Wine Tasting # 6

Name: Lindemans Bin 85 Pinot Grigio

Producer: Lindemans

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Country: Australia

Vintage: 2017

Price: $10

Wine Review: "Notes of tropical fruits intertwined with lemon & green apple. A medium bodied palate with grapefruit acidity supported by subtle fruit sweetness make for a crisp, fresh palate with a

lingering finish." 

My Review: Peaches were strong on the nose, with a medium body. Slight hints of apricot and other citrus-like fruits. Mouth-watering, tasting like crisp peaches and medium acidity. 

Name: Saint Julia Pinot Grigio

Producer: Saint Julia

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Vintage: 2017

Price: $9.95

Wine Review: "This Pinot Grigio has delightful, ripe fruit aromas of pears, apple, melon, and some tropical notes of pineapple and banana. It has good balance, nice acidity, and a long, fresh finish." 

My Review: Tropical scents permeated with a hint of pear and fresh apples. Medium acidity with more citrusy flavors and an interesting finish. 

Name: Rubus Proprietary Reserve Red

Producer: Rubus

Variety: Petit Sirah, Rubired, Tinto Cao, Alicante Gazin

Country: Australia

Vintage: 2014

Price: $8.95

Wine Review: "Deep, dark ruby color, aromas of blue fruits, confectionery and subtle licorice characters, thick luscious palate with good structure and soft finish. A blend of Durif, also known as Petite Sirah, a grape known for its very aromatic, plummy character. Rubired is a cross between Tinto Cao and Alicante Ganzin, known for being particularly adapted to the hot climate and producing dark wines. And Shiraz, which we all know for being the most recognized grape varietal of Australia, brings some minty, spicy and fruity characteristics to the wines." 

My Review: Darker berry aromas including blueberry and blackberry. Slight acidity, with spices and a slight minty flavor. A lighter finish than expected. 

Name: Breca Grenacha de Fuego

Producer: Breca

Variety: Grenache

Country: Spain

Vintage: 2017

Price: $15

Wine Review: "Brought up in a mix of concrete and stainless steel, the 100% Garnacha 2017 Garnacha de Fuego offers a deep black/purple color to go with terrific notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, scorched earth, and melted licorice. Ripe, sexy and forward on the palate, with notable purity, it’s a classic Garnacha." 

My Review: Immediately smelled raspberry and black cherry. Light tannins with a nice, smooth finish. Slight spices and a tasty raspberry flavor combined with an oaky smoke-like body make this a fantastic crowd-pleaser. 

Name: Lindemans Moscato Bin 90

Producer: Lindemans

Variety: Moscato

Country: Australia

Price: $6.95

Wine Review: "Modest in alcohol, offering up notes of oranges, melons and honey that are balanced on the finish. The price makes it a bargain." 

My Review: Citrus smells combined with grapefruit and lemon. Medium acidity along with a combination of citrus, peaches and tropical fruits on the palette with a sweet finish. 

Wine Tasting # 5

Name: i Basalti Soave 

Producer: Cantina di Gambellara 

Variety: Garganega

Region: Soave

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2017

Price: $10

Wine Review: "The color is a brilliant straw yellow with fresh fruit perfumes, especially apple and pear, and floral notes such as elder and bloom. The taste is very fresh and fruity, (yellow plum, star fruit and ground ginger), with a very interesting acidity. There is an important presence of mineral salts due to the volcanic origin of the soil."

My Review: Mineral like flavor with hints of tropical fruit, mangos and pears specifically on the palette. Some slight acidity with light tannins. Fairly dry, but tasted pretty good. Would pair well with sharper cheese in my opinion. 

Name: Lo-Fi Chardonnay

Producer: Lo-Fi

Variety: 2015

Region: Santa Barbara 

Country: United States

Vintage: 2015

Price: $28

Wine Review: "The philosophy behind Lo-Fi (just like music production) isn’t to create wine that is too polished or perfect, but rather that which embraces a more natural, raw expression. For winemakers Michael Roth and Craig Winchester, less is more: neutral barrels, native yeasts, little to no sulfur additions, and no acid adjustments. The Chardonnay is aged in 6-year old barrels, then racked and matured in concrete eggs for 6 months. The wine has a leesy texture and crisp snappiness, accompanied by flavors of ripe peach, banana, and white flowers."

My Review: Granny smith apples were the primary flavors present with citrus and very light oaky flavors in the background. Slight floral notes on the nose. 

Name: Quercia Al Poggio Chianti Classico

Producer: Quercia Al Poggio 

Variety: 80% Sangiovese, 20% Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo, and Colorino

Region: Tuscany

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2009

Price: $30

Wine Review: "Showing notes of sandalwood, espresso and red berries on the nose, this wine has a lovely silky attack and an attractive ferrous quality complementing red plum and earth notes. It has excellent length and is ready to drink now. A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 20% Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo and Colorino aged 24 months in 500L oak tonneau. Produced in the Monsanto - Barberino Val d’Elsa zone with limestone and clay soil at about 400m altitude. The 15 ha vineyard is organically farmed."

My Review: Fairly dry wine with dark berry like aromas on the nose. Plum and cherries with an oaky like finish. Light tannins and medium acidity. 

Name: Pinnacoli Primitivo di Manduria 

Producer: Terra dei Trulli

Variety: Primitivo

Region: Manduria

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2014

Price: $21

Wine Review: "A ruby-red wine with full flavors of ripe red fruits and a hint of spice. Pinnacoli has flavors of wild strawberry through the palate, finishes with a rich fullness and hints of cinnamon.

Roasted and spiced meats, pasta with meat sauce, game, and spicy cheeses."

My Review: There were hints of cinnamon, with lots of strawberries and cherries. There was some medium acidity and tannins present as well as floral hints on the nose. 

Name: Cobetckeo Sparkling Semi-Sweet Red

Producer: Cobetckeo

Region: Moldova

Country: Soviet Union

Price: $10

Wine Review: "Sweet red sparkling wine from Moldova (former Soviet Union) Splendid dark ruby color with rich aromas of blackberry, nicely balanced and full of flavors. Goes well with soft cheeses, ice cream and pudding, as well as fresh fruits and berries."

My Review: A delicious red wine, with dark berry-like aromas. Blackberry and cherries are the main flavors that are present within the wine. 

Wine Tasting # 4

Name: OnePio Lugana 

Producer: OnePio

Variety: Trebbiano di Lugana

Region: Lombardy

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2017

Price: $20

Wine Review: "100% Trebbiano di Lugana. Soft, harmonious, full and well-balanced wine with straw yellow color. It impresses the nose thanks to its multifaceted and fragrant perfume, that gives off almond and citrus emotions, where it’s possible to recognize even a fresh pineapple touch." 

My Review: A dry wine with flavors consisting of tropical and citrus fruits, with slight hints of pear and apple on the tongue. Pineapple was slightly detected on the finish. Floral smells were detected. 

Name: Nuna Field White

Producer: Chakana Wines 

Variety: 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier 

Region: Mendoza 

Country: Argentina

Vintage: 2016

Price: $20

Wine Review: "This unoaked Agrelo blend combines mostly Sauvignon Blanc with lesser amounts of Chardonnay and Viognier. White peach, lemon and grapefruit flavours combine to good effect here with a refreshing, limestone-like tang. 2017-19"

My Review: Floral aromas that were decidedly different from the taste. Acidic and dry with peaches and pineapples being the main flavors. 

Name: Figaro Red Wine

Producer: Nino Jesus

Variety: Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Vintage: 2016

Price: $14.00

Wine Review:  "The 100% Garnacha 2016 Figaro Tinto Calatayud is a smoking value and is another red brought in by Kysela that knocks it out of the park on the value scale. Bright berry fruits, dried herbs, earth, and a touch of spice all flow to a medium-bodied, rounded, fleshy red that has loads of upfront charm and accessibility. It’s not going to make old bones, but as a house red to enjoy over the coming couple of years, it’s hard to beat."

My Review: Dark berry flavors were the main flavors with mainly blackberry and blueberry being at the forefront. Slight acidity and a medium body add a nice balance to this particular wine. 

Name: Mt Monster Cabernet

Producer: Mt. Monster 

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Limestone Coast

Country: Australia

Vintage: 2014

Price: $8.95

Wine Review: "Deep purple in color. Classic aromas of lifted blackcurrant, blackberry and mint on the nose. Flavors follow through of sweet berry-fruit accented by fresh muddled mint. Elegant, structured palate with big velvety tannins."

My Review: An interesting minty aroma found on the nose. Nice medium bodied wine with medium acidity, containing blueberries on the palette. 

Name: Crane Lake Moscato

Producer: Crane Lake

Variety: Muscat

Region: California

Country: United States

Vintage: 2017

Price: $9.00

Wine Review: "This sweet wine is light in color with floral aromas including notes of orange blossom, jasmine and honeysuckle. Flavors include peach, melon and spice. This wine can be sipped by itself, but is complementary to a number of foods. With appetizers try prosciutto, melon, brie cheese, or smoked salmon. For a main course I suggest baked ham, grilled red snapper or chicken." 

My Review: A full-bodied sweet wine that had peach and honey like flavors. A wine that tastes extremely fine by itself, but could definitely see it pairing well with meat. A slightly dry finish.  

Wine Tasting # 3

Name: Avelium Puglia I.G.P.

Producer: Masseria Pertuso 

Variety: Bombino Bianco/Chardonnay

Region: Puglia

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2016

Price: $15

Wine Review: "From the Apulia region of Comune di Andria nella zona, the color is Straw yellow with greenish reflections. A fresh bouquet with floral and cirtus fruits characteristics. A wonderful wine to pair with fish."

My Review: A fruity, smooth wine that is fairly light in body. Slight smoky smell with a melon like finish. 

Name: Pieter Cruythoff Sauvignon Blanc 

Producer: Pieter Cruythoff

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Swartland

Country: South Africa

Vintage: 2015

Price: $10

Wine Review: "Made in a definite herbaceous style, this Sauvignon Blanc also offers tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well-balanced with zesty acidity, every glassful is fresh and crisp, and perfect for warm summer days."

My Review: Hints of pineapple along with strong tropical fruit were the primary tastes from this particular wine. Went down the palate smoothly with a sweet aftertaste. 

Name: Vigna Lenuzza Cabernet Franc

Producer: Vigna Lenuzza

Variety: Cabernet Franc

Region: Friuli

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2011

Price: $15

Wine Review: "With a ruby red color and with intense purplish reflections it has a nose of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, to spices like marjoram, rhubarb and white pepper. On the palate it is pleasantly fresh, not too heavy, with sweet tannins and with soft herbaceous notes, which are the traditional characteristics of the Cabernet-Franc."

My Review: Smells of smoke and oak were the main scents that hit the nose. Cherry, strawberry and spices made this wine particularly zesty. There were also traces of hay that were left on the palette. Slight acidity, and was particularly dry.

Name: Terre dei Savoia Barbaresco

Producer: Terre dei Savoia

Variety: Nebbiolo

Region: Piedmont

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2010

Price: $40

Wine Review: "Red berry, rose, leather and baking spice aromas come together in the glass. The structured, juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, roasted herb and tobacco alongside firm, velvety tannins. Still young and bracing, give this a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2016–2026."

My Review: Earthy aromas along with more spices on the nose than the Cabernet Franc. Oaky flavor along with some licorice and strawberry to round it all out. Not particularly dry with a slight acidity. 

Name: Crane Lake Riesling

Producer: Crane Lake

Variety: Riesling

Region: California

Country: United States

Vintage: 2017

Price: $9

Wine Review: "This light-colored wine displays aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossom; flavors include green apple and peach. The finish is mildly sweet, crisp, and lingering. This wine is an excellent aperitif, yet it pairs well with a number of different foods. Try it with New England clam chowder, smoked salmon, Chinese chicken salad, roasted duck, or scallops in a cream sauce."

My Review: Very tasty with flavors of pineapple, raspberry and a citrus-like feel with a particularly floral like smell. A semi-sweet like aftertaste leaving a want for more. 

Wine Tasting #2

Name: Tournon Victoria Mathilda 

Producer: Michael Chapoutier 

Variety: Viognier, Marsanne

Region: Victoria

Country: Australia

Vintage: 2014

Price: $20

Wine Review: "Orange blossom and mango aromas leap out of the glass, with a fleshy core and a juicy finish, accented by hints of citrus zest. Viognier and Marsanne."

My Review: "Fruity aromas permeate from this slightly sweet wine with the taste of ripe pineapples and a slight citrus acidity." 

Name: Casa Bella Pinot Grigio

Producer: Casa Bella

Variety: Pinot Grigio 

Region: Provincia Di Pavia 

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2017

Price: $10

Wine Review: "Produced by macerating Pinot Grigio grape must with its skins. The skins’ pink hue give the wines its copper color. Flavors of green pear, pomegranate, and honeysuckle. It is somewhat of a big burst of opulent tropical flowers, orchid-like scented, with hints of flower, pungent oily floral notes." 

My Review: An interesting penny-like color that tasted of peach, pear, and tropical fruits. Dry, tropical flowers wafted from this particular wine. Some slight acidity. 

Name: Vina Temprana Garnacha 

Producer: Bodegas Aragonesas 

Variety: Old Vines Garnacha

Region: Campo de Borja

Country: Spain

Vintage: 2017

Price: $9.95

Wine Review: "This wine's bright raspberry and plum aromas are typical of Garnacha. Its fresh, racy palate isn't heavily structured, offering a lovely mix of plum, oak and chocolate flavors."

My Review: An almost vegetative like smell of oak was observed. There were hints of blueberries, cherries, and an almost caramel like taste. Left an undesirable aftertaste, possibly from the tannins present. 

Name: Bricco dei Tati Piemonte Barbara

Producer: Bricco dei Tati

Variety: Piemonte Barbera

Region: Piedmont

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2014

Price: $8.95

Wine Review: "This is a young, fresh, lively Barbera with a persistent and attractive bouquet of black cherries and a bit of spice on the palate. It has few tannins which is typical of the Barbera varietal, and a medium finish. Delightfully approachable, pairs great with cheese, barbecue and game."

My Review: A subtle hint of spice with a mixture of blackberries and cherries were at the forefront of this smooth tasting wine. There was a slight increase in acidity after going down the palette. Smelled sweet, taking on the fruity flavors present. 

Name: Douglas Hill Sweet Red Table Wine

Producer: Douglas Hill

Variety: Shiraz, Barbera, Grenache

Region: California

Country: United States

Price: $7.95

Wine Review: "A blend of Shiraz, Barbera, and Grenache with flavors of fresh berries and stone fruits, this sweet-style, easy-drinking wine is delicious when served with appetizers, seafood, shellfish, pork, poultry, and desserts."

My Review: An extremely smooth, sweet tasting wine with mixtures of strawberries and other sweet fruits. Smelled slightly like cinnamon. Will definitely try with the food mentioned in the wine review. 

My First Wine Tasting

Name: Giarola Bianco di Custoza Saint Valery
Producer: Saint Valery
Variety: 40% Garganega, 25% Cortese, 20% Trebbiano toscano, and 15% blend of Trebbianello & Chardonnay
Region: Custoza
Country: Italy
Price: $15
Wine Review: "Giarola Bianco di Custoza Saint Valery is made from 40% Garganega, 25% Cortese, 20% Trebbiano toscano, 15% blend of Trebbianello & Chardonnay. Brilliant pale straw-yellow color with greenish reflections. Fruity, floral bouquet. Dry, crisp and clean with a soft, fruity finish. Harmonious and refreshing. Pairs best with seafood, grilled and roasted white meats and chef salads."
My Review: Light, yellow tinged glow. Medium bodied. Contained a citrus like flavor with a berry-like slightly burning aftertaste. A little dry, but goes down smoothly until the aftertaste becomes present. 

Name: 2013 Sauvignon Blanc 
Producer: Four Sisters
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon
Region: Central Victoria
Country/Continent: Australia 
Vintage: 2013
Price: $9.00
Wine Review: "Vibrant passionfruit, gooseberry and lemon citrus flavours shine through on the nose and palate with a fresh, crisp finish. A fantastic match with fresh shellfish, sushi or smoked salmon."
My Review: Full bodied, and very distasteful. Smelled strongly of alcohol instead of the mixture of berries present in the wine review. An almost musky smell and taste persisted, with an earthy taste persisting on the palette. Found it rather dry. 

Name: Tenuta Rapitala Nero D'Avola
Producer: Tenuta Rapitala
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Campo Reale/Sicily
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2016
Price: $14
Wine Review: "This early-drinking Nero d'Avola opens with ripe black-skinned fruit, tilled soil and cooking spice aromas. Straightforward and savory, it delivers black cherry, blackberry and ground pepper flavors alongside round tannins."
My Review: Fuller bodied with cherry and spicy aromas that instantly hit the nose and palette. Also contained a slightly earthy taste with hints of black pepper that were tasty. A beautiful darker red color.

Name: Tres Ojos
Producer: Tres Ojos
Variety: Old Vines Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2016
Price: $12
Wine Review: "The wine has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spice and white pepper. The palate is incredibly concentrated and rich. The modern styles of Garnacha in Spain are continuously being perceived worldwide as wines of extraordinarily good quality. This wine is fruity, juicy and shows a great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with wonderful elegance and lightness."
My Review: Medium bodied with a dark red color. Spices made up the smell of this wine. A little on the dry side with a fruity and raspberry like flavor that was really enjoyable while swishing the wine in my mouth. Went down the palate very smoothly.

Name: Sangria
Producer: Vina Galana
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Price: $9.00
Wine Review: "Natural fruit flavors and succulent red wine all fused together in one bottle. This doesn’t require a punch bowl and big ladle, you can chill your bottle in a cooler and head out to the beach or a hike and enjoy a cup of the best sangria anywhere you choose to be."

My Review: By far the most delicious of the five wines in this list. I loved the cinnamon flavors that reminded me of red hot chewing gum. The flavors absolutely burst in your mouth with a nice sweet finish. Light bodied.

My Experiences with Wine

Hey guys! This is my first blog post that has to do with my experience, or lack thereof, with wine. My dad has always been a big wine guy. He had bottles upon bottles of wine in makeshift boxes that he would never drink, but he loved to collect them and show them off when people came over. He might even pop open a bottle to allow them to try a few sips. When we lived in Europe many years ago, he would go out onto the deck with a glass of wine in one hand and a cigar in the other. Honestly, sounds like the ideal life during retirement.

In regards to my own experience, I have only had wine a couple of times and have never been a really big fan of it to be quite honest. I was slightly apprehensive about taking Geography of Wine because of this distaste. Granted, I have only really had red wines in the past, and after drinking my first few wines during this course, I have found that I quite like white wines. I had red wine with my dad who I would describe as a wine connoisseur. He even wants to go into retirement while developing and maintaining a vineyard somewhere in southern Virginia. 

I believe I like white wine more because it isn't nearly as dry as red wine. My palette has a greater appreciation of the far less bitter, and more sweet tasting white wines. A friend brought over a Merlot that we tried and it was by far one of the best wines I have ever tasted. It was extremely fruity and made the Cheeze-Its we were eating taste even better than they did naturally. I am excited to participate and improve upon my knowledge of wine.