Saturday, February 25, 2012

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

Heinz Eifel Riesling Auslese  2009 / 750 ml.
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

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

Protocolo Blanco 2010
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.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

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 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

2009 Snap Dragon California Riesling 750ml 750 ml
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

Castle Rock Napa Valley Merlot 2008
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.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

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.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

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

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.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

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.