sweetest wine of the day.  This dessert wine is special, because they freeze the grapes in concented juice to heighten the sugar content of the wine.  This wine could stand alone as the dessert for the wine, that's how overwhelmingly sweet it was.  To me this wine tasted artifically sugary like sweet tarts or lemon heads with corn syrup rather than real sugar.  Not a wine I'd look for again.

After completing the tasting my friend and I enjoyed a nice relaxing picnic outside on one of the outside tables at the front of the winery.  We decided to be adventurous and buy a wine we didn't get to sample, which was the Liberty.  The Liberty was a blended red wine with Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  At first I was very excited to try this wine, because I typically like blends that include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but I found this wine to be rather bland and didn't really have any strong characteristics to entice my taste buds.  However, the laid back atmosphere overlooking the beautiful mountainous landscape more than made up for it.  Unfortunately, the picnic had to be cut short, because there was a nasty storm heading our way and we didn't want to be caught outside in the downpour.  I hope to return to Chateau Morrisette someday and would love to bring my mom, she'd love the architecture and laid back atmosphere of this country vineyard.

Winery Visit- Attimo Winery

On Friday, March 23, 2012 three of my closest friends and I visited the charming and quaint Attimo Winery.  I hadn't heard much about this winery before my visit, but was pleasantly surprised once we arrived.

Attimo Winery is located on the outskirts of Christiansburg with the beautiful rolling hills as its backdrop.  Rik and Melissa Obiso graduated from Virginia Tech in 1997 and returned to southwest Virginia in 2006 to make their winery a reality. Attimo winery includes a large vineyard as well as a tasting room located in their tuscan style home.  The Obiso's began vine planting in 2007 and document 2010 and 2011 as their largest production years to date.  Currently, there are over 10,000 vines on the property and believe their is further potential to grow in the upcoming years. 

I found Attimo shattered my preconceived notion of how wineries and vineyards looked and the type of vibe associated with it.  In my head, I often associate wineries with fancy dinner parties, grand decor, and elegant attire.  Attimo evoked relaxation, comfort, and warmth with modern decor choices and friendly staff.  The tasting room was about the size of a family room, which only reitereated my earlier sentiments of comfort and warmth.  My friends and I had a choice of sampling our wines on a cozy couch or a small circular table and ultimately chose to sit at the table to get the full effect.  The tasting room used minimal lighting and relied a lot on natural lighting, which allowed us to appreciate the atmosphere and natural beauty that surrounded us.  Our waitress was very patient and attentive making sure to check in on us throughout the tasting experience.  She was extremely friendly and welcomed the many questions we threw her way with insightful and intriguing answers.  I would love to go back to this winery with my mom to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a winery that is more like a quaint, country lounge than a formal winery environment.  While at Attimo we were able to sample an array of white, red, and dessert wines that displayed the diverse wines produced there.  During our tasting, we sampled 9 of the following wines:

• Sonnet 98(2010): a vidal blanc with a soft floral nose and light color.  I found this wine to be very light and refreshing with subtle hints of vegetable, soil or earth on the nose.  I enjoyed this wine a lot, because it had a light body, but wasn't overly sweet.  I would recommend this wine for warm summer nights outside with a light salad or spicy dish to compliment this white wine
• I do (2010): this was another white wine, but with completely different characteristics than the sonnet.  I'd describe this wine as bubbly with a zing or spice on the initial taste.  This is a blended wine with 80% Traminette and 20% Petit Manseng.  I found that this wine almost reminded me of a sparkling wine, because it was sweet, bubbly, and light which are characteristics I often find with sparkling wines.  This was an exciting wine for me, because on the nose it was light and citrusy, but on the palate there was a hint of spice that created depth in this seemingly light wine.
• Deep Silence (2010): This was the first red wine we tried during the sampling and was their Cabernet Franc wine.  On the nose I could easily detect buttery, vegetale aromas that indicate that it took on some flavors from the oak barrell.  It was extremely dry to the point that I needed to drink a substantial amount of water to wash that dry feeling away.  Our server said we should be able to taste hints of berries, but was unable to detect much flavor from this wine at all.  Was largely disappointed with this wine, because I keep hearing how great Virginia Cabernet Francs are, but continually am underwhelmed by them.
• AD 325 (2010): this was Attimo's Chambourcin wine and was 13.8% alcohol.  Our server informed us that this red wine was completely unoaked, which means that the wine was stored in stainless steel so that the only flavors you detect are from the grape itself.  I could certainly tell the difference between this wine and the oaked wines, because it didn't have the overall buttery, vanilla tastes and aromas that I found in the other wines.  Could taste hints of cherry and found that this wine would pair well with dark chocolate. 
• Sweet Berry Sunset:  One of Attimo's dessert wines, this wine actually adds raspberries to a red blended wine to intensify fruit flavors.  I could definitely taste the raspberry within the wine and found it was similar to berry juice.  This was a very easy wine to drink, but was a bit too sweet for me, unless I used this wine as my dessert.
• Sudden Downpour: another infused wine, this blends Chardonnay, Sauvignon lanc, Apple wine and is finished off with Bourbon.  I found this wine to be extremely sugary to the point that I almost felt nauseus.  Even though this wine is only 12.5% alcohol, I could feel the heat from the bourbon which made it feel strong and heavy to me.
• Masquerade (2010): This is Attimo's Chardonnay wine with typical new world characteristics.  On the nose I found this wine to be very earthy, buttery, and soily.  On the palate it was very silky and smooth, but couldn't actually taste much of anything.  This was certainly one of my least favorite.
• Vertex (2010): Attimo's Cabernet Sauvignon with 13% alcohol.  Our server informed us that the Cabernet grapes were imported from California, because they can't seem to flourish in Southwest Virginia.  Can definitely tell that this wine has been oaked for a long period of time, because I could smell butter, vegetation, and vanilla on the nose.  On the palate there was rich berry flavors that awakened my taste buds and was not too dry.  I'd say this was my favorite red wine out of all the wines I tried.
• Seduction (2010): Attimo's variation on a ruby port with Tinta Moderal, Touriga nacional and Sauzao grapes imported from Portugl.  This wine had the highest percentage of alcohol with 18% and it was certainly evident when I tasted this wine.  It had way too much heat and felt way too strong for a low-key wine drinking night.  However, I did enjoy the strong berry and fruit components of this wine.

Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Attimo Winery and would recommend it to anyone that's looking for a low-key environment to sample a few great wines from our region.  Although I wasn't overly enthused about any of the wines in particular, I was impressed with the variety and diversity of wines they produced on a relatively small vineyard. 

Tasting- Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen Qualitatswein

Name: Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen

Variety: 70% Riesling, 15% Silvaner, 15% Muller-Thurgau

Region: Rheinhessen and Palatinate

Country: Germany

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "Leibfraumilch is a soft, delicate wine of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate districts.  The original wine was named after the Leibfraumilch monastery in Worms, where the monks were the first wine growers and produced an unusually pleasing wine.  Wines of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate are noted for their noted for their aroma, well-balanced harmony, and fragrance.  Leibfraumilch, as all excellent white wines is best served chilled.  We suggest serving with cold entrees, as well as poultry, such as chicken or turkey, or even with a mild Cheddar, mellow and slightly nutty with a medium consistency"

My Review: The body of this wine is very light yellow-green in color but easily permeates through light.  This wine has very little aromas on the nose, which was a bit disappointing.  On the palate it was very light, refreshing and clean, which allows for easy summer drinking.  However, I couldn't detect any recognizable tastes or characterisics that elevate or bring uniqueness to this wine.  I may try this wine again if I'm looking for a simple, light wine.

Tasting- Col Des Vents Corbieres

Name: Col Des Vents Corbieres

Variety: 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah

Region: Languedoc

Country: France

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Bramble berry, cherry, and raspberry, spices, black pepper.. all are present in this authentic French country"

My Review: On the nose this wine has welcoming blackberry, blackcherry, and raspberry aromas that draw attention to the full body and fruitiness of the wine.  On the palate there are numerous berry components that excite the taste buds, but the wine is very spicy and dry.  It is clear that this wine has a lot of tannic acid which can be too strong for many wine drinkers.  I might try this wine again with a full cheese or heavy pasta dish and see if that calms the wine at all.

Tasting- San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias Carmenere

Vintage: Carmenere

Region: Central Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "The grapes for this Carmenere are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley.  Beautiful red fruit aromas.  Supple and round in the mouth, the wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb."

My Review: On the nose there are definitely vegetable, soil, earth components to the bouquet.  On the palate it was extremely dry and had hints of butter.  This isn't one of my favorite red wines, because I couldn't detect any hints of fruit and was too dry for my liking.  Perhaps this is a wine that approves with food, but it's not likely that I will try this wine again.

Tasting- Estrella Chardonnay

Name: Estrella Chardonnay
Vintage: 100 % Chardonnay
Region: Napa Valley
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana and oak.

My Review: This was a surprisingly light and refreshing example of a Chardonnay.  Can definitely smell pear and green apple on the nose and the body is a very light yellow-green.  On the palate this wine exhibits a nice balance of malic acid and sugar and has a hint of vanilla that makes this an easy drinking wine.  I would certainly recommend this wine for light, summer night drinking.

Tasting- Zonin Pinot Grigio

Name: Zonin Pinot Grigio

Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio

Region:Northeast Italy

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Winery review: "Pale straw-yellow color with brilliant reflections.  Delicately fruity bouquet, with outstanding finesse and marked hints of almond blossom and peaches.  Elegant, soft, and well-structured fruit on the palate, with remarkable freshness and a clean, persistent aftertaste"

My review: Light, pale yellow coloring which typically is associated with a light bodied white wine.  On the nose this wine exhibits a fresh hint of peaches and pears.  On the palate I'm immediately shocked by how overwhelmingly sweet this wine tastes.  I also noticed that there is an intense afterbite with a lot of heat.  I'd say that this wine probably has a high percentage of alcohol, which only caters to an intensely sweet white wine.  I've certainly had better Pinot Grigios with a better balance of acidity and sugar.

Tasting- Chateau Ksara reserve du Couvent

Name: Chateau Ksara Reserve du Couvent

Variety: blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah

Region:Bekaa

Country: Lebanon

Year: 2009

Price: $15

Winery Review: Château Ksara Reserve du Couvent was described by Fiona Beckett in the Guardian, January 2011, as "An intensely fruity blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah that would be great with Middle Eastern or Moorish lamb stews".

My Review: On the nose this wine possess elements of vegetation, soil, and earthiness.  On the palate the blend lends itself to hints of plum, but is difficult to find any other components or characteristics in this wine.  I don't typically like blended wines and perhaps its because it makes it difficult to detect individual flavors and aromas.  I would have preferred a Lebanese wine made with indigenous grapes found from Lebanon.

Tasting- Quinta de Azevdeo Vinho Verde

Name: Quinta de Azevdeo Vinho Verde

Variety: Vinho Verde

Region: Minho

Country: Portugal

Year: 2010

Price: $11.99

Winery Review:Made from indigenous Loureiro and Pedernã (aka Arinto), this vintage Vinho Verde, captures the essence of the appellation with its zippy acidity and lime character. Following stalk-removal and soft crushing to remove the skins, the must, protected from oxidation by using inert gas, went through a period of static decanting at low temperatures. For the Pedernã variety, this process took longer until the required level of clarity was achieved. The must was then taken to stainless steel, temperature-controlled fermentation vats, where it fermented for about 15 days at 60°F. One of the best choices for Summer drinking, this Vinho Verde does not disappoint.

Winery Review: Very light-bodied white wine with bubbly, fresh features suitable for light food fare.  On the palate I couldn't detect any lime or citrusy flavors in this wine.  I'd rather enjoy a light wine like this or a Prosecco, rather than a champagne, otherwise this wine doesn't have enough going for it to encourage me to drink it on any other occassion.

Tasting- DR Loosen Bros Riesling

Name:Dr. Loosen Bros Riesling

Variety: Riesling

Region: Mosel Saar Ruwer

Country: Germany

Year: 2010

Price: $11.99

Winery Review: "Dr. Loosen’s non-estate wine embodies the elegant and racy style of classic Mosel Riesling. It is refreshing and fruity, with a fine mineral edge that is typical of the region. Dr. L Riesling is made with fruit that comes exclusively from traditional vineyards with steep slopes and slate soil. By working closely with local growers on long-term contract, brothers Ernst and Thomas Loosen are able to maintain excellent quality in every vintage. Dr. L Riesling is bottled with a screwcap to avoid cork problems and to preserve freshness."

My Review: This has been my favorite Riesling I've tried thus far on my Wine Journey.  Dr.Loosen Bros developed a refreshing, sharp, and crisp Riesling which was a crowd pleaser at my adult wine tasting party.  Unlike many of the Rieslings I've had this wine was light and smooth without being overwhelmingly sweet. There were undertones of citrus and pear at the end palate that lightly coated the tip of my tongue and left me with a very satisfying wine experience.  I would most certainly buy this wine again, especially in the summer.

Tasting- Trivento Amado sur Malbec

Name: Trivento Amado sur Malbec

Variety: 73% Malbec, 15% Bonarda, 12% Syrah

Region:Mendoza

Country: Malbec

Price: $10.99

Year: 2009

Winery Review:Dark, with a core of very ripe black currant, raspberry ganache and black licorice notes, supported by polished tannins. A raspberry note emerges more on the lengthy finish. Very solid

My Review: This Malbec was leaps and bounds better than the Tilia Malbec that I tried a few days ago.  The acidic, tannic component was well balanced with pleasant raspberry and black currant components that compliment this smooth, easy drinking red wine.  Certainly not as dry as a Merlot, but not as heavy as a Cabernet, which is a welcome surprise to those that are put off by strong red wines.  Enjoy this wine with a mild cheese and you'll be able to detect more of the fruity characteristics of the wine. 

Tasting- Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignom

Name: Cousino Macul Antinguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety:Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:Maipo Valley

Country:Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $12.99

Winery Review: "With deep violet color this wine shows reddish edges, clean and bright. In the nose, ripe plum notes and blueberries can be perceived. Black fruits accompanied by a rich acidity and firm tannins can be felt in the mouth. Due to its varietal expression, it is an ideal wine to drink with all kinds of meats such as beef and pork ribs. It is also a good partner for sausages and semi spicy dishes."

My Review: I found this gem at my local Costco and was immediately drawn to it, because of the 91+ ratings from past vintages.  On the nose I could certainly spot the pleasant aroma of blueberries and plum which made me even more anxious about digging in and trying this wine.  On the palate this wine was even more enjoyable than I could've imagined.  This Cabernet is full-bodied, but well balanced in its tannic nature for easy drinking.  There was definitely some heat to this wine, but would be a good compliment to a spicy asian dish.  I would buy this wine again in a heartbeat, because of its simple fruit characteristics.

Tasting- Tilia Malbec

Name: Tilia Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region:Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Winery Review:  "Crisp and a little minty smelling, with wild berry and dry spice as the primary aromas. It’s thick and chunky but well balanced, with sweet, slightly medicinal flavors of black fruits and mint. Solid and smooth on the finish."

My Review: I found this Malbec in my local grocery store in Northern Virginia, while on Spring Break and was excited to try another Malbec after my wonderful experience with Maipe.  I chose this Malbec, because it was affordable and claims to use sustainable practices to produce their wine.  Needless to say I couldn't wait to get home and try this seemingly flawless purchase that would lead to a wonderful evening.  I opened the bottle and could smell hints of black cherry, and a more overwhelming plum flavor. Unfortunately on the palate the wine was not what I expected.  This Malbec was extremely hot, which means that the alcohol hasn't been balanced with sugar to mellow the tannins.  It was so hot that I couldn't even detect any other flavors or characteristics that this wine claims to exhibit.  I don't plan on ever trying this wine again and will stick to my Maipe Malbec for now.

Tasting- Caleo Nero d'Avola

Name:Caleo Nero d'Avola

Variety: Nero d'Avola

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $7.99

Winery Review: Sicilia, Italy- This medium-bodied wine features black cherry and raspberry fruit in an easy-drinking style. Made from 100% Nero d'Avola grapes, the wine also offers some hints of Mediterranean herbs. Try it with lasagna or veal.

My Review: Despite the fact that this wine was served in a disposable plastic cup I could definitely detect strong components of black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry.  This was a very balanced red wine, because it wasn't too acidic or dry.  An easy wine for those that fear the strong tannic characteristics of a typical red wine.  I bought this wine and am excited to try it again with a light tomato sauce and lightly herbed italian bread.  Very great wine at a reasonable price.

Tasting- Luna d'Or Prosecco Brut

Name:Luna d'Or Prosecco Brut

Variety: Glera

Region: Treviso, Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $11.99

Winery Review: Fresh, Grapefruit, Apples, Full-bodied. A light sparkling wine that is very delicate and fruity with a hint of ripe apples, lemons and grapefruit. It is perfect as an apertif, or with light dishes and sushi.

My Review: I tried this Prosecco at the Total Wine & More store, which means that it also was served in a plastic disposable cup.  This is crucial for a sparkling wine, because it didnt allow the wine to fully express itself.  On the nose I could hardly detect any aroamas at all, very disappointing.  I've certainly tried better Prosecco with a lighter body, but stronger fruit characteristics.  I could barely pick out a hint of grapefruit and apple, because it only became available at mid palate and didn't have a great finish.  I'd take a pass on this prosecco and wait for something with more appealing aromas and characteristics.

Tasting- Barone Fini Valdadige Pinot Grigio

Name: Barone Fini Valdadige Pinot Grigio

Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio

Region: Mezzocorona

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $10

Winery Review: Appley and slightly sweet smelling with notes of mint and orange, adding some complexity. This is fairly round on entry with just enough RS to add that soft edge and reinforce the deeply fruity nature of this wine. There’s a lot to like here. Though the wine does lack some crispness, it delivers plenty of peachy fruit with a light hint of orange and enough acidity to keep this fresh. There’s not much of a finish beyond that acid zing, but this is fun. 86pts

My Review: This Pinot Grigio was light and citrusy on the nose with pale yellow coloring with visible bubbles to express the airiness of the wine.  I tried this wine at the Total Wine & More store, which is a large grocery sized warehouse with an enormous selection of wines and beers from local and international distributors.  Unlike the Vintage Cellar, the free wine tasting uses disposable miniature cups to pour the wine into.  Clearly this isn't the ideal container for wine and it showed when I was tasting it.  However, what I could detect was rather plesant to my senses. On the palate I enjoyed hints of sour green apple and refreshing orange that complimented this light bodied white wine.  I had to search a little before I could truly discover these wonderful flavors, but I'm not sure if that's due to the container or if the wine lacks crispness.  I did buy this wine so I'm looking forward to trying it again in a proper glass container.

Tasting- Maipe Malbec

Name: Maipe Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "A striking perfume of violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Exhibiting surprising complexity for its price category, the wine has gobs of fruit, savory flavors, and excellent depth and length. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 3-4 years" (Robert Parker).

My Review: I really enjoyed this medium-bodied wine, which can be described as an intermediate between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot.  This Malbec was not as dry as a typical Merlot and not as full bodied as a Cabernet, but still possessed an explosion of fruit flavors.  On the palate, I can detect hints of raspberry, blackberry, and plum which are delicate and subtle from beginning to end.  I thoroughly enjoyed this wine with a homemade tomato sauce with fresh brocolli and zucchini and grilled baby shrimp on top.  This fresh pasta dish complemented this red wine beautifully and really expanded the variety of flavors.  I would absolutely recommend this wine to anyone that is looking for a medium-bodied wine that combine characteristics of both a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon 

Tasting- Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling

Name: Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling

Variety: Riesling

Region: Rhine

Country: Germany

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "Flint and mineral notes accent pineapple and lime aromas, while on the palate, the wine shows plenty of ripe, citrusy fruit flavors.  Tangy acids on the long finish provide balance" (Vintage Cellar).

My Review:  I typically enjoy Rieslings for their fruity, bubbly, and light white wine characteristics.  However, the Shine Riesling was not one of my favorites.  Although the tangy acids and citrusy fruit were delightful the mineral, dirt characteristics were not as appealing.  I found the flint aromas distracted the light, fruity components of the wine, which was disappointing to me.  I'd probably choose a different Riesling with a lighter body and stronger fruit appearances.

Tasting- Don Ramon Tinto

Name: Don Ramon Tinto

Variety: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo

Country: Portugal

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo.  Aged 3 months in American Oak casks.  Ruby red in color, with creamy aromas of earth and cherry.  Flavor turns toward deeper and darker black cherry and raspberry on a medium framework.  A subtle earthiness underneath the bright fruit adds some depth and complexity.

My Review:On the nose, you can certainly detect an earthy,mineral, and dirt aroma that isn't personally an appealing aroma for a wine.  However, once I took my first sip of the wine I was greeted with wonderfully balanced fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry. I've come to realize that I enjoy Tinto and Portugese wine in general, the balance of fruit flavors and medium-body are certainly appealing to my palate.  I would certainly enjoy this wine again and would pair it with a light pasta dish to counter the fruity, medium-body characteristics of the wine.

Tasting- Resonata Nero D' Avola

Name: Resonata Nero D'Avola

Variety: Nero D'Avola

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "Dense ruby red with violet reflections.  Lush and ripe bouquet full of mulberries, blackberries and spice.  Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background.

My Review: I have mixed feelings about this wine, because of the complex body and mixture of flavors present in this Italian wine.  The Resonata had strong blackberry and mulberry aromas that I quite enjoy in a red wine, but had a very strong spicy bite on the finish.  Sometimes a spicy aspect can be a welcome addition to the body of the wine, but in this case I found it a bit overpowering.  Although the fruity characteristics could be detected, the spicy finish definitely distracted my palate.  I'd be willing to reasses this wine with a spicy indian or italian dish, but this is certainly not at the top of my list.

Tasting- Protocolo Blanc

Name: Protocolo Blanc

Variety: 70% Airen and 30% Macabeo

Country:Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Winery 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" (Vintage Cellar).

My Review: I was rather disappointed in this wine, because it possessed wonderful citrus and mint aromas that would suggest it would have wonderful flavors and textures that would excite my palate.  However, after my official taste I couldn't detect any of the above flavors on my tongue, which left me rather unethused by this wine.  The flavors were almost to suble and the wine too dry for me to be able to gain anything from this wine.  Will probably take a pass on this wine and save my money on white wines with a little more body and character.

Tasting- Santola Vinho Verde

Name: Santola Vinho Verde

Variety:White blend

Region: Minho

Country: Portugal

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Soft and creamy, although with just the right Vinho Verde bite, this is a crisp and clean wine, boasting light pear and pink grapefruit flavors.  Off dry and very fresh" (Vintage Cellar).

My Review:A fine example of a light-bodied white wine with smooth citrus flavors that blend nicely with fresh, bubbly characteristics within the wine.  If you're looking for a soft, fruity white wine with a well-balanced body this is the wine for you.  I would absolutely try this wine again, because it had a delicate texture on my palate and a pleasant citrusy tang that would compliment light meals and appetizers.  The interesting thing about this wine was that it almost had sparking wine characteristics, with an airy body and bubbly presence.

Tasting- Port City's Optimal Wit

Name: Optimal Wit Port City Brewing Company

Variety: Belgian Style White Ale

Region: Alexandria,Va

Country: USA

Price: $8.99 for a six pack

Brewery Review: Contrary to popular belief, Optimal Wit is not named after the Baron’s sense of humor, but rather the Belgian Witbier style. It pours a hazy golden color with white head. Optimal Wit has a sweet aroma dominated by oranges, with a hint of coriander spice.  The Beverage Baron “This is a pretty decent Belgian-style wheat beer. It has a nice aroma, and a light bodied flavor that is neither overly sweet nor spicy. Again, a solid, well-balanced brew that doesn’t blow you away.”The Baron’s Brother “I’m not a big fan of this style overall, but I definitely like it better than Blue Moon. It’s not too bad.”

My Review: A deliciously balanced Belgian style White Ale that inventively crafts a light wheat beer with hints of coriander and orange peel.  The Optimal Wit is the perfect blend of wheat and hops without having an overwhelming flavor.  I certainly enjoy this beer better than the standard Blue Moon, because it has a lighter balance of all the ingredients.  I enjoyed this beer with a lentil soup and crackers, but believe this beer is well suited for light summer meals.  This beer is quickly becoming one of my new favorites, because of its light-body and excellent crafted blend of spices and fruit.  Would gladly buy this beer again, especially for a warm spring or summer day.

Tasting- Tocco Prosecco

Name: Tocco Prosecco

Variety: Prosecco

Region: Veneto, Italy

Country: Italy

Year: unknown

Price: $11.99

Winery Review: "Prosecco is to Milan what Champagne is to Paris. Tocco is a delicate, well-balanced Prosecco, showing a good blend of baked apple, sour lemon and grapefruit, with a lightly creamy mineral texture on the palate"

My Review: The epitomy of a sparkling wine, Tocco can be characterized by its light body and bubbly spirit.  To the nose, one can detect hints of green apple and lemon, which are minimally present in the taste and feel of the Prosecco.  Would certainly recommend a Prosecco over champagne if you're looking for a light, bubbly wine for any special occasion.  However, if you enjoy your sparking wines to possess a little more depth and flavor I would recommend the Casa Bianca Prosecco, because it tends to be a bit more lively.

Tasting- Snap Dragon Red Wine (Blend)

Name: Snap Dragon Red Wine (Blend)

Variety: Primarily Zinfandel

Region: Napa Valley, California

Country: USA

Year: 2008

Price: $9.99

Winery Review: "The 2008 Snap Dragon Red Wine is a skillful balance of red varietals woven together in a complex and satisfying wine. Zinfandel characters dominate the aromas with raspberry, Bing cherry and spicy oak. Hints of toffee and rich flavors of blackberry and plum anchor the core and linger across the palate for a long, mouthwatering finish. A great wine for gathering with friends, the juicy cherry-berry middle and soft tannins pair nicely with a wide variety of foods or can be simply sipped as center stage. Free from the restrictions of a varietal name, a red wine yields itself to the creativity of the read more...winemaker who can combine the best lots of several varietals. At harvest, the grapes were brought in to the winery and vinified individually. Diligent monitoring of the fermentation temperatures ensure maximun character. After fermentation, the individual lots were blended together for a wine that exhibits powerful, lithe and striking qualities that the name Snap Dragon implies"(American Way Wine & Spirits)

My Review: I found this wine difficult to taste, because the smoky, spicy components overshadowed the fruity flavors that apparently should be detected.  While sniffing the wine, I could detect strong cherry, blackberry, and raspberry aromas, but as I tasted the wine none of these flavors could be detected.  The blend was too dry on the palate, especially without the accompaniment of water or food to moisten the mouth. Not a Red blend that I'd willingly consume again, because it did not encompass any of the characteristics of a wine that I enjoy.

Tasting- Snap Dragon Riesling

Name: Snap Dragon Riesling

Variety: Riesling

Region: Napa Valley, California

Country: USA

Year: 2009

Price:$9.99

Winery Review: "Seductive, sweet apricot aromas captivate the nose of our Snap Dragon Riesling. Full and round in the mouth, the flavors develop radiance with ripe peach and yellow nectarine highlighted by key lime and rose petal. A crisp acidity accents the suggestive sweetness for a poised, pleasant wine. Serve chilled with spicy summer dishes such as chili-rubbed prawns or Thai noodle salad" (Amazon.com).

My Review: A tantalizingly sweet Riesling perfect for those that appreciate light-bodied white wines.  Snap Dragon skillfully balances acidity with sweet light fruit flavors.  At first taste, peach, apricot, and pear undertones are a welcome addition to this sweet wine.  This riesling is light and bubbly which almost make it similar to sparkling wines. I enjoyed this wine at The Gourmet Pantry and therefore didn't get to pair it with any food, but I believe that a spicy entree would balance the sweetness of the wine perfectly.  

Tasting- Castle Rock Merlot

Name:Castle Rock Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: Napa Valley, California

Country: USA

Year: 2008

Price: $12.99

Winery Review: "This elegant wine has a deep ruby color and velvety textures. The complex flavors of blackberries, cocoa, spice, with wood notes of sweet French oak along with hints of cedar unite, to form a long, smooth, harmonious finish. In any season, our Castle Rock Merlot will complement most cuisines. It is an especially pleasing accompaniment to pastas, grilled and roasted meats, as well as an assortment of cheeses"(ultimatewineshop.com).

My Review: An excellent rendering of a Merlot at a very reasonable price.  Castle Rock's Merlot combine delicate plum and blackberry flavors with warm spice to create a perfectly balanced red wine.  The Merlot was silky and smooth on my palate with a light finish.  I enjoyed this wine with Gouda and Harvati as well as warm french bread.  The flavor was enriched ten-fold after every bite of cheese, exposing the diversity of fruity flavors in the wine.  I would recommend this wine to anyone that appreciates a smooth, medium-bodied Merlot and would suggest pairing the Merlot with cheese and/or grilled meats.

Tasting- Toasted Lager

Name:Toasted Lager from Blue Point Brewing Company

Variety: Lager

Region:Long Island, New York

Country:USA

Price:$10

Brewery Review: "Toasted Lager rings in at 5.3% ABV and 28 IBUs.  So, right off the bat I’m expecting an easy drinking brew.  It pours very nicely, filling the glass with a fleecy white head.  The color is a burnished bronze, like a Spartans battle tested shield.  Sparta?  This. Is. LAGER!!!! *kicks reader in the belly*  Whew.  OK, now that I’ve spent myself by being clever let’s get back to this beer.  The head is gone after a minute or so and I’m left with a super malty nose and not much hop presence.  Blue Point uses six malts in this beer:  English Pale, Crystal, Munich, Carapils, Wheat and Belgian Caravienna.   I kept sniffing for the hops but the beer said, “Hey assclown, just drink me.  You ain’t getting no stinkin’ hops.”  Fine.  So I take an extended pull on the TL and let out a nice “Ahhhhh…..”, and boy does it deserve one.  There is a smattering of hop crispness upon the first touch of the tongue, and then it’s a nice fire-roasted malt rollercoaster down the esophageal tract.  Deeelicous.  The toasted flavor is there just as the name implies (kettle, WHOOOOSH, etc…).  It’s light-to medium bodied, unique and refreshing.  It’s also well balanced, with just enough hops to keep all that malt sweetness in check but not enough to write home about.  Nice lacing all the way down the glass and absolutely no aftertaste.   I would like this beer with a thick cut of a NY Strip steak, some mashed potatoes and green beans.  It’s smooth like a freshly paved section of the Ocean Parkway….  Awesomeness scale?  I’d wear Yankees gear in Fenway Park if this is the beer that the Sox fans were going to throw on me.

7.5. It’s a solid beer and I definitely recommend it.  Toasted Lager would make an excellent game watching brew, so pick it up next time instead of Bud Light/Coors/Miller/Vomit.  Baseball is right around the corner (Yay!).  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed" (Mike, thebestbeerblog.com).

My Review: Smooth, light golden lager suitable for warm spring and summer nights.  Nice balance between wheat and lager characteristics, which is perfect for those looking for something with more flavor than your typical lager, but aren't completely sold on wheat beers.  I enjoyed this wine with Grilled Tilapia and sweet potato hash which wasn't necessarily an appropriate pairing.  Next time I try this beer I'd pair it with a black bean burger and tortila chips with baseball or football playing in the background.  I'd certainly enjoy this beer again, because it infuses multiple malts (wheat, English Pale, Crystal, Munich, Carapils, and Belgian) in a smooth, light drinking experience.

Tasting-Frascati Superiore Volpetti

Name:Frascati Superiore Volpetti

Variety: 50% Malvasta, 40% Trebbiano, 10% Greco

Region: Roma, Italy Siema Wines

Country: Italy

Year:2009

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "Vinification at controlled temperatures from grapes that are all traditional to the Frascati area. Straw yellow in color with a soft, delicate perfume, fruitful flavor, dry and harmonious taste. Perfect with appetizers, soups, fish" (Siema Wines)

My Review: Initial aromas and smells would indicate that this wine would posses a variety of sweet and delectable fruity flavors.  However, this wine was exceptionally dry and almost had a burning/hot after taste.  I had this wine prior to dinner, but perhaps the flavors would open up if I paired it with grilled salmon or a warm soup.  Not my favorite white wine, but could be appealing for those that enjoy a more dry white wine.

Tasting- Lindeman's Bin 80 Cabernet-Merlot

Name: Lindeman's Bin 80 Cabernet-Merlot

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Region:South Eastern Australia

Country: Australia

Year:2010

Price:$6.99

Winery Review: "Soft and medium bodied with generous plum and berry characters combining with richer, darker Merlot flavors. Maturation in oak adds hints of cedar and spice"

My Review: Well balanced fusion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a smooth, silky taste.  The Bin 80 blends plum and berry flavors to create a medium bodied wine that can be described as suble and velvety, not too dry nor too fruity.  I enjoyed this wine with a vegeterian stir fry over brown rice and quinoa.  My meal lent itself nicely to the wine since the flavors were not too overwhelming.  I would recommend this wine for anyone looking for a tame red wine.

Tasting- Simply Naked Cabernet Sauvignon

Name:Simply Naked Unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety:100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:Acampo, California

Country: USA

Price:$10.99

Winery Review: "Simply Naked Cabernet Sauvignon has plum, black cherry and cinnamon spice with chewy tannins that don't weigh down the wine. Medium-full bodied"(Ultimewineshop.com)

My Review: Very subtle, silky flavors and tastes.  Rich aromas of plum and black cherry are present in this wine.  Enjoyed this wine with a lentil soup, whole grain bread, and greek yogurt.  I'm not sure how much the food complimented the wine, but I did notice more of the fruity flavors after eating my meal.  I tried this wine again a few days later and noticed more acidity, body, and plum flavors this time around.

Tasting- Doural Tinto

Name: Doural Tinto

Variety:Touriga Franca

Region: Duoro

Country:Portugal

Year: 2009

Price:$8.95

Winery Review:"This Portuguese tinto(red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues.  The nose is vibrant and fruity.  The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure.  Pairs well with red or game meat, cheeses and fish."

My Review: Excellent red wine with subtle fruity flavors, brilliantly combined.  This wine was very silky and smooth to the palate, yet kept its rich fruity flavors.  Great wine if you're looking for a smooth red wine that isn't too sweet, yet holds onto its rich fruit aromas and flavors.  I enjoyed this wine without food, but I believe it would pair well with a sharp cheese.

Tasting- Nykteri Santorini Yannis

Name:Nykteri Santorini Yannis

Variety:75% Assyrtiko and the remainder a combination of Athiri and Aidani

Region:Santorini in the southern Cyclades Islands of the Aegean Sea

Country: Greece

Year: 2009

Price: $13.95

Vintage Cellar Review: "I fell first for the compelling story of this 'night work' wine, and then for the aroma and taste, and can't think of a wine to compare it to.  'Nykteri-Dry White Wine Appellation of Origin Santorini of superior quality'.  Since 3,500 years ago, the Nykteri is synonymous to Santorini's famous white wines.  Th formula to 'instant wine making' on the night of the same day that the grapes were harvested solved the problem of the variety's sensitive aroma deterioration.  The wine is matured for 3 months at least in barrels.  In this way the wine's contact with barrel's wood gives the Nykteri a special finesse.  Characteristics Crystal-clear, semi-yellow wine.  Dominated by the aromas of jasmine, citrus fruits, flowers and pear, all these enhanced with a gentle vanilla sense.  A strong body with warm personality and a long lasting taste.  Serve with grilled anything as well as with local Greek dishes such as tomato meatballs and fava dip"(Kevin, Dionysis,1/28/2012). 

My Review: Not impressed with this wine variety, did not embody wine flavors that I typically enjoy.  This wine had an overwhelming floral and jasmine taste, which overshadowed the fruit characteristics.  I could barely taste the vanilla finish and didn't find that it added much to the overall enjoyment of the wine.  I tasted this wine without food, which could have impacted my impression of the wine.  Perhaps, I'll try this wine again with a grilled Greek dish and see if that influences my opinion.

Tasting-Casa Bianca Spumante Rosato

Name:Casa Bianca Prosecco Spumante Rosato

Variety:white grape pinot nero prosecco and red
Region:Montello and the hills of Asoli in Northern Italy
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $11.95

Vintage Cellar Review:Prosecco is very popular in Italy.  The wine is often served as a festive aperitif but mild dry Prosecco Spumante is also very suitable as a companion of appetizers and entrees.  Prosecco is a generic term and can be sold in many different qualities.  The best have their own appellation, as Casa Bianca.  The vineyards of Montello and the hills of Asoli located in northern Italy.  This rosato spumante is made from white grape pinot nero prosecco and red.  By fermenting them together creates the pale pink color and a flavor that is more powerful than the white variety.  Spicy rosato spumante with a fine, persistent mousse, juicy fresh red fruit in the aroma and a rich, smooth, and lasting flavor(Kevin Dionysis, Vintage Cellar, 2012).

My Review: Very bubbly, light bodied wine perfect for celebratory events and morning brunches.  Very similar to champagne, but tended to be sweeter with subtle and smooth fruity flavors.  However, because it is a bubbly wine I would limit my consumption to one glass and accompany it with fresh fruit and/or a light dessert.  However, during this wine tasting I didn't have any food along with the wine.  I believe that this is a type of wine  would benefit immensely with the addition of a sweet food.