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.