Sernu Vinho Verde

Sernu
Vinho Verde
Bonarda

This was a great Vinho. It was a light citrusy lemon flavor, but did have substantial yeast flavor to it. It was bright, not too sweet and overall pleasant.

Isiri Dolcetto d'Alba

Isiri
Dolcetto d'Alba
18.00

"Cherry and plum aromas fill the nose with jammy overtones. It is firm with almond flavors on the finish."

My notes for this wine read that it had a strong cherry smell and an after taste that reminded me of slate. Like licking a side walk. Also tomatoes. Umami! Some vegetal flair. It was so so. A maybe buy.

JP Chenet Sparkling Rose

JP Chenet
Sparkling Rose
France
18.00

"The deep rose color gives a good introduction to the style, with ripe strawberry and ripe cherry flavors and a soft, gentle mousse. This is quite a flavorsome rose, with the juicy summer fruit notes giving an almost sweet impression, though this is a dry sparkler. The bubbles are very fine and persistent."

This wine had a lower alchohol content and was slightly sweet. The sparkles danced in your mouth just the right amount. It was light, crisp and well-balanced. Overwhelmingly FUN!

Summary: Fun wine. Bring to parties

Fortediga Cab/Syrah

Fortediga

Cabernet Syrah

Near Tuscany

2008

20.00

This intriguing blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged 5 months in both barrels and steel tanks. The result is a modern-styled, dense ruby/purple-colored wine boasting intense blueberry, raspberry, and cassis fruit intermixed with licorice, smoke, and subtle wood. Copious glycerin, silky tannin, and medium to full body are impressive

I could clearly taste the spicey pepper in this one from the Syrah. There was also cherry. It was full bodied and well balanced.

I liked it!

Joseph Carr Pinot Noir [Interesting]

Joseph Carr

Pinot Noir

Sonoma, CA

2007

20.00

Complex aromatics, with ripe strawberry and floral rose petals on the nose. Bright in color, this Pinot Noir exhibits flavors of sweet black cherry, cassis, spice and hints of cinnamon. Moderate tannins give this wine body and a smooth finish.

THIS WINE IS SHROOMY DOOMY! And therefore, amazingly odd. Kind of like... nothing else I can even think of. It immediately had tastes of cherry, but overwhelmingly reminded me of mushrooms, dirt and earth. Really unique and unexpected.

I would buy it just for shock value ;) Next time, I would pair it with a flavorful meat.

Fortediga Vermentino

FortedigaVariety: VermentinoRegion: Island of Sardinia (near Tuscany)Year: 2010Price: 14.00

"A white grape from a warm, comparatively dry region which yields enticing pear and green apple aromas. The acidity of the wine adds lift and freshness while the body allows it to hold up gracefully to white meats and rich sauces"

Tasted a lot like a Chardonnay. It was fairly bland while remaining slightly sweetish. Overwhelmingly didn't have much flavor. Didn't like very much.

Wine Tasting: Vintage Cellar

Thing number one I learned today: Cassis = a more concentrated black currant. That is all...

Anyway, I finally went to a wine tasting at the Vintage Cellar! When I walk into that marvelous place, every time I am immediately overcome by a overwhelming curiosity to taste every bottle and read each label, not to mention the insatiable desire that bubbles up telling me to go to France. As in, I should have left five minutes ago. Sigh. 

I grabbed two of my friends who aren't taking the wine course with be, but also have a passion for reds, so we indulged together. My one critiscism? The part of me that is incredibly mindful and a believer in reflecting on perception extremely consciously wanted the whole experiance to move at a more pleasing pace. I could barely keep my head on trying to take pictures, drink wine, write notes and entertain my friends! I'll just have to go again to get the process down. So here's the low down:

Ben Marco

Variety: Malbec

Region: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $14

"The 2010 Malbec contains 10% Bonarda in its makeup and received the same elevage as the Cabernet. Lovely aromas of black cherry, spice box, tobacco, lavender, and earthy minerals inform the nose of a ripe, succulent, intensely flavored wine that offers outstanding value and is meant for drinking over the next 5-7 years."

Interesting note: this wine is made by the renowned Argentinean wine Queen, Susana Balbo. Apparently being a woman in the wine bus is still a big deal. Hmm. Anyway, it smelled slightly of chlorine and soap but ended 

with some kind of oriental spice. It was smooth through the finish.

Sean Minor

Variety: Red Blend (30% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, 17% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah, 4% Malbec) 

Region: Napa Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 20.00

"Deep ruby in color and displays aromas of ripe blueberry, dark cherry, cassis and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of blueberries and dark cherry combined with hints of oak spices... Long and lingering finish"

This was my favorite of all the reds we tried on this occasion, and most people at our table agreed that this was the one to buy. Flavors of plum sat softly in the mouth during the middle (I didn't mind sloshing it around and holding it on my palate) and it also had an extremely smooth but lingering finish.

Balletto

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: California

Year: 2010

Price: 20.00

"This golden-straw colored wine is both complex and elegant. It opens with warm spices, citrus aromas and a fresh fruit base of Asian pears and red apples. The baking spices include nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and crme brulee aromas which are followed by citrusy lemon peel and fresh apples. The various aromas overlap and mingle producing an ever-changing bouquet that is the hallmark of our Chardonnay"

This one felt a bit bubbly on my tongue! I taste melon and pineapple. Really citrusy and refreshing. Not tart, but not too sweet.

Serenity NOW!

Variety: White Blend

Region: Unknown

Year: 2011

Price: 10.00

"Aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, nectarine and with expressive minerality. The flavors are rich and deep showing white peach, passion fruit, and honeydew melon with a hint of line...Long clean finish. Like summer in a glass"

This description hit the nail on the head for me. It was really melon-y and sweet, but had a long finish. It was definitely a summer wine though!! It just doesn't make sense for February. I feel like shouting Spring NOW! Also makes me think of desperate housewives. Just sayin.

Talamonti 

Variety: Trebbiano

Region: Abruzzo

Year: Unknown

Price: 10.00

"Pale straw with light green hues. Intense bouquet of ripe apples, peaches. Refreshing ripe apple and peach notes end with a gentle acidity. A rich, full, round and persistent wine."

This wine didn't seem like anything special to me. It was mild, plain and had some fruity apple flavor to it with a short finish. Unmemorable. Too sweet.

Yellow Tail Shiraz & Chocolate [Fav]

Yellow Tail

Variety: Shiraz

Region: South Eastern Australia

Year: 2012

Price: 6.99

"Mulberry, spice, smooth vanilla. Enjoy with a good steak."

Simple. Yellow Tail is known for being basic. It's approachable and what people who don't drink wine reach for. After doing some extensive research via the Google, I found that this wine, although common, was highly recommended from many tasters. Better than the average tail, if you get what I'm saying. And I'd agree.

This wine has a peppery, spicy taste to it, but it's not overpowering. If you let it linger in your mouth, it does have a bit of an alcoholic burn, but it's pleasant if you drink it while eating. I'm currently sipping it, and have with me some 80% cocoa chocolate. They pair well together, although I think something a little sweeter may have even made a better compliment. The dark chocolate flows through my nose, and with a sip of wine, it tastes complex and rich. Full body! Yeah!

Like it a lot. I'll buy it again.. way better than some 12 dollar wines I've had. Go Aussie.

Smoking Loon Cab Sauv

Smoking Loon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California

Year: 2010

Price: 9.00

"Earthy, herbaceous notes of green olive and coriander framed by blackberry and black currants. Ripe concentrated flavors of cherry and wild strawberry follow, accented with subtle mocha, caramelized sugar and chicory notes. Medium tannin and structure, moderate acidity and a nice oaky finish all lend a hand in creating a well-rounded highly enjoyable wine."

This was my Superbowl 2013 wine! It was a very very good night. And I learned that a lot of the people at the party are also interested in wines.. a few were even in class with me! I'm planning on meeting up with a few of them to go to the wine tastings. This wine, we all agreed, was sweeter than what is normally expected of a Cab. The description even pointed out that there would be caramelized sugar.. and that's what we tasted. The strawberry and cherry was apparent, but none of the chicory, green olive or mocha. It was a very nice wine and went down smoothly. There was no bite of alcohol or harsh tannins.

Gatao Vinho Verde

Gatao

Variety: Vinho Verde

Region: Portugal

Year: 2011

Price: 9.00

Interestingly enough, this wine is only 9% alcohol. Definately on the lower end of things. I like vinho's because they're refreshing, but not as sweet as a Moscato or a Riesling. It had a crisp apple taste, a little tart, and danced around on the tongue with its bubbles. Other than the apple, it reminded me of fresh rain, or grass. Strange, but I think it's good that I am starting to pick up on some of these less familiar flavors. Well, at least I'm able to associate them!

Dynamite Cab Sauv

Dynamite

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Sonoma, California

Year: 2009

Price: 12.00

"Our Cabernet Sauvignon offers luscious blackberry, cassis, chocolate and cedar aromas and flavors. Hints of toffee linger on the fruity finish."

This wine was enjoyed in the company of an old friend. I brought it as a nice to see you kind of gift. It tasted like a special kind of grain that I haven't tasted in anything else before. I didn't get toffee or a fruity finish. It was a wine worth trying again just to pin down that weird oaty flavor.

Bodega Elena de Mendoza Blend*

Bodega Elena de Mendoza

Variety: Red Blend

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: 10.00

Malbec 62%, Syrah 21%, Bonarda 17%

My boyfriend picked this one for the bottle. He said he's into blends and the label looked manly. I agreed to it because because you're never really sure what you're going to be getting yourself into with a blend. And that sounds sounds kind of womanly. This one was surprisingly briney... lots of salt! There were some notes of blackberry when it first hit the tongue and during the mid-palate, but there was hardly any taste during the finish. This one is worth trying just for the interest of the salt, but there are better things out there. We both could agree on that.

Code wino: This wine got better over night! Over 24 hours later, and it was still tasting good. I think I was at a day and a half when I drank the second 50%, and I was a happy girl. It actually tasted less salty, less alchoholy and more fruity!

*HOLY ALTER EGO BATMAN!

Red Rock Pinot Noir

Red Rock 

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Year: 2011

Price: 8.00

I tried this wine after a very long day. All I wanted was something with complexity and punch, and all I got was sweet.  I'm not very familiar with pinot noirs, but I don't think they're supposed to be as sweet as this one was. It was a bit over-powering. It's hard for me to distinguish any other flavors that may have been in this guy.. maybe a bit of cherry? Or raspberry? Wouldn't buy it again.

Mirassou Cab Sauv [Fav]

Mirassou

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California

Year: 2010

Price: 10.00

"Our 2010 Mirassou California Cabernet Sauvignon is fruit forward, displaying deep rich blackberry and black currant flavors, with hints of toasted oak and brown spice. This full-bodied wine has a plush mouthfeel, finishing softly with a hint of vanilla."

Damn this wine is good. Good like drinking rain, or catching a fairy, or learning that you are a princess. It was bold, full of fruity flavors, balanced by finishing notes of leather and spice. I will drink this forever and ever amen. I can't wait to overnight this one!

Rolling on the ground freaking out! Yay! I finally found a good one!

Alamos Malbec

Alamos

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: 10.00

Thank the good Lord for Wino Wednesday's at Bordeaux's. All bottles are half off. It's really just a dangerous thing. Thankfully, I wasn't the DD for my roommates birthday celebration dinner. 

To preface this wine experience, the food at Bordeaux's is so spicy. It's full of peppers and spice and everything that actually makes you a little uncomfortable later on. Too much? You know it's true. Luckily, this wine took the edge off the spice and cooled down my mouth from all the gallons of hot sauce I consumed. It had a flavor that wasn't to acidic, and brought to mind the color lavander. Take it as you will. I don't think I'd drink this one alone, but with the food, it did a great job.

Gnarly Head Authentic Red

Gnarly Head

Variety: Blend

Region: Lodi, California

Year: 2010

Price: 10.00

Points: 91

Blend: 50% Zinfandel, 20% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 3% Syrah

When am I ever going to get bowled over by a wine? Not this time, certainly. I was about to start some homework, so a bottle of red sounded like a great idea. Instead of discussing why this is a messed up train of thought, lets talk about the flavor of the wine. Because I was concentrating much more on that than my environmental science... ps check out all those colorful books! What's sad/funny/true is that none of them are mine. Saving my books is a laughable idea when I could get some cash in my pocket. I won't-slash that-can't even tell you what I spent all my money on last semester ;) bad Alli!

Back to the wine: I keep tasting berries. So. Many. Berries. Blackberries seem to be the overarching taste is many of the reds I've tried lately. It was bold and full, and seemed a little thicker tha other wines. I would buy it again, but it was nothing too special. It did get me through my night, and I finished that bad boy bottle in little to no time. So that's that. 

Entre Suelos Tempranillo

Entre Suelos

Variety: Tempranillo

Region: Zamora, Spain

Year: 2010

Price: 11.00

Points: 90, International Wine Cellar

"Sexy aromas of black raspberry and cherry, with pipe tobacco and floral nuances building with air. Supple and sweet, offering bright red flavors and a smoky, spicy quality. Fine-grained tannins help shape a long smoky finish."

First of all, what the hell is a tempranillo? A shoddy google check returned that Tempranillo refers to a variety of grapes that are native to Spain. They are black, ripen earlier than most spanish red grapes and are often used in blends, not as a single variety. They are low in sugar and acidity, and are often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. So now we know what's up. Goodness. I simply say that this wine was bland. Sure, it had notes of blackberry and a sort of smokey alcohol-ey finish, but the most exciting part remains the halographic sticker label. But damn if that cheese wasn't good that we had with it, a jalapeno cheddar. And raisenettes too! Biting into the fatty cheese, and then popping a little chocolate into your mouth while swirling some red? I do give myself some props. It didn't hurt that the person I was drinking with was a very long time friend that I haven't seen in over a year. The kind of friend that actually makes your heart beat a little faster. Yes, it was a good evening. But I still wouldn't buy that wine again.

Vinho Verde

Broadbent

Variety: Vinho Verde

Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal

Year: Unknown

Price: 10.00

I am a Vinho Verde convert. Like a gypsy falling in love with a home, if you've never tried this wine, hold onto your heart. A Portuguese friend whose semi-newfound love of cheese and wine rivals mine was stunned to hear that I had never tried this regional delicacy.

So he took me on an adventure. And oh, how it was full of whimsy.

Why is entering into the wine aisles of a store like being transported into never-never land? I'll tell you why: because all those unopened bottles are little experiences waiting to be born. Pop a cork and something special will happen, but it's unnameable and unknowable to all but the experience-user. For instance, maybe that wine will get you through another boring Wednesday night with Game of Thrones (<3), maybe it will help you to remember, or to forget that one time when..., maybe even, it will be the first wine you share with your future mate. How the hell should I know? You just have to drink and see. And the best part is that the wine is not an isolated variable! The whole experience is conditional. Picking one wine over another will engage your senses in a way that the bottle one shelf over just wouldn't touch. The wine you pick is, in an abstract and dramatic sense, determining the absolute outcome of your life. #smalldecisionsmatter

So back to the wine aisle: Strangely enough, this wine can't be found at many generic grocery stores, and I'm not quite sure why (maybe it's because Vinho's are often refrigerated during shipping?). We went to a few stores in search of the elixir and finally found it at our local Gucci Kroger (as opposed to the Ghetto Kroger on our side of the tracks: no frills, no fun, no samples, sushi or cheese bar). Even there, there was only a small selection of Vinho's. And so I of course picked this particular bottle because of the Andy Warhol-esque poppy on the front. Classic. 

We practically frolicked the whole way home singing songs of the spoils to be had, and oh, that sweet booty to be consumed. But you just want to know what it tasted like: Similar to some sweet Reislings, it tastes like an appletini party in your mouth, but with the addition of crisp and spritzy bubbles! Drink to much and you might float away... flit, flit. So. Many. Bubbles! Less than a champagne surely, but it makes the wine experience that much more exciting. The over arching words were crisp, fresh, dainty and light. I was so happy. We paired it with tart green apples with a sharp cheddar melted over it. Oh Lord there are no words. The cheese softened the crispness of the wine, but the apple brought out all the juicy tutti-fruity flavors. Hell yeah, I said tutti-frutti. What's up world.

I bought an experience. And it was worth it. So gypsy's... get ready to fall in love ;)

Gourmet American

Yes, humans are hilarious. I came back to my wine photo shoot to find this. What's slightly less hilarious and moderately disgusting is the fact that soda and cheap processed-I'm hesitant to even call it- cheese are eaten globally.

Hypothetical scenario:

Little Johnny, age 13, goes to school with converse on his feet, bee-boppin around, happy that he is alive. He feels fit and strong. He might even be doing the monster run in gym today. As he is walking through his school hallway, he sees a poster that tells him to gulp a coke.. and make it a double. No big deal; Coca-Cola has been advertising in PUBLIC schools since 1993 (ex. Colorado Springs) Then he walks past the strategically placed vending machines that offer up this sweet elixir, only a dollar a bottle. He probably wants one. Soon he's craving it, drinking it, addicted to it, 10 minutes later, he's sugar hyped, 10 more minutes, he crashes. Fast forward 10 years and little Johnny is now called Big J. He's obese, has acne, and definitely drives a Ford pick-up and plays video games on the weekends. He will die at the age of 61 of the number one killer in the United States: Cardiac infarction. Ew. That sounds so nasty.. And soda is the killer.

Dudes between the ages of 12 and 29 drink the most sodas... a quart, to be approximately exact (source: North Carolina School Nutrition Action Committee Report 2002)). That is nasty ass nasty. To top it off, 1/3 of children and 1/2 of all adults are obese. Now you know what they say, correlation doesn't imply causation, but really? Really? WTF? Way too fat!

Soda only does one thing: it puts sugar into your body in concentrated amounts. It's not even subtle about it. Can anyone even say that they would drink a warm coke? Nope. It's too sweet. Like way too sweet. And do you know what sweets do to your body? They make you fat and then you die. So there you have it. Drink wine instead. Do you think that if Little Johnny had a bit of wine with lunch everyday, he would get fat? I just hear the critics saying: but it breeds alcoholism! Seriously, that statement requires another post entirely to combat. I will have to banish their nasal voices in my head for now. But so much more to come on flavor, sweetness, health, and the benefits and culture of wine.