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.