Tasting: Sparkling Pink Moscato

Name: Barefoot Bubble

Variety: Pink Moscato

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winery review: Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato California Champagne is surprise and delight at first sip! This pink Moscato sparkler has aromas of red apples, and cherries, complimented by a luscious, lingering sweet finish.  Enjoy with fresh fruit, white cheeses and sorbet. 

My review: This wine was very pleasant. It was definitely a sweet wine.  It had pleasant berry aromas.  I picked up berry, especially strawberry flavors and some hints of apple.  These seemed slightly subdued by bubbles.  While not a full-bodied or complex wine, it was very fun and delightful, especially for an afternoon bridal shower. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Variety: Grenache/Syrah

Region: Rhone Valley

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $14.95 (750 mL) / $38.95 (3L)

Winery review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone
Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays
loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone,
and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry
liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational
effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even
longer. 

My review: This wine had a fruit forward aroma with floral overtones and lighter cherry undertones. However, it had a much different flavor.  There were strong flavors of black pepper and spice on the palate. It was a good wine, although surprising at the differences in aroma and flavor. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting: Lobetia Tempranillo

Name: Lobetia Tempranillo

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $10.95

Winery review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the
varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry
color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and
cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent,
and harmonious with a long finish.

My review: This wine had a light, young color to it.  It had slight aromas of raspberry and some stronger aromas of the terroir.  The flavor was lighter on the tannic side than the smell eluded to. There were flavors of cherry and raspberry as well. It was a pleasant wine and I would definitely have this one again. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting Lobetia Chardonnay

Name: Lobetia Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $10.95

Winery review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the
varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with
a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple.
Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with
tropical fruits.

My review: This wine had very pleasant fruit aromas with some tropical and pineapple aromas.  It was a light, slightly acidic taste.  I found small hints of a pineapple flavor as well as some fresh, berry type flavors.  It had a smooth finish which made it a very good wine.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: NV

Price: $7.95

Winery review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house
white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and
rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet
fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink
now.

My review: This wine had pleasant aromas of grapefruit and other acidic aromas.  It was a light bodies wine with flavors of melon, like cantaloupe. It was a pleasant wine with some sweetness to it. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Wine Dinner #1

I took a trip to Chicago to visit my fiancé (Jesse), where we decided to have a dinner with my older sister (Katie) and her boyfriend (George).  And since we were having dinner and both love wine, why not make it a wine dinner?

On the way from the airport, Jesse and I stopped at a small wine shop to pick out a few bottles.  We chose a 2010 Pinot Noir from Oregon, a 2011 Garganega/Pinot Grigio blend from Italy and a rose Malbec/Merlot from Argentina.

Preparation for dinner

My sister and I prepared a baked, lightly crusted tilapia.  Along with that, we prepared a cheesy quinoa with mushrooms, onions, and peppers and garlic, sautéed green beans. 

We began the evening with a loaf of warm bread and an oil/vinegar.  We paired it, to start, with the Pinot Noir.  It was a 2010 from Jovino, with 13.5% alcohol.  They paired well together, in my opinion.  There were some light flavors like raspberry and cherry, but a good balance of earthy tones as well.  It was an easy wine to start with, but also showed complexity.

Our bread with Oil/Vinegar

The Pinot Noir

We continued with this wine into dinner, trying it with each dish.  I thought it paired very well with the cheesy quinoa, personally.

Into dinner, we opened the Garganega/Pinot Grigio.  It was a 2011, 70% Garganega, 30% Pinot Grigio from Delle Venezie, with 11.5% alcohol.  I especially enjoyed this paired with the tilapia and sautéed green beans.  It was a much lighter, floral aroma wine.  There were berry, especially strawberry and cherry flavors.  It was a light, refreshing wine that I thought paired well with very flavorful, but light dishes like the tilapia and sautéed green beans.  

The Garganega/Pinot Grigio

We also had the Malbec/Merlot rose wine with dinner.  It was a 50% Malbec, 50% Merlot from Valentin Bianchi, with 11% alcohol.  It was a rose, with some sparkle.  The light fizz was very refreshing with the heavier cheese quinoa dish.  The cherry aromas were pleasant and the berry and grapefruit flavors seemed to be brought out with the contrasting cheesy quinoa.  This also paired well with the bread/oil and vinegar, which we finished with dinner. 

Some final pictures from our night...

Jesse and I enjoying the Pinot Noir

Katie and I enjoying the Malbec/Merlot

"A successful night" ~Katie Williams

The experience was very enjoyable and a lot of fun.  I am definitely excited to have more of these in the near future.  It was a great opportunity to see how different wines paired with different foods and flavors and I am looking forward to exploring more pairings through dinners like these.  

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Wilson Daniels

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Central Coast, California

Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Winery review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish. 

My review: This wine was not a favorite of mine. It was pleasant, but I found it slightly subdued in some of the flavors.  There were aromas of grapefruit and pomegranate   There were flavors of citrus, orange and grapefruit. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

tasting: Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvée

Variety: Cuvée

Region: California

Country:USA

Year: NV

Price: $9.95

Winery review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

My review: I found aromas of peach and light floral.  I detected flavors of strawberry, light cherry, and peach. It was a very pleasant wine with a lot of fun sparkle.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting: Ksana Bonarda

Name: Ksana Bonarda

Variety: Bonarda

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2008

Price: $9.95

Winery review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker

My review: This wine had aromas of cherry and other fruits.  There were dark cherry, bitter and root/earthly flavors.  It was a decent wine. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Tasting: Concannon Shiraz

Name: Concannon Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: Central Coast, California

Country: USA

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Winery review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

My review: I picked up aromas of plum, mocha and red fruits.  It was dark, heavy aromas and flavors.  There were cocoa. dark cherry and earthy flavors. It was a pleasant wine.

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel

Variety: White Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Winery review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My review: This wine had aromas of raspberry and even pear. There were flavors of strawberry and cherry and hints of blackberry.  Although it had good flavors, they weren't incredibly pronounced. It wasn't a  favorite of mine and didn't do much for me. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Settesoli Seven Suns tasting

Name: Settesoli Seven Suns

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Sicilia (Sicily)

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $22

Winery review: At Settesoli we have been growing vines for generations. We understand the tremendous gift that we have received from nature; nurturing our soil, producing top quality grapes and creating wines with distinctive character is our way to pay tribute to our beautiful land. This Chardonnay is buttery, with apple fruit and a hint of caramel. Medium bodied, yet with pleasant freshness and a hint of minerality. 

My review: A wonderful Chardonnay. A hint of buttery flavors, but not overpowering and blended well with fruit flavors. Fruit flavors like hints of peach and apple. Aromas of light fruit and good, rich color in the wine. A smooth and refreshing Chardonnay. I would most definitely have this again. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Sutter Home White Zinfandel

Name: Sutter Home White Zinfandel

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: Napa Valley, California

Country: US

Year: 2011

Price: $8

Winery review: Sutter Home is the original White Zinfandel. First released over 30 years ago, this delightfully fruity and slightly sweet wine continues to be one of America's most popular wines.

My review: It was a nice white zinfandel.  Raspberry and light grapefruit aromas. A light, summery feel. I picked up flavors of strawberry and other light fruit flavors, like some raspberry. A slightly sweet wine. I enjoyed it, although it isn't a personal favorite as I've grown in my wine tasting. 

I tasted this wine on its own, without food.

Review Thierry & Guy “Fat bastard” Shiraz

Name: Thierry & Guy “Fat bastard” Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: Minervois area, Pezenas sector, north of Nimes

Country:France

Year: 2011

Price: $10

Winery review: Rich and dense with complex aromas of blackberries, licorice and vanilla. Tannins are ripe and delicate.

My review: A nice Shiraz. Underlying hints of raspberry aromas. Some vanilla, spice and tannic flavor components. A delightful wine.  Paired wonderfully with the cheese.

I tasted this with a basil mozzarella cheese and crackers.

Review Yellow Tail Shiraz

Name: Yellow Tail Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: South Eastern Australia

Country:Australia

Year: 2012

Price: $12

Winery review: Ripe cherries and strawberries, spice, and vanilla aromas. This bold Shiraz wine is well balances, with earthy tones and lingering fruit on the tongue.

My review: A pleasant Shiraz. Underlying hints of grapefruit. A lot of vanilla and spice flavors. An earthy and somewhat tannic Shiraz. I enjoyed it.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Review Biltmore Estate Pinot Grigio

Name: Biltmore Estate Pinot Grigio

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: North Carolina

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $12

Winery review: Refreshingly crisp with a spicy citrus finish, this award-winning wine has flavors of lime and ripe pears.

My review: This was a very pleasant tasting white wine. It was more of a dry wine. There were hints of strawberry in the aromas. I thought there were also raspberry flavors with a pear flavor. I would have this wine again.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Review Big House The Birdman Pinot Grigio

Name: Big House The Birdman Pinot Grigio

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Livermore, California

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $20

Winery review: No wonder this Pinot Grigio sing with a harmonious blend of floral, peach and pear aromas and finishes with a  long, fruity warble. Pretensions fly away when paried with grilled seafood or Asian cuisine.

My review: A nice Pinot Grigio. Hints of floral and raspberry in the aroma. A nice blend of sweet and acidic flavors. Flavors of grapefruit and strawberry. I enjoyed this and would have it again.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Beliveau Estate Winery- Reflection

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Reflection
Variety: Traminette
Region: SouthWest Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $24

Winery review: This bold and luscious Traminette is made in a semi-sweet style.

My review: This was a sweet and pleasant tasting white wine. There were hints of peach and pomegranate. The sweetness of the peach was picked up in the aroma as well as the taste. I would have this wine again.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Beliveau Estate Winery Summer Rose

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Summer Rose
Variety: 50% Chambourcin, 50% Leon Millot
Region:SouthWest Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $15

Winery review: This sweet red wine blend is yummy! 

My review: This was a sweet red blend, but overall pleasant. There were many berry aromas. In the taste were strong hints of strawberry and some blueberry.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Beliveau Estate Winery Warm Glow

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Warm Glow
Variety: Chambourcin
Region:SouthWest Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $16

Winery review: This semi-sweet Chambourcin is smooth like velvet!  BRONZE MEDALIST

My review: This wine had a slight fizz to it. It was a pleasant, refreshing wine.  Sweet flavors were definitely present and noticeable. I found hints of plum and cherry present in the wine as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this wine and would definitely have it again. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Beliveau Estate Winery Acapella

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Acapella
Variety: Landot Noir
Region:West Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $16

Winery review: A Capella is 100 % Landot Noir, a French-American hybrid known for wonderful fruit-forward arromatics and a rich color. A Capella delivers this with blousy Summer fruits - blueberries, strawberries, and goose berries. Deceptively sweet-smelling, it is a Semi-sweet wine with medium body. While A Capella is a great sipping wine warm or chilled, it pairs well with mushrooms, pork, chicken marsala, blueberry cobbler, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, and vanilla ice cream.

My review: The aromas of the wine are very sweet with light berry hints. However, the taste is less sweet, with strong flavors of berry.  I picked up on raspberry and strawberry flavors in the wine.  It was a good wine and enjoyable.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Beliveau Estate Winery Sunset Sipper

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Sunset
Variety: Zinfandel
Region:Bora Vineyard, CA
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $26

Winery review: Sunset Sipper is a fabulous, full body experience Zinfandel. From your head to your toes, there is enjoyment to be had from this wine! Sunset has a full nose with ripe dark berries and fig. The palate is complete, covering the whole mouth and throat with rich flavors, velvety texture, and a smooth finish. Even with 16.1 % alcohol, this wine is well balanced due to the presence of 4% residual sugar. It is a "sweet" wine that drinks as if it were dry! Perfect for beef, strong cheeses, tomato sauces, and sitting by the fireplace or watching the sun set.

My review: A very full red wine. A sweeter zinfandel. Full of flavors, especially heavy berry flavors. Hint of cranberry. I enjoyed this wine and would be interested in trying it again, with food.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Beliveau Estate Winery Destiny, Vidal Blanc

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Destiny
Variety: Vidal Blanc
Region: North Fork of Roanoke 
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $16

Winery review: This dry, crisp Vidal Blanc is an excellent sipping wine, best served chilled. A two-time Bronze Medal winner, Destiny is perfect on a warm day to quench your thirst and refresh your palate! Also pairs well with poultry, balsamic vinegar, roasted red pepper, goat cheeses, and fruit. Destiny is a very popular picnic white at our Estate on warm Summer afternoons.

My review: An acidic, but slightly sweet wine. It was dry, even with it's hint of sweet.  A very refreshing wine, easy to drink. I would definitely have it again. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting- Peter Mertes Sweet Red

Name: Peter Mertes Sweet Red
Variety: Merlot 
Region: Rheinhessen

Country: Germany
Year: 2011
Price: $8

Winery review: A trademark German red grape varietal Dornfelder has a lovely purity of soft red berry fruit. Integrated soft tannins combined with forward fruit flavors make for a perfectly balanced everyday sipping wine.

My review: Sweeter than many red wines I have had.The cherry flavors standing out to me. The tannin flavors were definitely easy to pick up on. Overall, it was a pretty good wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting- Sutter Home White Merlot

Name: Sutter Home White Merlot
Variety: Merlot 
Region: California 
Country: USA 
Year: 2011
Price: $5

Winery review: A bright, light red color, and sweet cherry and raspberry aromas characterize this wine. Soft, round, juicy cherry and berry flavors form structure and a full, rich texture. Serve chilled as an aperitif, or as an excellent accompaniment to picnic and barbecue fare, seafood, poultry, ham, and spicy ethnic cuisines.

My review: A very pleasant wine. There was a raspberry smell and taste and other berry flavors, slightly concealed by the raspberry. I could pick up both the slight tartness and many sweet flavors, but a balanced combination. I would certainly get this again, a good wine at a very low price. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting- Beliveau Estate Winery Afternoon Delight (Vidal Blanc)

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Afternoon Delight, Vidal Blanc
Variety: Vidal Blanc
Region: VA - North Fork of Roanoke
Country: USA
Year: 2011
 Price: $20
Winery review: A lightly oaked, dry Vidal Blanc with overtones of grapefruit and vanilla. Serving un-chilled presents a well rounded, full palate and a lingering finish. Afternoon Delight is well suited for pairing with seasoned pork, roasted poultry, heavy seafood such as salmon or mussels, peppermint, venison, lamb, and saged sausage. This wine really pulls out any Summer herbs, especially rosemary! Chilled it is a bright yet complex and crisp, refreshing white. Afternoon Delight is great with strong cheeses chilled or unchilled.

My review: A very sweet tasting wine. Definite flavors of grapefruit and some lighter berries. Smell contains much more of the light berry than the taste, when the grapefruit comes out. It is a sweet, yet slightly acidic flavor. A little bit sweet for my taste, but overall a good wine. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting- Beliveau Estate Winery Lover's Quest (Vidal Blanc)

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Lover's Quest, Vidal Blanc
Variety: Vidal Blanc
Region: VA - North Fork of Roanoke
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $15

Winery review: A semi-sweet Vidal Blanc, Lover's Quest is perfect for those seeking a sweet, but not too sweet white. It pairs well with pork, quiche, pesto, and fresh fruits. The nose is fruit forward with hints of apple and peaches. This wine is a favorite of picnicking guests at Beliveau Estate.

My review: A white with plenty of pleasant sweetness, but not too much. Underlying flavors of strawberry and raspberry. Definitely filled with fruit aromas. A good wine that I would have again, I even bought a bottle. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting- Beliveau Estate Winery Silhouette (Cabernet Sauvignon)

Name: Beliveau Estate Winery Silhouette, Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Kluge (Trump) VA - North Fork of Roanoke 
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $20

Winery review: Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a cornucopia of light berry flavors topped with a spicy overtone. Medium body with nose to spare and a long finish. This "East Coast style" Cab pairs with steak, veal, and lamb, as well as chicken cordon bleu, pork with cranberry chutney, or your favorite ham & cheese. Strong enough to hold it's own, but delicate enough to not overpower your meal. Silhouette is also wonderful all by itself!

My review: A very dry, but pleasant wine. A hint of tart berry, similar to cranberry and a spice. It was a good wine, with wonderful aromas. I would try it again.  

I tasted this on its own with no food.