Tasting Week 2: Oveja Negra Cabernet

Variety: 70% Cabernet Franc 30% Carmenere 

Region: Maule Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2009

Price: $9.95

Food?: Paired with sauteed onions, mushrooms, and spinach with garlic bread.

Winery Review: 

This blend of Cabernet Franc, with the once lost and rediscovered Carmenere create a soft, aromatic wine.  The light tannins and fine red fruit aromas of the Cabernet Franc are very well integrated with the blackberries and subtle spicy notes from the Carmenere along with a light touch of oak.  This blend stands out for it's character and elegant expression.  Perfect with pot roast, veal with bacon and steak with sauteed vegetables.


My Review:
Another great find from the vintage wine cellar!  This red has a very mild fruity fragrance, and a rich dark reddish/purple color.  I was very surprised to find that there was little to no alcoholic bite, and that it actually had a very buttery/tactile sensation.  Not bad for under $10!  I didn't really pick up on the berry flavors until I paired it with dinner.  I was surprised for the second time, when the acid from the sauteed vegetables brought out the underlying sweetness in the red.  It actually tasted better with food!  I would definitely recommend and try this wine again, and it might be fun to test how the flavor of the wine changes with different food.  

Tasting Week 2: Beauvert Cotes du Rhone

Variety: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah

Region: Cotes du Rhone

Country: France

Year: 2009

Price: $11.95

Food?: Not paired with food.

Winery Review:

A beautiful ruby red wine.  Very fragrant, with aromas of red fruit (currant, strawberry, and cherry) with hints of black pepper and cinnamon.  Medium-bodied and silky in the mouth with mature, round tannins.  Enjoy with meats, grilled vegetables or cheese. 

My Review:
This extra-dry, tannic, red packed a powerful punch.  I was able to pick up on the wine's earthy undertones that were played up by the spicy/smokey kick.  I would describe this red as the 'man's man' of red wine.  This bold red also featured a stronger fragrance than the other wines at the tasting, and I fear that this red could overpower a dinner.  Needless to say, this was not a personal favorite, but it was definitely interesting. I suppose the strong spicy/fruity mix could go well with some blue-cheese type appetizers to offset another bold flavor.

Tasting Week 2: Doural Tinto

Variety: Touriga Franca

Region: Douro 

Country: Portugal

Year: 2009

Price: $8.95

Food?: Not paired with food.

Winery Review:

This Portuguese tinto (red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues.  The nose is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure.  Pairs well with red or game meat, cheeses, and fish.

My Review:
For a red wine, not bad!  I have never been a fan of red wine, but I must say that I was impressed (and not just by the label this time, although I must say, I did enjoy that as well.)  What I found so splendid about this red was its muted fruity notes (in contrast to what the Winery Review states), and its much richer flavor palate.   I could definitely imagine pairing this with a meat and potatoes kind of dinner, but it had a nice "after-dinner-by-the-fire" kind of feel to it as well.  Most of the time red wine tastes either like vinegar or like blood.  This red avoided both.  A home run in my book.

Tasting Week 2: Santorini Yannis

Variety: White grapes

Region: Santorini

Country: Greece

Year: 2010

Price: $13.95

Food?: Not paired with food.

Winery Review: 

I fell first for the compelling story of this 'night work' wine, and then for the aroma and taste, and can't think of a wine to compare it to.  "Nykteri - Dry White Wine Appellation of Origin Santorini of Superior Quality."  Since 3,500 years ago, the Nykteri is synonymous with Santorini's famous white wines.  The formula to 'instant wine making' on the night of the same day that the grapes were harvested solved the problem of the variety's sensitive aroma deterioration.  The wine is matured for 3 months at least in barrels.  In this way the wine's contact with barrel's wood gives the Nykteri a special finesse.  Characteristics Crystal - clear, semi-yellow wine.  Dominated by the aromas of jasmine, citrus fruits, flowers and pear, all these enhanced with a gentle vanilla sense.  A strong body with warm personality and a long lasting taste.  Serve with grilled anything as well as with local Greek dishes such as tomato meatballs and fava dip.


My Review:
I found the Santorini Yannis to land smoother and drier on the palate, in contrast to the fruity kick of the Spumante Rosato.  The flowery undertones even out the sweetness, leaving an enjoyable buttery texture towards the end.  I am beginning to pick up on the taste of oaked vs. un-oaked white wines, the main difference being the hint of vanilla that comes from the wood barrels the wine is stored in.  I found that this oaked wine brought out the deeper, richer flavors that balanced the fruity/floral undertones present in the wine.  Of the white/pink wines tasted this weekend, this was definitely my favorite.    

Tasting Week 2: Spumante Rosato

Variety: White grape pinot nero prosecco

Region: Northern Italy (Asoli) 

Country: Italy

Year: n/a

Price: $11.95

Food?: Not paired with food.

Winery Review: 
Prosecco is very popular in Italy.  The wine is often served as a festive aperitif but mild dry Prosecco Spumante is also very suitable as a companion of appetizers and entrees.  Prosecco is a generic term and can be sold in many different qualities.  The best have their own appellation, as Casa Bianca.  The vineyards of Montello and the hills of Asoli located in northern Italy.  This rosato spumante is made from white grape pinot nero prosecco and red. By fermenting them together creates the pale pink color and a flavor that is more powerful than the white variety.  Spicy rosato spumante with a fine, persistent mousse, juicy fresh red fruit in the aroma and a rich, smooth and lasting flavor. 

My Review:
Cheers!  This marks my first tasting at the "Vintage Cellar."  The Casa Bianca was surprisingly bubbly and bright (literally bubbly!), with a pretty even mix between sweet and dry.  It was quite light and airy on the palate with a flavor combination that was light and sweet.  Oddly enough, it reminded me of a cross between a white zinfadel and sprite. There was an odd spicy hint as mentioned above that definitely came through especially when paired with the carbonation.  I could definitely imagine drinking this wine at a summer wedding!

Tasting Week 1: Simply Naked

Variety: Chardonnay 
Region: Acampo, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $10-11
Food?: Not paired with food.







Winery Review:
Simply Naked wines reveal themselves as they really are, without being hidden by the flavor of oak.  Our winemaker has chosen not to oak age the wines, allowing the crisp fruit flavor and the true varietal characteristics to shine through.  Simply Naked Chardonnay is a rich, fruit forward wine with crisp apple, melon and pear flavors and a touch of honey.


My Reiew:
Ahh...the favorite.  While selecting a favorite wine might be like picking your favorite color or your favorite kid, this wine was love at first sight.  I'm not sure if it was the clean and simple label that swept me off my feet, or its warm and charming golden hue, or just its smooth and buttery flavors that were my downfall, but I have no complaints about this wine.  It goes down easy and has a very rich and smooth flavor.  I am not usually a fan of dry wines, but this particular wine has quite the bang for its buck.  What has easily become a new personal - and apartment - favorite, this wine is what I like to refer to as the, "safety blanket" of wines.  It's the wine you get when you aren't sure if the new adventurous wines you are picking out will be any good.  I encourage everyone to find their equivalent wine safety blanket, because at the end of the day (or the end of a mediocre wine night), you will not be disappointed.  


And so, safety blanket of wines, this post is dedicated to you.

Tasting Week 1: Manina

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Valle Central (Rio Claro)
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $8
Food?: Not paired with food






Winery Review:
Let yourself get caught up in the reverie of Manina, with delicate notes of pineapple, mango, and grapefruit.   Light in style, this wine whisks one's senses into a state of splendor, abundant with crisp citrus fruit flavors.


My Review:
Manina Manina.  This wine hails from South America, and adorns a classic vintage label.  From the shelves, it had that classic modern appeal with a filigree of gold foil print, which is why I am sure my roommate picked it out.  Initially, the wine had a bright and crisp citrus scent that seemed very promising.  Upon tasting however, the bright scents that I had detected earlier seemed to bite back with a harsh acidic sensation.  I was definitely able to pick up on the grapefruit and possibly pineapple flavors, which was exciting.  While I am usually a fan of white wines, this particular white was a little too dry and acidic for my taste.  I am not usually a fan of mango, so it is possible that the harsh flavor that I did not enjoy was the mango.  While I will probably not personally buy this particular wine again, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys very dry whites with tropical fruit flavors.  
  

Tasting Week 1: El Pensador

Variety: Verdejo
Region: Segovia
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $10
Food?: Not paired with food.






Winery Review:
Amusingly inquisitive, El Pensador stirs the senses and brings your palate to light.  Iconic in style and with a Spanish flair, this wine is fashionably sophisticated yet playful.  Let our Verdejo guide you through the verses with soft fruity flavors of apple, pear and pineapple.  Enlightening aromas of citrus and white peach elevate the palate. 


My Review:
And the journey begins.  I must admit that I often judge a wine by it's label.  Not being much of a connoisseur of wine at the moment, a nice label has rarely done me wrong.  I mean, if they can't design a decent label, then their wine can't be anything to write home about, right?  Amongst other things, I do enjoy a clever label.  I suppose that is what brought me to "El Pensador" or, "The Thinker."  I appreciated the sensitive use of color on the label, and I suppose that is what drew me to it.  Upon observation, the wine smelled rather sweet and savory, oddly enough like maple syrup and macaroni.  Upon tasting, the wine was very dry with a strange after taste.  While I am not much of a fan of the acidic beginning of the wine, I did enjoy the smoother, buttery notes, towards the end.  I suppose the spanish wine from, "Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon," was not such a bad deal for $7.99 at Kroger.  While it may be a "one note wonder," I would definitely choose "El Pensador" in the future for it's interesting flavor combinations and smooth finish.