Tasting- Monte Aman

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Arlanza
Country: Spain
Year:2009
Price: $5.95
   
Winery review:  Fermentation of selected grapes in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature. Aging in American oak casks for 5 months followed by 3 months in the bottle before being released in the market. Inky ruby. Ripe cherry and plum on the nose. Smooth and fleshy, with deep dark fruit flavors complicated by bitter chocolate and anise. A spicy quality adds lift and focus to the weighty fruit. Offers an appealing mix of power and energy and drinks very well right now.(02/28/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine had a nose of chocolate covered cherries and pepper. It went down very smooth as well. I really like this wine, however I do not think I could drink a lot of it at once. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Name: Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Variety: 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Region: n/a
Country: Italy 
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95
   
Winery review:  Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet. Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity. Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats.(02/28/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine has a raspberry and an apple nose. I left my mouth extremely dry. I really would have liked to try this with a heavier meal, like pasta. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Maipe Chardonnay

Name: Maipe Chardonnay
Variety: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95
   
Winery review:  Made from 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier. 30% malolactic fermentation, 30% was aged in French oak barrels. Brilliant yellow golden color with green hints. The wine is crisp and filled with white peach, pear, green apples flavors, toasty vanilla. Elegant and luscious wine, well balanced. Crisp and long finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, pork, veal, vegetables.(02/28/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine had a pear nose. It did not taste super sweet, and had more of a bitter taste. I would have like to taste this wine with food, however I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Villa d' Orvieto

Name: Villa d' Orvieto
Variety: Grechetto, Procanico (Trebblano), and Malvasia
Region: n/a
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $6.95
   
Winery review:  Fresh and crisp, it has a beautiful, floral bouquet. It is wonderful with appetizers, fish, chicken, and salads. (02/28/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine did not have a strong nose. It tasted very peachy and light. However I did not really like this wine. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

Name: Dibon Cava Brut Reserve
Variety: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region: Penedes
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $9.95
   
Winery review: 
Light gold with plenty of bubbles, this wine has aromas of apples and pears with pleasant floral notes. Crisp and light-bodied on the palate, stone fruit flavors are accompanied by a mild minerality and balanced acidity. A delicious sparkler for a great price! (02/28/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine was very bubbly, and had a nose of pear. It tasted very light, however I did not really like this wine. Its after taste was very tingly. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria
Variety: Sangria
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $4.95
   
Winery review:  Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors. 7% Alc. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's rowing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana, or apple. (02/21/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red sangria was the first sangria that I have had for a wine tasting. I had a very fruity, candle, and orange nose. It tasted like oranges, with a slight hint of fresh ginger, as well as juice. This seems like a very summery drink. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Lost Vineyards Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/ Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 60% Shiraz and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: N/A
Country: Argentina
Year: NV
Price: $4.95
   
Winery review:  It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent.The oak is in the background. Would pair well with hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone. (02/21/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine  had a nose of apple and cherry. It went down very smoothly, and I would like to try this wine with some form of meal. However I did not have any food with this wine tasting. I would definitely consider buying this wine in the future as well.

Tasting- Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola
Variety: 100% Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95
   
Winery review:  Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape. Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing. A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart and soft but distinct tannins. (02/21/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine was very dark in color. It had a strawberry nose as well. It tasted very dry at first but then I really started to like the wine as I took more sips. I would consider buying this wine in the future. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting-Tres Ojos Rose

Name: Tres Ojos Rose
Variety: 50% Tempranillo and 50% Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $1.95
    
Winery review:  This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas. (02/21/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This rosado wine had a hint of raspberry nose, and I would have loved to had tried this wine with appetizers even though I did not have any food with this wine tasting. I also did not expect the wine to taste as dry as it was. I also thought it was crazy how cheep this wine was, in that it is under $2 for the entire bottle!

Tasting-Les Perles Piquepoul

 Name: Les Perles Piquepoul
Variety: 100% Piquepoul
Region: Cotes De Thau
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95
   

Winery review:  Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyabl selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke. Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind. (02/21/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine has 12% alcohol and was very lip smacking. It smelled like pears and citrus, and tasted very light. I did not have any food for this wine, and I did not think it was anything special.

Tasting- Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: at least 80% Sangiovese
 Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95
   
Winery review:  This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It's a good dry wine with a bold flavor. Even with it's boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth. (02/14/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine was very dark in color. It smelled very peppery, and I tasted dry but not too dry that I did not like it. It was also very spicy. I would like to try this wine with a food pairing in the future.

Tasting-Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico
Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara
Region: N/A
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95
   

Winery review:  The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture. (02/14/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine smelled very smokey. It tasted almost like a chocolate covered cherry, yet spicy and peppery at the same time. I did not have any food with this wine, however I think I would like it better if I had had a correct food pairing with this wine.

Tasting- Domaine de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

Name: Domaine de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Region: Cotes de Gascogne
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95
   
Winery review:  There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rose. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel..  (02/14/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This rose wine was light pink in color. It smelled like nature, and it was very light in taste. I really liked the after taste of this wine and it left me wanting to taste some more. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Norton Torrontes

Name: Norton Torrontes
Variety: 100% Torrontes
Region: Mendoz
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95
   
Winery review:  Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontes has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontes 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate. (02/14/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine, was very clear in color. It tasted very light and did not smell or taste super fruity. I could see myself buying this wine to try it again. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava
Variety: Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo
Region: N/A
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $9.95
    
Winery review:  Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macebeo. The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.  (02/14/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine was a clear gold in color, and was very bubbly when poured into the wine glass. It had citrus flavors and was very light. This wine however was not super sweet. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Opera Prinma Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prinma Pink Moscato
Variety: 97% Moscat and 3% Tempranillo
Region: Vinos de la Tierra
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $5.95
   
Winery review:  This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the plate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced b a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types or sweets and desserts.  (02/07/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This pink wine smelled very soapy and with hints of pine needles. It tasted very bubbly, light, and bittersweet. I liked this wine a lot, but I could not drink more than a glass or two. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz
Variety: 100% Syrah
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95
   
Winery review: The Black Opal wines are sourced from vineyards found in South Australia along the Limestone Coast, at Langhorne Creek and in the infamous Barossa Valley. Black Opal Shiraz is rich red in the glass. Aromas of blackberry, pepper and spice followed with rich plum flavors around out the palate. Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate. (02/07/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine had a very dark red color. It smelled very smokey, and tasted very peppery. It left my mouth very dry, and I did not like the after taste. Maybe if I would have had more of this wine I would have grown to like it more. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

Name: Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV
Variety: Mix of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: USA
Year: Not Available
Price: $7.95
   
Winery review:  It's created from the finest Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel. The taste is lush and velvety with expressive notes of raspberry and cherry. It pairs nicely with pasta and anything off the grill.  (02/07/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This red wine was very red and cranberry in color. It smelled and tasted fruity, with hints of apple. This wine was not super dry. I did not have any food with this wine tasting. I did not think there was anything special about this wine.

Tasting- Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon
Variety: 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95
   
Winery review: Gotham's 2008 Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish. (02/07/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review: This white wine was a light yellow in color. It had smells and tastes of nature, and was very sweet as well. I did not have any wine with this food tasting, and I was not too crazy about the wine itself.

Tasting-Beringer Reisling

Name: Beringer Riesling
Variety: 100% Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95
   
Winery review: This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends. (02/07/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine was a light yellow and gold in color. It tasted very light, and smelled and tasted like light melon and peach. I overall liked this wine and would consider buying it in the future.

Tasting- Primo Amore Moscato Puglia

Name: Primo Amore Moscato Puglia
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: Not Available
Price: $10.95
   
Winery review:  On the nose subtle shadings of white stone, peach and honey make this is a fresh, nofuss wine that goes fantastic on a hot afternoon. On the palate this delightfully sweet Moscato with flavors of pear and Golden Delicious apple backed by honey and stone fruit offers sweet texture and a fine point of acidity on the close that breaks through the rich sweetness. (01/31/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review:This white wine was extremely sweet. I really liked it, however I could not have more than one glass because it was so sweet. It smelled and tasted like grapefruit and pear. I did not have any food with this tasting.

Tasting- Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca del Castillo Tempranillo
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $4.95
  
Winery review: Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spice flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato. (01/31/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review: This red wine was a heavier and fuller wine. It was not super dry. It smelled and tasted like nature, and was not fruity at all. I would like to try this wine again. I did not have any food with this wine tasting.

Tasting- Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: 100% Gamay
Region: Beaujolais
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $3.95
 
Winery review: Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish. (01/31/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review: I did not like this red and purple wine as much because it left the after taste in my mouth for a while. It tasted and smelled citricy, with a hint of grapes and oranges. It was more fruity than dry. I did not eat any food with this tasting.

Tasting- Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Vino de la Tierra de Castrilla
Country: Spain
 Year: 2011
 Price: $5.95

Winery review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping. (01/31/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review: I really liked this white wine, because it was right in between of not being too sweet or too dry. It was not super fruity, however I could slightly smell apple.I did not eat any food with this tasting, and I would definitely consider drinking this wine again. 

Tasting- La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave
Variety: 100% Garganega
Region: Verona
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review:  Bright straw yloow in color. Delicate on the nose, with notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity, with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines. (01/31/2013- Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My Review: I really liked this wine because it is a pretty light white wine. It was sweet, however it still had the dry effect more like a red wine. This wine had a smell and taste of sweet nature. The color was a vivid yellow, and I did not eat any food with this tasting.