Tasting- Potluck Sweet Malbec

Name: Potluck Sweet Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza 

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop Review: Deep red brilliant with violet hints. Complex, fruity, and

predominant red fruits. Easy to drink, round with persistent

sweetness, very well balanced with sweet tannins.

My review: As you can guess from the title, this wine had a strong sweet scenting emitting from the glass. From the taste it was earthy and fruity but there was a balanced between the two. It had a smoky after taste which I enjoyed. Overall I thought it was a decent wine. 

I did not have food along with this wine. 

Tasting- Domaine de Grange de Payan

Name: Domaine de Grange de Payan

Variety: Grenache

Region: Cotes de Rhone

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winery review: Intensely spicy and precise, with lively red berry flavors and a hint

of black pepper. The Grenache, which makes up the majority of the

wine, is deeper and more powerful, offering cherry and black

raspberry qualities lifted by zesty minerality.

My review: I really enjoyed this wine because of the spicy taste that it had. The aroma of the wine included cherries,smoky oak, and an earthy tone. The taste was of an almost spicy sausage that had been smoked. The after bite was also noticeable with a peppery taste. 

I did not have this wine with food. 

Tasting- Tinto Figaro

Name: Tinto Figaro
Variety: 100% Granacha
Region: Calatayud 
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Shop review: Figaro is 100% Garnacha, made from a selection of the best grapes
grown in the oldest vineyards. While not truly an "oaked wine", a
short stay in oak barrels provides a nice spicy flavor boost. Bright
violet. Dark berry and cherry aromas show a jammy aspect. Supple
and gently sweet, with good lift to its black raspberry and
boysenberry flavors. Smooth and broad on the finish, leaving
behind a hint of spiciness. Extremely easy to drink and an
excellent value

My review: The smell of this wine was very oaky, smoky, and hints of black cherry. The taste was exactly what I smelled. Very powerful oak flavors along with cherries came out. There was also a spice to the wine as well. I liked this wine because of the oak flavors and also because of the spice taste.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting- Maipe Malbec Rose

Name: Maipe Malbec Rose
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza 
Country: Argentina 
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Intense pink color with violet hints. Fresh red fruit bouquet,
strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering
finish. Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian
dishes. 

My Review: the smell of the malbec was a strong scent of fruitiness, almost a raspberry scent to it. It gave off a very sweet floral scent. The taste was bitter which I was not expecting from the pink wine. I would not enjoy having this wine again. 

I did not have food with this wine. 

Wine Tasting- Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Cortenova Pinot Grigio 

Name: Cortenova Pinot Grigio 
Variety: Pinot Gris/ Pinot Grigio 
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Cortenova Pinot Grigio 2012 is made from 100% Pinot Grigio. Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste. Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with clams, sole in white wine Perfect also as an aperitif.

My Review: On the nose, this wine smelt very fruity. On the palate, this wine brought the fruit notes and was overall a very clean and fresh wine. I was surprised that I actually could get some of the "hint of almonds" as described in the wine review. Although I am not a huge white wine fan, this is something I can see myself drinking.