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.