Tasting- Morada Sangria

Name:  Morada Sangria

Variety:   Sangria

Region:   N/A

Country:   Spain

Year:   Non-Vintage

Price:   $4.95

Shop Critic:  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% Alc.  It is 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. 

My Review:  HOLY SUGAR.  This wine just smells like a party; floral, fruity and super sweet.  It tasted like liquid candy.  This probably comes from the fact that this wine is packing heat in the form of 85 grams of sugar!  I could detect no alcohol in this wine because of the overwhelming sweetness.  There was also no real acidity in this wine to speak of with very little complexity.  This wine may be good in place of your dessert with some peaches or strawberries in it but that's about it.  

I drank this wine on its own with no food pairings.  

Tasting- Lost Vineyards

Name:  Lost Vineyards

Variety:   60% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:   Several

Country:   Argentina

Year:   Non-Vintage

Price:   $4.95

Shop Critic:  It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent.  The oak is in the background.  Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone. 

My Review:  This wine was extremely dark red-brown in color.  It had a sharp, full bodied, aroma that reminded me of chocolate covered cherries.  The mouth feel was incredibly dry and chalky.  Not a "wow" wine for me.  

I drank this wine on it's own with no food pairings but I could see how this wine would be delicious with a big steak!

Tasting- Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Name:  Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Variety:   Nero D'Avola

Region:   Sicily

Country:   Italy

Year:   2010

Price:   $8.95

Shop Critic:   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.

My Review:  Deep, dark purple red in color.  This wine had a smokey smell of tobacco with hints of honeysuckle and berries.  The taste was sweet and smooth with low tannin content.  Very little mid palate, the flavor dissipates quickly.  Not a whole lot of flavor which was disappointing considering the complex nose.  Extremely blah.  I would not get this wine again.  

I tried this wine on its own with no food pairings.

Tasting- Tres Ojos Rose

Name:   Tres Ojos Rose

Variety:   50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha

Region:   Calatayud

Country:   Spain

Year:   2009

Price:   $1.95

Shop Critic:  This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attach of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish.  Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas.

My Review:  Has a creamy, mild aroma with black cherry and berry notes.  This is an extremely sweet and fruity wine that tastes like candy.  I also detected a bit of tartness in the aftertaste.  Delicious for only $2!

I had this wine on its own with no food pairings.

Tasting- Les Perles Piquepoul

Name:  Le Perles Piquepoul

Variety:   Piquepoul

Region:   Cotes de Thau

Country:   France

Year:   2011

Price:   $7.95

Shop Critic:  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.

My Review:  This wine was pale yellow in color.  It had a light, citrusy, fruity aroma.  The taste, however, was quite tart and acidic.  It was extremely light bodied with not much mid palate and the aftertaste was almost non-existent.  I was not a huge fan of this wine, I like wines to have a bit more body but it was decent.  

I drank this wine by itself with no food pairings.

Tasting- Gabriella Chianti

Name:  Gabriella Chianti

Variety:   Chianti

Region:   Tuscany

Country:   Italy

Year:   2008

Price:   $7.95

Shop Critic:  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 it's boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.

My Review:  This wine smelled like cranberries, quite bitter.  The taste was extremely bold and very smokey like a musty basement.  It had a very dry mouth feel.  I drank this wine by itself with no pairings.  It was the first Chianti I have ever had and it was a good first experience.  I don't think I would get this particular one again but it has opened my mind and made me curious about what other Chianti's there are out there.

Tasting- Lavarini Valpolicella

Name:  Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

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

Region:   Valpolicella

Country:   Italy

Year:   2010

Price:   $6.95

Shop Critic:  The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality.  It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My Review:  This wine had quite an interesting in your face smell.  I detected notes of chocolate yet it had a very dry smell like dusty hay or a farm.  The smell was also slightly salty and spicy.  It tasted just like it smelled with more barnyard if possible.  It had an abrasive mouth feel and gets worse the more you drank it.  It's not a bad wine for what it is at that price but I don't think I would ever purchase this wine.  I drank this wine on its own with no food pairings. 

Tasting- Dom de Mirail

Name:  Dom De Mirail

Variety:   Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Region:   Cotes de Gascogne

Country:   France

Year:   2011

Price:   $5.95

Shop Critic:  There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rose.  It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.

My Review:  A lighter, sweet subtle aroma with hints of strawberries.  Very delicious flavor.  It started out tart and mellowed out to a smooth finish with caramel and vanilla undertones.  I really enjoyed this wine and bought a bottle right away for Valentine's dinner.  We drank it with dessert which was a raspberry mousse and paired very well!  Would definitely drink this wine again.

Tasting- Norton Torrontes

Name:   Norton Torrontes

Variety:  Torrontes

Region:  Mendoz

Country:  Australia

Year:  2011

Price:  $5.95

Shop Critic:  Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontes has intense aromas of white peach, rose petals, and jasmine.  Norton Torrontes 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.

My Review:  A bitter, offensive smell that resembled urine.  The taste however was radically different.  It was quite fruity yet sour and pucker-y with a finish of flowers and berries.  I drank this wine on it's own with no food pairings.  It had an sour aftertaste that stuck with me so my mouth longed for some bread or something to cut it.  I don't think I would try this wine again

Tasting- Dibon Cava

Name:  Dibon Cava Brut Reserve

Variety:  Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo

Region:  Penedes

Country:  Spain

Year:  Non-Vintage

Price:  $9.95

Shop Critic:  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.

My Review:  This wine had a dry, almost steely champagne smell which made sense because this is supposed to be a sparkling wine.  Very light-bodied with notes of apricot and citrus.   Not a sweet wine and pretty dry for a white.  Not one I'd try again.  I tried this wine by itself with no food pairings.

Tasting- Beringer Riesling

Name:  Beringer Riesling

Variety:  Riesling

Region:  California

Country:  USA

Year:  2009

Price:  $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review:  This wine is the perfect balance of honeysuckle and bright peach flavors.  A perfect compliment to light fare, appetizers, or just sharing with friends.

My Review:  A very crisp, dry wine.  It had a stale smell that was honestly not very appealing.  The flavor punched you and then died out quickly and had absolutely no aftertaste.  No Mid-palate.  Extremely flat and just blah.  I would not ever drink this wine again.  I drank this wine by itself with no food pairings. 

Tasting- Opera Prima Pink

Name:  Opera Prima Pink

Variety:  Moscato

Region:   N/A

Country:  Spain

Year:  Non-Vintage

Price:  $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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.

My Review:  Typical well-crafted Moscato.  Very light, sweet, and fizzy.  It smelled almost like perfume even with the alcohol undertones.  I drank this wine on its own but I could see it pairing very well with desserts or strawberries or some other fruit.  It seemed more like juice to me than a wine but it was very delicious.  Would probably make a great mimosa!

Tasting- Black Opal Shiraz

Name:  Black Opal Shiraz 

Variety:  Shiraz

Region:  Limestone Coast and Barossa Valley

Country:  Australia

Year:  2011

Price:  $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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.

My Review:  This wine had a very smokey aroma.  It was extremely dry and fruity but also had almost a barnyard or earthy taste, like dirt or hay.  I did not pair this wine with food but the gentleman doing the wine tasting said this would be a good wine to pair with hamburgers.  I would not go back for seconds on this one.

Tasting- Meditrina

Name:  Sokol Blosser Meditrina NV

Variety:  Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel

Region:  Oregon

Country:  USA

Year:  Non-Vintage

Price:  $7.95

Vintage Cellar 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 of the grill.

My Review:  A decent wine.  It was a sweeter red wine, that smelled very sweet and smooth, almost like chocolate.   It had a sticky mouth feel that was almost effervescent.  It was fairly light for a red wine yet quite full-bodied.  I drank this wine on it's own but I could see this wine being good with steak or some other sort of red meat.  All-around a pretty good wine.   I would consider drinking this one again.

Tasting- Emeri Pink Moscato

Name:  Emeri Pink Moscato

Variety:  Not Available

Region:  Australia

Country:  Australia

Year:  Non-Vintage

Price:  $12.95

Vintage Cellar Review:  Pale translucent pink.  Fresh fruit aromas with strawberry and musk.  Velvety and full with a persistent bead and fresh finish.  The perfect aperitif on it's own or enjoy with fresh fruits or seafood.  This wine is quite popular in Chicago.

My Review:  This wine was very sweet and bubbly.  It reminded me a lot of very sweet Champagne.  It smelled like candy and sugar.  A little too sweet for my liking but was good for just a taste.  The sweetness was a little too over-powering and coated your mouth and lingered.  I drank this wine on it's own but I could see it going well with strawberries or other fresh fruits.

Tasting- Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay/Semillon

Name:  Wine Men of Gotham

Variety:  80% Chardonnay, 20% Semillon

Region:  Bordeaux, South Australia

Country:  Australia

Year:  2008

Price:  $5.95

Vintage Cellar 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 a medium-long finish.

My Review:  This wine was disgusting.  It had a stale, musty smell that reminded me of cheap Andre Champagne.  It was not sweet at all, and not really very dry or crisp either.  This wine had a very sour, bitter aftertaste that sticks with you.  I did not pair this wine with food and never would.  It was horrible and will not ever drink it again. 

Tasting- Don Manuel Torrontes

Name: Don Manuel Villafane
Variety: Torrontes
Region: La Rioja
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $13.95

Vintage Cellar Review:  90 points, a really good and clean white wine with all the tropicality and zest that this Argentine variety can give.  The nose is crystalline and pure, with white flower scents of jasmine and citrus blossom, while the palate is round, melony, and fully of lychee and papaya.  Smooth on the finish.  Drink soon.

My Review:  This was a bit of a sweeter wine.  It had hints of pear, melons, and a citrusy-lime taste.  It was viscous and almost coated your tongue.  I did not pair this wine with food  and it was just fine on it's own!  I would drink this wine again.

Tasting- Perata Frank's Vineyard

Name:  Perata Frank's Vineyard

Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:  Napa Valley, California

Country:  USA

Year:  2007

Price:  $20.95

Vintage Cellar Review:  93 points.  A gorgeous bottling that represents a tremendous value in the heart of Napa.  The would-be grapes for the Estate's top bottling are used here to produce a decadent wine with rich classic Cabernet flavors intermixed with wild spices, tobacco, and fresh herb on a caressing finish.

My Review:  This was wine was on the dry side.  Very earthy with some hints of grass or dirt, but in a delightful way.  Quite complex.  I drank this wine on it's own with no food pairings.  Probably would not attempt to drink this wine again.

Tasting- Lapis Luna Zinfandel

Name: Lapis Luna Romanzo Moon

Variety: Zinfandel

Region: Lodi, California

Country: USA

Year: 2007

Price: $14.95

Vintage Cellar Review:  Brambly dark fruit on the nose, with a touch of green peppercorns, a little barnyard aroma and a hint of mint.  The mouthfeel is spicy and coating, with a sensation of chocolatey-cola.  Tannins are pronounced but not biting, with a long minute plus finish.  The wines' acid and tannins will help smooth it out, if you choose to give it some cellar time, but drinks quite nice with some decanting.

My Review: Spicy! The tannins definitely hit you.  At first I was struck with a bitter taste and once it mellowed I could sense sort of a barnyard or oak-y taste.  It then evolved to a more smooth chocolatey-cola flavor as they suggested.  Quite complex.  I drank this wine by itself with no food pairings.  Delicious but not a keeper for me.

Tasting- Chocolate Box

Name: Chocolate Box

Variety: 53% Grenache, 30% Shiraz, 17% Mataro

Region: Barossa Valley

Country: Australia

Year: 2009

Price: $18.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This retro bad boy blend is from the Rocland Estate Winery in Barossa, where they do everything a little bit...different!  A blend with deep russet red, with earthy aromas of savory oak and dark cherries with a little stewed rhubarb.  Spice and cinnamon on the palate over a robust and generous body.  Made from a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro.

My Review:  Absolutely delicious!! I loved this wine.  It was extremely smooth, with not a lot of bitter tannin flavor.  It was full and velvety and reminded me of smooth milk chocolate and cherries.  A bit of an earthy undertone as well.  I drank this wine on its own with no food pairing.  I would 100% drink this wine again!

Tasting- Domaine de la Quilla Muscadet

Name: Domaine de la Quilla
Variety: Muscadet
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review:  Oyster Wine!!!  The real key to the wines from Domaine de la Quilla is that the Vinet's keep the wines sur lie for eight months before bottling at the end of May, unlike most in this appellation who bottle in March.  The Vinet family work proudly to produce this impeccably dry and fragrant wine.  This wine is good as an apertif and/or a pallet cleanser.  It is crisp, citrusy and light.

My Review:  I thought this wine was light bodied, very crisp and had a citrusy taste.  It was semi-sweet yet had some smokey, musty undertones.  I did not pair this wine with food but it is supposedly good with sea food such as oysters and is used as a good "starter" wine.  It was a good wine, but not one that I would necessarily need to have again.

Personal Experience w/ Wine

I really enjoy drinking wine.  I started trying out wines, probably when I was in high school, whenever I could convince my parents to give me a glass with dinner.  My mom always liked the really fruity wines: white zinfandel or "blush wines".  My dad was more of a red wine drinker and liked the really hearty, smokey wines.  So, I got a wide variety of wines from a young age.  I never really knew much about them, however.  It was more so this one is really sweet or this one tastes terrible.  One of the main reasons I took this class was to broaden my scope of wine lingo and knowledge.  I never really understood how you can pair wine with food.  I definitely don't think I've been doing it right so far but that's why I'm here to learn!  I really love going to winerys.  I've been to Chateau Morrisette, and some winerys in South Carolina this past summer while on vacation.  I tended to only try the white wines because I liked Moscato and Riesling and some of the sweeter wines but even recently I have noticed my tastes changing and they are becoming a little too sweet, almost like juice.  It makes me want to venture out and try some drier white wines and even some red wines just to see what's out there!  The possibilities seem endless.  I just love the idea of social drinking.  My roommates and I drink wine almost every night and being able to have an intelligent conversation about the wines we are drinking and learn from each other is great!