Thursday, February 28, 2013

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.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

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.