Tasting-Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria

Variety: Sangria

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: NV

Price: $4.95

Shop 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% Alcohol. 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.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color of this wine was light.  The smell was fruity and very sweet, almost like candy.  You could smell the oranges, and it reminded me overall like a tropical punch.  The taste was VERY sweet, like orange Hi-C.  You couldn’t taste the alcohol in this at all.  If you are new to wine, and even moscato doesn’t tickle your fancy, DRINK THIS NOW.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: 60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Not Applicable

Country: Argentina

Year: NV

Price: $3.95

Shop review: “It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well with hamburger or steak rather than stand alone.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The smell on this wine was much bigger than its taste.  It had a ripe smell, and I could smell the alcohol.  However, the taste was light, and not unpleasant.

I did not drink this with food.

Tasting-Villa Pozzi Nero D’Avola

Name: Villa Pozzi Nero D’Avola

Variety: 100% Nero D’Avola

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Shop review: “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.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The smell was fruity and jammy, with evident tannins. Just smelling the wine made me sweat! The taste resembled a twig that had been in a fire (slightly smokey). 

 I drank this without food, but I imagine this wine would go well with meat.

Tasting-Tres Ojos Rosé

Name: Tres Ojos Rosé

Variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha

Region: Calatayud

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $3.95

Shop review: “This medium rose-colored Rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color was bittersweet, and the smell was pungent.  The smell seemed wet, with hints of raspberry and grapefruit.  The taste was sour and yeasty, with a finish that struck the back of my mouth.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Les Perles Piquepoul

Name: Les Perles Piquepoul

Variety: 100% Piquepoul

Region: Cotes de Thau (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “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.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The smell of this wine was pleasant.  Ideas of green, full and fruity pear come to mind.  The taste was gentle and light, with a slight sour and effervescent finish.  Overall it was a pleasant wine.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Gabriella Chianti

Name: Gabriella Chianti

Variety: 100% Sangiovese

Region: Chianti (Tuscany)

Country: Italy

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor. Even with its boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color of this wine was more brown than I’ve seen for most wines.  The smell had a certain must to it that reminded me of old artifacts.  The wine was creamy at the beginning, and very smooth, with a sour finish. Although the wine definitely had tannins in it, it was still quite light, and its smell was more striking than its taste.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Variety: 65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, 10% Molinara

Region: Valpolicella

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Shop review: “The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely and strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine was intense.  The color of this wine was lighter than most red wines I’ve seen, but the wine had an unmistakable smoky smell.  Upon tasting it, it was like drinking a campfire.  Tastes of burnt carbon or burnt wood come to mind.  If you’re in to the outdoors, you might like this wine.

I did not drink this with food, but this would probably go well with smoked meats.

Tasting-Domaine de Mirail Cabernet/ Merlot Rosé

Name: Domaine de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rosé

Variety: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot

Region: Côtes de Gascogne

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color of this rosé was light pink (for obvious reasons). It had a strong citrus smell, and definitely had my eyes watering. The after taste was sour, but to me had not distinct flavors preceding this finish.  It was very light, almost like drinking water.  It left my mouth feeling clean and rinsed.

 I drank this without food.

Tasting-Norton Torrontés

Name: Norton Torrontés

Variety: 100% Torrontés

Region: Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a tart fruity smell, which was reinforced by its taste. The taste had hints of raspberry and lemon or other citrus fruits. It was smooth and light, but a little drier than the Dibon Cava.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava

Variety: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada

Region: Penedes

Country: Spain

Year: No Vintage

Price: $9.95

Shop review: “ The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus, and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front to back with health and freshness.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg, VA)

My review: It had a pungent smell with strong sour citrus aromas.  It was slightly effervescent, and light to the taste. I could taste the yeast mentioned in the review, and overall thought the wine was lovely.  I actually bought a bottle for myself.  I suggest to someone who is still new to wine but wants to branch out.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Name: Opera Prima Pink Moscato

Variety: 97% Muscat Rose A Petits Grains, 3% Tempranillo

Region: Castilla La Mancha

Country: Spain

Year: No Vintage

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “This fine sparkling presents an 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 its own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts.”(Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This drink is VERY effervescent.  It has fizz like a soft drink, and tastes like one too.  It doesn’t taste like alcohol.  It has a smell like a sweet women’s perfume, and has a light, sweet taste.  It almost resembles grapefruit.  I LIKE THIS WINE.  In fact, this was the first wine I ever bought.  I recommend this to anyone who is trying wine for the first time.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Black Opal Shiraz

Name: Black Opal Shiraz

Variety: 100% Syrah

Region: South Eastern Australia, Barossa Valley

Country: Australia

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “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.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a peppery smell, which only increased when tasting it.  The taste also had a sour, citrus taste to it, and was very biting.  I would recommend this wine only to those with an advanced palate.

I did not drink this with food.

Tasting-Georges Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Name: Georges Sokol Blosser Meditrina

Variety: Non-Varietal Red Blend- Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel

Region: Oregon

Country: United States

Year: No Vintage

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “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.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The wine smells good; it had a very rich, fruity smell, similar to raspberries. It had a light taste for a red wine, and was very smooth (did not taste like alcohol).  It also had a slight woody flavor.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Variety: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “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 medium-long finish.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: It had a full, rounded smell, as if it had cream in it.  The smell was probably from the butterscotch. When tasting it, it was very smooth, with no burn from the alcohol.  It was a little sour, as I expect from most white wines I have tasted.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Beringer Riesling

Name: Beringer Riesling

Variety: 100% Riesling

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “This wine is perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors. A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: This wine had a fruity smell that was more pungent or striking than other white wines I’ve tasted. The taste of the wine started sweet, then finished with a sour hint at the end.  Overall, the taste reminded me of plastic, not unlike the taste of Tequila.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Bartenura Moscato

Name: Bartenura Moscato

Variety: 100% Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains

Region: Puglia

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $4.95

Shop review: “The inviting apricot preserves, honey, butter, and roasted almond aromas of this semi-sparkler pull you right in. It’s on the sweet side, with stone-fruit flavors kept alive by decent acidity. The palate bubbles and tingles and maintains its balance. Fine as an aperitif or with dessert.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The smell of the wine was sweet, and the taste even sweeter.  Due to the slight effervescence of the wine, it reminded me a lot like cola, or a sweeter version of Orangina.  Nevertheless, this was a good wine.  I REALLY LIKE THIS WINE. I would recommend this wine to anyone who is new to tasting wine.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Name: Finca del Castillo Tempranillo

Variety: 100% Tempranillo

Region: Ciudad Real (Manzanares)

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $4.95

Shop review: “Rooty, spicy and baked on the nose, with aromas that lean towards raisin. The palate is more gritty and acidic, with raisin, cola, and spice flavors. Darkens up on the finish, which is long and peppery, with adequate juiciness and a final note of tomato.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color of the wine was a dark red.  I myself did not taste the tomato finish described in the review, but I did taste fruit flavors.  I thought that it had a sour or citrus taste, which I thought is unexpected for a red wine.

I did not drink this with food.

Tasting-Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Variety: 100% Gamay

Region: Beaujolais

Country: France

Year: 2012

Price: $3.95

Shop review: “Bright and tangy, offering a classic banana note on the nose, with flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry and light spice. Modest finish.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The color of the wine was a pink/red violet color, and the smell was quite strong(I could smell it even when the glass was still on the table).  It had a slightly sour taste, but with hints of chocolate, cherry, and banana.

 I ate this without food.

Tasting-Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars and Venus Chardonnay

Variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: Central Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2011

Price: $5.95

Shop review: “A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple. Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that’s just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The smell of the wine was very sour, and I could smell the pineapple mentioned in the review.  The taste, however, was not as intense.  It seemed to me to be a dry wine with a slight sour aftertaste.

I drank this without food.

Tasting-La Cappuccina Soave

Name: La Cappuccina Soave

Variety: 100% Garganega

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Shop review: “Bright straw yellow in color. Delicate on the nose, with notes of flowers and almonds. Dry, well-structured and delicately fruity, with hints of bitter almonds on the finish that is typical of Garganega-based wines.” (Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg VA)

My review: The smell of the wine was sour and light, as was expected with a white wine.  The taste had hints of citrus, particularly lemon.  I could taste the bitterness of the almonds mentioned in the review as well.

I drank this without food.