Wine Tasting #11 MacMurray Pinot Noir

 MacMurray Pinot Noir 2019

 Sonoma, California

Price: $25.50

"Have not had this Pinot for a while, and wondering why? Dry with a little more tannins than most Pinot. Dark berry with maybe some strawberry on the finish. Typical light nose with some sweet leather if that is possible." - Michael B. on Vivino

Specific flavors, aromas, and grape varietal characteristics from Wine Folly:

Pinot Noir: Cherry, Raspberry, Clove, Mushroom, Vanilla

High in Alcohol content at 14.3%

Pairs with steak and barbecue really well according to Dennis, Wine Consultant at Math Empo Kroger.

My Review:

The last time I tried Pinot Noir, I disliked it a lot. Along with a bad experience with Pinot Grigio as well, I believe that maybe I just didn't like the Pinot grape. However, after trying MacMurray's Pinot Noir 2019, I have changed my mind about Pinot Noir. The aroma of this wine had a dark fruit scent and after aerating it a bit, I could make out blackberry specifically. When tasting it I noticed this particular Pinot Noir was a lot sweeter than my previous experience and it had a lot more fruit flavors that I enjoyed. It also had a nice and smooth mouth feel. I would say this is quite unusually as I am not a fan of red wine and I could go as far as to say I was anti any wine that had Pinot in the name. However, I really did enjoy this wine and I wouldn't mind tasting it again.

Wine Tasting #10 Ste Chateau Michelle Gewürztraminer

Ste Chateau Michelle Gewürztraminer 2020

Columbia Valley, WA

Price: $9.99

"Medium straw in color with moderate intensity. Apple, pear, orange peel, and orange. Medium plus acid, a little to much sweetness leading it to be a hair off balance, medium body and moderate finish. 89/100" -Max Sheets on Vivino

Specific flavors, aromas, and grape varietal characteristics from Wine Folly:

Gewürztraminer: Lychee, Rose, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Ginger

Color: Medium Straw

It is medium alcohol content at 12%

Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks for three weeks. 

(https://www.ste-michelle.com/2020-gew%C3%BCrztraminer/5637321591.p)

My Review:

This wine had a very fruity aroma. I picked out the pronounced scent of lychee and a less forward scent of honey, or honeysuckle. After taking a sip of it, the lychee definitely transferred over into the flavor of the wine. It had a light, smooth feeling while drinking it and it tasted less acidic than other white wines I've tried such as Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is one that I really enjoyed as it was semi-sweet and refreshing. The flavor of Lychee is one of my favorites whether it be in a candy, soda, or in this case wine. I would definitely drink this again.

Wine Tasting #9 Stella Rosa L'Originale Stella Peach

Stella Rosa L'Originale Stella Peach

Semi-Sparkling Moscato-blend

Primarily Moscato grapes

Semi-Sweet

Piedmont, Italy

Price: $12.99

"I must say that I do not understand why this type of semi-sparkling fruity wine gets some bad press. I have to say that Stella Rosa is absolutely delicious! It is my favorite in this category of wine, and I think it has many positive features. For example, the Stella Rosa Peach Alcohol content is low, it’s gluten-free and not syrupy sweet. Perfect for a hot summer’s day!" -Richard Allen on WinePros.org

Specific flavors, aromas, and grape varietal characteristics from Wine Folly:

Moscato Bianco: Orange Blossom, Meyer Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Ripe Pear, Honeysuckle (pg 138)

Color: A pale orange/yellow color

Low in Alcohol content at 5%

My Review:

This wine had a very clear aroma that smelled of peaches and it was very fruity. It also had a pronounced flavor of peaches and although the bottle said it was only in the semi-sweet range, it was extremely sweet on my palette. It had a syrupy mouth feel with some effervescence. The slight fizz of the wine helped feel more light and accentuated the fruity flavor.

I also had some Olive Garden garlic bread sticks that I tried this wine with. I dipped it int he wine and it just did not pair well at all. It tasted like sickly sweet garlic sugar with the after taste of garlic peach. I do not recommend this pairing, and I also don't recommend dipping garlic bread or any kind of bread in wine like this.

Wine Tasting #8 Francis Cappola Sofia Blanc de Blancs

 Francis Cappola Sofia Blanc de Blanc 

Sparkling White Blend (No vintage)

70% Pinot Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscat Cannelli

California, United States

Price: $4.99

"I think this is so underrated. Yes it's in a can but it is delicious. I take this camping and on day trips in the summer time. It's light sweety and refreshing. I love the bubbles and the cute pink can. All of this brands wines are fantastic. Highly recommend will buy again" -Jessica C. from Influenster.com 

(https://www.influenster.com/reviews/francis-coppola-sofia-blanc-de-blancs-mini-can)

Specific flavors, aromas, and grape varietal characteristics from Wine Folly:

    Primary Flavors:

       Pinot Blanc: Pear, Peach, Raw Almond, Lemon Zest, Crushed Gravel (pg 150)

       Sauvignon Blanc: Gooseberry, Honeydew, Grapefruit, White Peach, Passionfruit (pg 165)

       Muscat: Orange Blossom, Meyer Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Ripe Pear, Honeysuckle (pg 138)

    Medium in alcohol content at 11.5%

My Review:

The aroma of this wine smelled oddly like sweet cream butter. It was a similar scent that kettle corn gives off as it is popping. I was expecting the flavor to be a similar buttery flavor, but instead it gave me a very sour/tart flavor. It is high in acidity and there was a citrus lemon flavor. It was also semi-sweet to my palette, which also gave me star fruit flavors as well. It had a very fizzy mouth field with all of the bubbles.

Wine and Cheese Pairing #1

 Women's Wine Night at the Gourmet Pantry

401 S Main St # 101, Blacksburg, VA 24060

Wines:

1. Alto Limay - Chardonnay 2020
1. Wine Folly: Yellow apple, starfruit, pineapple, vanilla, butter (pg 96)
2. Villa Maria - Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2021
1. Wine Filly: Gooseberry, honeydew, grapefruit, white peach, passion fruit (pg 165)
3. Tiamo - Organic Prosecco Rose
1. Wine Folly: Green apple, honeydew, pear, lager, cream (pg 155)

Cheeses:

1. Jarlsberg
1. This was a mild flavored cheese that has light, nutty flavors and is very similar to swiss. This was a harder cheese. 
   
   
   
2. Cranberry Orange Chevre Goat Cheese
1. This was a very sweet desert cheese that had a pronounced cranberry and orange flavor. It was also very creamy and smooth.
   
   
   
3. Truffles Brie
1. The brie had a lot of flavor, specifically earthy and mushroom. Its texture was gooey and spreadable.
   

Alto Limay - Chardonnay 2020

Location: Argentina

Color: Pale Straw

Aroma: Light and faint. Fruity, specifically apple

Taste: Soft mouth feel, acidic and citrusy

With Jarlsberg: Doesn't add anything to the flavor on the palette

With Goat Cheese: Accentuates the acidity of the wine

With Truffles Brie: Brings out a lot of bitter flavors

Villa Maria - Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Location: New Zealand

Color: Medium Straw

Aroma: Fruity, orange, citrus, lemon

Taste: Orange, refreshing mouthfeel

With Jarlseberg: Brings out the citrus and it makes the flavor of the wine less bitter.

With Goat Cheese: Brings out that really nice refreshing orange flavor.

With Truffles Brie: This cheese brings out the acidity of the wine and makes it more bitter.

Tiamo - Organize Prosecco Rose

Location: Northeast Italy

Blend: 15% Pinot Noir, 85% Glera 

Color: Light Pink

Aroma: Fruit forward, watermelon, cherry

Taste: Citrus and cranberry flavors

With Jarlseberg: Lightens the wine and makes the flavors brighter, more apparent. It also helps make the wine a little more sweeter.

With Goat Cheese: The orange cranberry flavor is more pronounced.

With Truffles Brie: This brie makes the wine taste overwhelmingly bitter and is not a good pairing.

Overall, this event was a really fun time. We got to try a total of 9 and we met some really great ladies who live locally and they were able to give us some more information about the event and the location for the future!

DTN: Lesson 1

Drink This Now: Lesson 1

Wine: BOERI Martinette Barbera D'Asti

Alcohol Content: 14%

Location: Grapes from Asti region of Italy made in Verona

Vintage: 2008 (An extraordinary vintage of the Piedmont Region)

Color: Deep Garnet

Price: $10.99 (Discounted Price)

"Wine for everday drinking. I like it. I have tried 2008 2010 2011 and 2012 now. Good price and well done. Maturation on barique barrels gives vanilla and tobacco taste. Well mature grapes gives smooth and fruity taste. Pretty alcoholic strong wine. Best to drink from 4 to 6 year old. I have tried 8 but it is pretty enough. But Martinette was okay. There was no problem." - Jiří Macháček on Vivino

Wine Folly: Tart cherry, licorice, Black berry, dried herbs, black pepper (pg 79). This particular Grape is primarily made in Italy, everyday drinking wines, high acidity and low in tannins (pg 79)

Smell out of the bottle: fruity, jammy, vanilla

Smell from the glass: Aroma is very strong, I smell fruits specifically mild cherry scent with a black pepper scent at the back.

Taste: The taste is very rich with herbaceous flavors. I taste a hint of oregano and a soft pepper flavor. I also taste some earthy tones as well which I believe is a slight tobacco flavor.  

First Tasting, freshly opened bottle:

Cheese: 

    Parmigiano Reggiano: This cheese is has a sour flavor that is fairly light. It is also has a nutty flavor.

Wine and Cheese: The taste of the wine with the cheese is something I feel in my nose. It brings out a muddy/earthy flavor, the flavor tastes a little on the fishy side and together it accentuates the saltiness of the cheese.

Salami: 

    Boar's Head Superiore Uncured Soppressata piccante: This meat is very salty and is has a garlic flavor with a little heat.

Salami and Wine: This brings out the acidity of the wine and reduces the saltiness of the salami. The salami almost has a sweeter taste with the wine. This pairing accentuates the pepper flavors all around attached to this pairing as well.

Cheese, Salami, and wine: This has a nuttery flavor and it is more sour.

Second Tasting, 2 hours later:

Wine Smell: I am smelling more the fruity content such as the cherry and raspberry

Wine Taste: The taste is smoother and sweeter than before. I can still taste the pepper flavor at the end.

Wine and Cheese: Gives the cheese a sweeter flavor, but I can still taste something fishy

Salami and Wine: After "opening" the wine the combination of the salami and wine does not mesh very well at all. It accentuates the sour flavors of the meat and it does not combine well.

Third Tasting, Overnight:

Wine Smell: The aroma is a sour cherry scent.

Wine Taste: The flavors are not as strong and it is smoother going down. It does not taste sour, but its earthy flavors are more pronounced. I am getting a mushroom flavor overall. 

Wine Testing #7 Intrinsic 2017

 Intrinsic Red Blend Columbia Valley 2017

51% Malbec, 49% Cabernet France

Columbia Valley/Washington

Price: $20.00

"Very good value red blend. Let open up a bit for best enjoyment but ready to go if just opened. Tastes of blackberry, cherry, plum and leather." - Demetri Demascus on Vivino

Specific flavors, aromas, and grape varietal characteristics from Wine Folly:

    Primary Flavors:

        Cabernet Franc: Strawberry, Raspberry, Bell Pepper, Crushed Gravel, Chili Pepper

        Malbec: Red Plum, Blackberry, Vanilla, Sweet tobacco, Cocoa

    Color: Dark Red

    High in alcohol content at 14.5%

My Review:

The aroma of this red blend was Jammie with Dark fruits. It also had a hint of Tobacco smell on the end. Upon tasting the wine I noticed it was extremely tannic and bitter. It had an earthy and mushroomie flavor. A good description word would be that it tasted like mud. The bottle art is beautiful and the idea behind the creation of this wine is based on what street art may taste like in the bottle. However, it think it is better on the outside rather than on the inside. It is possible this wine needed to opened up a little before drinking, but overall I would not try this again.

Wine Testing #6 Dr. Hans VonMuller Riesling

 Dr. Hans VonMuller Riesling Spatlese 2020

 Mosel, Germany

Price: $14.95

"Aroma: pear, apricot, honey, gooseberry, stone fruit, peach Notes of peach, pear, tangerine, honey, green apple ( but no sour) Medium sweet, juicy, lush, beautiful balance of acidity. Great label and amazing wine!" - Duncan Bennet on Vivino

Specific flavors, aromas, and grape varietal characteristics from Wine Folly:

Primary Flavors: Lime, Green Apple, Beeswax, Jasmine, Petroleum (pg 158)

Color: Pale Straw

Semi-Sweet and high in acidity (pg 158)

It is low in alcohol content at 7.5%

Region Notes:

This variety wine comes from the Mosel region of Germany. According to Wine Folly, the Rieslings in this region tend to be high in acidity, aroma, minerality, and a balanced dry style. They also claim that they tend to taste more of apricots, lemon, beeswax, and wet slate (pg 159). This particular wine is a Spatlese as indicated on the bottle. This means that the grapes were harvested late and have a sweetness level of 76-90 Oechsle or 172-209 g/L of sugar. They are known to be rich with sweetness.

My Review:

I enjoyed the light crisp aroma it gave off as it had a herby and grass scent. Unlike what the Wine Folly book says, this particular Riesling was not at all intensely aromatic, in fact, it was quite the opposite. When tasting this wine I picked up on citrus lemon flavors with an orangey tang at the end. These flavors mixed with the semi-sweetness worked really well for me and it is something I wouldn't mind trying again.

Wine Tasting #5 Apothic Red Winemaker's Blend

 Apothic Red Winemaker's Blend 2020

Modesto, California

Price: $10.99

"Love love love this wine. It could easily beat some of the expensive wines in blind tasting. Full bodied wine with notes of blackberry and chocolate. Perfect for a dinner date." - riddhikaj on totalwine.com

Color: Medium Ruby

Medium in alcohol content at 13.5%

My Review:

Aromas I picked out: Vanilla, Cream, Dark notes

Flavors I picked out: Blackberries, Dark Cocoa

The back of the bottle says that it has layers of dark fruit and hints of mocha, vanilla.

I can taste the darker notes and it has a smoother texture. I would say it is more bitter than the snoop dog wine, but I would say that it may be considered semi-sweet. It is lower in tannins than I thought it would be, and it brings some warmth to the mouth. I wouldn’t say this is my favorite flavor, but I don’t mind drinking it. It would be something nice to have during a colder night.

I paired this wine with a bacon alfredo dish and bread. I didn’t really expect anything from it, but the wine cuts through really well in contrast to the heavy and greasy alfredo sauce that I made. Although I wouldn’t describe this wine as crisp, the darker flavors are uplifted and more pronounced in comparison to the parmesan and bacon flavor of the alfredo sauce.