Sunday, April 28, 2013

Wine Tasting- Puig Parahy Cotes Du Roussillon Georges


Name: Puig Parahy Cotes Du Roussillon Georges
Variety:  Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mouvedre
Region:   Languedoc Roussillon
Country : France
Year: 2010
Price: $11.95

Winery Review: This is a medium to full bodied red made from Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourvedre. Some of the vines go back over 130 years, and the wines won Gold Medals in 1893 and 1896. It has sweet black fruit up front, a very rich chocolate/caramel middle, and a long dry finish without any distracting tannin. 

 My Review: On the nose this was is full of berries, herbs, and spices. The scent of the wine also went along with the taste which had the tarty cherries and sweet and spicy taste but also bittersweet along with a dab of cashews that had been smoked. I found the wine pleasant and would drink it again.

I did not have food with this wine.  


Wine Tasting- Reserve Grand Venuer


Name: Reserve Grand Venuer
Variety:  Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
Region:  Rhone Valley  
Country : France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95/ 750mL, $38.95/3L

Winery Review: As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.
My Review: This wine was very different from the previous four because it had so much going on. On the nose this wine had everything from black cherrys, to smoky oak to a hint of lemon. The taste of the wine was unlike anything I have ever had. It was very rich and flavorful which had the taste of peppers and raspberry which had been sitting in a spicy paste. I did enjoy the flavor of the wine and would recommend tasting something so unique.

I did not have food with this wine.  

Wine Tasting- Lobetia Tempranillo


Name: Lobetia Tempranillo
Variety:  Tempranillo
Region:  La Mancha  
Country : Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95
Winery Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.
 My Review: The scent of this wine included that of dark cherries and tobacco. It also had some spicey earthy tones and plum scent. On the mouth this wine was very fruity from which is tasted like a strawberry smoothie with hints of vanilla and coconut. I did enjoy this wine because it was easy to drink it had great flavors.

I did not have food with this wine.  

Wine Tasting- Lobetia Chardonnay



Name: Lobetia Chardonnay
Variety:  Chardonnay
Region:  La Mancha  
Country : Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits

 My Review: On the nose the bouquet was full of fruit characteristics. It had hints of green apple, citrus, and vanilla oaky scents. The taste was similar to the smell with a fruity taste and buttery finish. I usually don’t enjoy white wines but this was had great flavor with low acidity.

I did not have food with this wine. 

Wine Tasting- Trattoria Busa Alla Torre De Lele


Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre De Lele
Variety:  Pinot Grigio
Region:  Veneto
Country : Italy
Year: NV
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now.

 My Review: This wine smelled like summer fruits such as pears, apricots, and apples. The taste however was very acidic along with a heavy spice with the after taste. I was hoping that the scent was going to complement the taste but I did not like how this was on the mouth.

I did not have food with this wine.  

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Grape Vareity-Barbera


Barbera Grape
            Barbera is a unique grape that is very predominant in Italy. It is the third most planted red grape variety in Italy, after Sangiovese and Montepulciano. When planted right the grape produces high yields. It is known for its deep color, low tannins, and high levels of acids. The origin of the grape comes from the region Monferrato in Italy. Other notable regions include California, Australia, and Argentina. The region of Monferrato where Barbera is believed to have originated is filled with hills which are centered in Piemonte, Italy since the thirteenth century. Italian immigrants brought Barbera to the Americans where the vine took root in California. The grape has close relationships to the French-Spanish vine Mouvedre.

            The Barbera vine is very dynamic and very capable of producing high yields. Too much of a high yields can cause vines to produce a fruit quality not up to par in producing the known Barbera quality wine. The harvest of Barbera begins in late September- early October. Barbera adapts to a wine rage of soils but thrives on less fertile calcareous soils and clay loam. Sandy soils are not helpful for the vine. There are century-old vines that still exist in some regions which still produce robust red wines with intense fruit. There have been some mutation to the grape and though the grape typically produces red wines there has been a white grape mutation known as the Barbera Bianca.

            The winemaking process of Barbera has many varieties of ways of being accomplished. The grape’s high level of tannins and acidity makes it so that winemakers have many options open to them. The most common method of producing wine has been through blending with varieties lacking those components and creating a softer and more balanced wine as a result. Producers have been known to use oak barrels in the production of the wine in order to soften it through oxygenation and add subtle oak spice flavors. Lower yields and harvesting riper grapes with more fruit and sugar have been found to be a better balance for Barbera’s high acidity. There is a note of cherries, raspberies and blueberries and with notes of blackberry and black cherries in wines made of more ripe grapes. The addition of oak barrels adds hints of vanilla as well. Aromas include fresh fruits and dried fruits. There is high alcohol content also included in the wines

Wine Tasting: Concannon Shiraz



Name: Concannon Shiraz
Variety:  Shiraz
Region:  Central Coast, California  
Country : USA
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.

 My Review: The scent of this wine included that of black cherries and chocolate. This scent made it very appealing until the taste which was heavy in fruit and spices which made it a very heavy rich wine. I did enjoy this wine because of the richness it had.

I did not have food with this wine.  


Wine Tasting: Ksana Bonarda


Name: Ksana Bonarda
Variety:  Bonarda
Region:  Mendoza
Country : Argentina
Year: 2008
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker.

My Review: the scent of this wine was indeed very jammy and fruity. I have never had a Bonarda but the taste was very similar to that of a pinot noir and such. The taste was very earthy yet sweet. I really this wine because of its unique taste.  

I did not have food with this wine.  

Wine Tasting: Chandon Sweet Cuvee


Name: Chandon Sweet Cuvee
Variety:  Cuvee
Region:  California
Country : United States

Year: NV
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life.

My Review: This had a very floral scent on the nose. The taste was very fruity, a little too fruity for my taste. There was an after bite that came which was very sour and tarty. I did not like how it changed as I tasted it so I thought it wasn’t a good wine.

I did not have food with this wine.  

Wine Tasting: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc


Name: Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc
Variety:  Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Coast, California
Country : United States

Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish.

My Review: From the nose I got a scent of of green apple and lime. On the mouth it was very acidic and slightly fruity. I could taste the grapefruit that I couldn’t smell. I did not like this wine at all.  

I did not have food with this wine.  

Wine Tasting: Black Ridge White Zinfandel


Name: Black Ridge White Zinfandel
Variety:  Zinfandel
Region: California

Country : United Statesr

Year: NV
Price: $3.95

Winery Review: This fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more.

My Review: The smell of this wine was a very fruity scent. I could tell there was some vanilla berry scent. The taste had cherry and oaky spice flavor. I did not mind this wine and I usually don’t like white wines.

I did not have food with this wine.  

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Grape Varietal: Grenache


Grape Varietal: Grenache
Grenache is a red wine grape that originated in Spain and is the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It’s a very pesky grape because it ripens late so it needs hot, dry conditions like the ones found in Spain, the south of France, and California’s San Joaquin Valley. The grape is known to be spicy and fruity in flavor along with relatively high alcohol content. The grape is very demanding and need great care for it to yield the best grape. 

The history of Grenache is still up for debate through most wine-history buffs. Grenache most likely originated in the region of Aragon in northern Spain according ampelographical evidence. Plants may have been spread from Aragon to Catalonia and other lands under the Crown of Aragon which included some lands in southern France.  Despite not knowing the vine came from, it did make its presence know through Spain and France.  It eventually was taken to Australia in the 18th century and became very popular before the introduction of Shiraz which replaced it. California wine growers marbled at Grenache high yields and ability to withstand heat and dry climates. This made the plant be planted heavily throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Grenache was mostly used as a blending component for jug wines. In France, it was used in Rhone style blends.  Grenache was also a huge cornerstone in the development of the Washington Wine industry. 
What makes Grenache unique is its ability to grow upright and be supported by a strong wood canopy. It is tolerant to the wind and has shown that it is suited for the dry, warm windy climates around the Mediterranean.  The vine buds early and requires a long growing season to fully ripen. Grenache is often one of the last grapes to harvest.  This long ripening is a positive because by the time the grape is ready to be harvested it has high levels of sugars making it capable of substantial alcohol levels, typically around an average of 15%. Grenache grows better in hot, dry soils that are well drained but it adapts easily to all vineyard soil types.  The soil in southern France which is made of schist and granite soils has allowed Grenache to thrive on. The skin of Grenache is pale and lightly pigmented, which results in wine having pale color and low tannins. Yield control is that results in quality wine are below 35 hectoliters/hectare.
France and Spain are Grenache largest principal wine regions. There is about 203,370 acres in Spain growing Grenache and in France there is about 236,500 acres. The Grenache from France is mostly widely associated with the wines of the Rhone and southern France.  It is mostly blended with Carignan, Cinsaut, Syrah and Mouvedre. Grenache produces a sweet juice that can have almost a jam-like consistency when very ripe.  Grenache is great for rose wines because of its think skin and pale coloring. The Provence region does full bodied rose wines. French Grenache based wines depend largely on what other grape varieties it is blended with and care range from spicy to chewy fruitiness.

In Spain, Grenache is known as Garnacha. It is widely planted in northeastern and central Spain; Garnacha was long considered a “workhorse” grape of low quality suitable for blending. Today it is the third most widely planted red grape variety in Spain and it is seen in now both varietal wines and blends. When blended with Tempranillo, Garnacha provides juicy fruitiness and added body. Modern producers have been increasing the amount of Garnacha used in the blend in order to produce earlier maturing and more approachable Riojas in their youth. The vine has a long history in the Navarra region where it has been the dominant red grape variety with nearly 54% of the region’s vineyard planted with Garnacha.
While Grenache is most often found in blended wines, varietal examples do exist. Grenache is valued for its added body and fruitiness that it brings. Grenache-based wines tend to be made for early consumption with its tendency for oxidation which makes it a poor choice for long-term aging. The prime characteristics notes for Grenache include, berry fruits such as raspberries strawberries. Grenache can also develop complex and intense flavors of blackcurrants, black cherries, black olives, coffee, gingerbread, honey, leather, black pepper, tar, spices and roasted nuts.
Overall Grenache is the most known unknown grape in the wine industry as its emergence early in the wine-making business was used to make other grapes shine while Grenache did all the work. Now Grenache is starting to make a comeback by becoming more involved in varietal wines than blended.

Sources:
Wine Literature of the World:
Gran Clos:



Wine Tasting: Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne


Name: Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne
Variety: Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc/ Muscadelle
Region: Sauternes
Country: France
Year: 2004
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follows through to a medium body.  Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish.  Lightly sweet.

My review: I am not a big fan of white wines so going into this wine I already had a bias. It was very acidic like oranges and lemons. The scent was of almost a peaches and cream. There was a touch of sweetness to the taste as well. I did not mind this wine at all.


I did not have food with this wine. 

Wine Tasting: Torre Castillo Alegre


Name: Torre Castillo Alegre
Variety: Monastrell
Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Made predominately from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full-bodied and silky yet robust with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.

My Review: This was the first time I had this type of variety. Very unique smell but you could sense a type of smoky cherry scent. The herbs that came out were very strong and overpowering. The taste included an earthy dirty tone which stuck on my tongue like gum. Definitely not a type of wine I could get into but overall it was very unique.

 I did not have food with this wine. 

Wine Tasting: Wilson Daniels


Name: Wilson Daniels
Variety: Merlot
Region: Central Coast
Country: United States
Year: 2010                      
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Made predominately from Paso Robles grapes, the wine is full-bodied and silky yet robust with aromas of black cherry and plum and a palate of blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.

My Review: The wine had a dark red color. The smell was surprisingly fruity with hints of cherry and plum. The taste was backed up the cherry scent and fruitiness overall. The alcohol was very noticeable as the wine had a hot after bite. I enjoyed the wine.

I did not have food with the wine. 

Wine Tasting: Bricco Dei Tati Rose


Name: Bricco Dei Tati Rose
Variety: Barbera
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Winery Review:  Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals, this is an ideal wine with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers.

My Review: The smell of the wine was a unique bouquet of fresh aromas, almost like a perfume. The scent resembled that of fresh picked flowers. The taste however was of an acidic tart without the sweetness from the scent. It was too light and dry for my taste.

I did not have food with this wine. 

Wine Tasting: Smoking Loon


Name: Smoking Loon
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California
Country : United States
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms.  The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind.  The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more.  This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.  

My Review: My pallet has yet to be comfortable with white wines yet. The acidity was too much for me and I felt that I need a drink of water immediately right after I had a sip. This wine did nothing to change the way I feel about white wines.

I did not have food with this wine.