Tasting-Morada Sangria

Morada Sangria

Variety: Blend of red wine, unknown

Region: Unknown

Country: Spain

Year: Non-vintage

Price: $4.95

Tasting Notes: "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. 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 growing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple."

My review: The sangria had a very sweet and fruity smell, which was to be expected; but also a distinct hint of ginger on the nose. I actually really liked this sangria! Definitely not a typical red 'wine' because it wasn't high in acidity or tannins. But it wasn't too sweet so I think it could easily be a crowd pleaser for when you have people over. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Unknown

Country: Argentina

Year: Non-Vintage

Price: $3.95

Tasting Notes: "It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone."

My review: I got a lot of cherry and licorice, which didn't do much for me. I thought it was a dry wine without too much flavor on its own. I think this is a wine that must be tried with food, like the tasting notes state. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Variety: 100% Nero D'Avola or Calabrese

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Tasting Notes: "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 acidity and soft but distinct tannins."

My review: I think the description the person pouring the wine gave: jammy yet dry. I think that describes it perfectly. It was a softer wine, not full of huge flavors, but there was still a pop of acidity to it.  

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Tres Ojos Rose

Tres Ojos Rose

Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $3.95

Tasting Notes: "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."

My review: I liked the cherry smell to the wine and the flavor was a good balance of a rose and spicy red. One can't expect to be blown away by a wine at this price but it could be a great cheap, pre-dinner wine.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Les Perles Piquepoul

Les Perles Piquepoul

Variety: Picpoul

Region: Cotes de Thau (southern France)

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Tasting Notes: "Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable 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."

My review: I liked this wine because it was different from the white wines I'm used to tasting in the sense that it had a very high acidity, high alcohol content and a very significant aftertaste. The green melon really came out at the finish. I would recommend this for anyone wanting to expand their white palate.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Charles Shaw White Zinfandel

Charles Shaw White Zinfandel

Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $1.99

Critic Review: "I decided to use this for the Turkey tomorrow, and thought I should taste it now as well. Not a lot to this wine, but then it is a Charles Shaw. The color was a pale salmon, with a nose that was not that complex, in that I only detected some rose flower and not much else. Upon tasting, I got strong cherry notes, and again, not much else. Definitely a bit on the sweet side. I think I am glad I decided to use this for cooking tomorrow. Not bad, but not good either. I will give it an 80, which may be too nice, but ah well, I'm in a good mood." (SHOGGOTHLORD, 11/23/2011)

My review: I got a very floral smell from this wine with a hint of a rose in there. It definitely had a cherry aftertaste to it but besides that there was nothing special about this wine. We talked in class about this being the "natty light of wines" and I can definitely see why. It might be good if you're trying to get into wines for the first time, but it won't last long if you continue to try better wines.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Sweet Roo Red

Yellow Tail: Sweet Red Roo

Variety: 80% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and a mixed blend of other red varietals.
Region: South Eastern Australia, Casella Winery
Country: Australia
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $6.00

Winemaker's Notes:  "Made in Australia from a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other red varietals, Yellow Tail 'Sweet Red Roo' is full of fruit flavors with aromas of naturally sweet red berries, vanilla and chocolate in each sip. Sweet Red Roo is delicious served chilled or room temperature and is ideal for wine cocktails. Whether pairing it with BBQ or mixing it in Sangria, Sweet Red Roo's versatility and uniqueness will make it the most talked about sweet wine blend this year."

My review: This is a very smooth, sweet wine. However, it is not overly sweet because it has a slight acidity to it at the finish. It is one of the better cheap reds I've tasted and I would highly recommend it for those on a budget!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Variety: 97% Muscat, 3% Tempranillo
Region: Castilla La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: "This fine sparkling presents and intense aroma of fresh berries and tropical fruits with hints of white flavor petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on it own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts."

Winery Notes: "The Opera Prima Charmat Muscat makes a lovely aperitif, and would pair beautifully with all of your brunch favorites."
My review: Although I am a huge fan of pink Moscato wine, I wasn't too impressed with this particular brand. I liked the Moscato at last week's tasting more and it's because last week's was more refreshing and flavorful. It still had the traditional fruity smell and light/crisp taste but I think there are better Pink Moscato choices at cheap prices.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Black Opal Shiraz

Black Opal Shiraz

Variety: Syrah
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: 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 round out the palate. Soft tannins give structure to the fruit-driven palate."

Online tasting review: "Although it has a distinctly fruity flavor on the palate, the finish is very short and as a previous reviewer indicated "stinging." I found myself taking another sip just to replace the taste of the finish. Definitely a very full bodied and dry wine like most of the Australian Shiraz offerings. I did find that when paired with a rather heavy and meaty dish such as steak or pasta with meat sauce it settled down a bit. But, personally, this is not a "sit and sip" type of wine and should be paired with a food." (Todd Ryan, 02/08/2006)

My review: I absolutely loved this wine! I was surprised because it had a very bold smell and I thought it would be too dry to handle; but the taste shocked me! It had a complexity to it that I wasn't expecting in a $5.95 bottle of wine. There was a pepper and spice element to it and a taste of plum on the finish. It was interesting looking at review's online because it did not appear to be a favorite, but this was one of the first dry reds that I've enjoyed. I think it is a great go-to wine for occasions with friends, etc. and on a college student's budget.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Variety: Pinor Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel
Region: Oregon
Country: USA
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar description: "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."

Online tasting review: "Very light and enjoyable blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. Hints of apples and cotton candy on the palate. Slightly sour, but well balanced finish. A favorite in our house to keep on hand for an every day table wine." (Jason Chenier, 02/2012)

My review: I liked how different this wine tasted. I tried to compare it to other things I had tasted but the unique flavor made it impossible and I believe that is because of the variety blend. It wasn't as dry as I thought it would be, based on smell. I enjoyed the different flavor of this wine and would definitely drink again, but next time with a pasta or something grilled like the Vintage Cellar suggested to see how that would change the experience! 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Variety: Blend of Chardonnay, originally from Burgundy, and Semillon, originially from Bordeaux
Regions: Southern Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: "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."

Online tasting review: "Delicious Aussie white. Displays great fruit and freshness - in a more Old World-style. Still plenty of juiciness and nice depth. A bargain." (KAMP82, 7/3/2011)

My review: I thought it had a very fruity smell and taste. It had a more dry taste than the Riesling we had first and an acidic finish to it. It wasn't a bad wine, but I've been discovering that Chardonnays aren't my favorite and therefore this wine didn't make an impression on me.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting-Beringer Riesling

Beringer Riesling

Variety: 100% Riesling

Regions: Napa Valley, California

Country: USA

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar description: "This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends."

Online tasting review: "Its ripe peach and apricot flavors are perfectly balanced by a touch of lemon-lime. The brightness and acidity of the wine make it very food-friendly while the enticing peach and apricot flavors make it difficult to have just one glass." (Snooth: Drink Better Wines, 09/23/2011)

My review: I thought it was a very refreshing wine that I would imagine drinking in the summer. It was semi-dry, like most Rieslings, which I liked. I definitely could pick up hints of peach in the taste but didn't catch the honeysuckle. Overall, a good Riesling for a good price!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Wine Baby!

Hello wine world! I am so excited about this class because my experience with wine so far has been very limited. I have tried a few different types but mainly I stick with what I know I like because I feel like I don’t know how to branch out. As a typical “beginner” wine drinker I like the sweet and semi-sweet white wines, as well as some of the semi-sweet reds. I naturally gravitate towards a moscato, a rose wine, or a chardonnay. I haven’t gotten into the dry reds but I’m trusting Professor Boyer is right when he said once we start tasting a lot of wines we’ll grow to like those reds!

I have been able to try a few different wines and learn a little about the wine making process. I visited two local vineyards, King Family Vineyards and Chateau Morrisette, and did wine tastings there. I was also able to take a tour of King Family Vineyards in which they showed us how they make their different wines. They explained why grapes were planted there in the first place. Funny story, it was a Virginia Tech student who came to the King family and asked them if they wanted to sub-divide their farm land because he had a theory that since they were growing peaches there, grapes would also be prosperous there. The family thanked him for his time and said they weren’t interested, but six months later they were planting wine grapes on their land. Our guide explained the growing seasons and how long they allow each of their wines to ferment in order to achieve the taste. They even have an interesting concrete egg which makes the wine stronger because while the wine is fermenting in the egg, the excess vapors and water can “leak” out.

I hope that by the end of the class I will feel comfortable walking into a wine store and buying a bottle of wine I haven’t tried before; while trusting that I will like it. I also want to be knowledgeable about international wine commerce and why certain regions have certain wines. As a political science major I was really interested in what Professor Boyer was talking about in class, concerning new laws which restrict purchasing wines from out-of-state.