Vintage Celler Wine Tasting, April 19th

Name: Poysdorfer Saurussel
Variety: Gruner Veltliner
Region: N/A
Country: Austria
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Crisp lime flavors, white pepper and lentils, followed by a mouthful of mineral notes and gooseberry. A long lingering finish. A great accompaniment to any Asian or fresh seafood dishes.

My Review: The nose on this wine smelled of lemon. The taste was crisp with notes of olives and salt. It was a fairly light wine on my palette.



I did not have food with this wine.

Name: Oak Vineyards
Variety:  Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95 - 750 ml, $10.95 - 1.5 liter

Winery Review: This light straw-colored Oak Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay expresses smoky aromatics with nuances of apple and lemon zest that continue onto the palate where they flourish into citrus, orange blossom, and smoked oak flavors until meeting a crisp, medium finish.

My Review: This wine smelled of smoke, wood, and dirt. It tasted oak-y and buttery, and being a California chardonnay, it was expected. It was fairly heavy.


I did not have this wine with food

Name: Canyon Road
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: This Pinot Noir expresses tantalizing flavors of ripe cherry and wild raspberry, and finishes with brown, vanilla spices and a smooth finish.

My Review: This wine smelled of rubbing alcohol which was a little bit of a turn off. It was very dry and I tasted the tannic notes.

I did not have this wine with food.

Name: Cortenova
Variety: Primitivo
Region: N/A
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Dark, ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palate. Great balance and structure. Excellent with grilled or roasted meats, game and cheeses.

My Review: This wine smelled of grass and tasted of dark berries. It was fairly tart. I didn't enjoy this wine very much.



I did not have this wine with food.

Name: Morada
Variety: Sangria
Region: N/A
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $4.95 -liter

Winery Review: A traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.

My Review: The sangria smelled of cloves and oranges.  It was a little too sweet for my taste but I did taste an explosion of fruit like oranges. I also tasted cinnamon. Not my favorite sangria, but I would probably buy this based on price.



I did not have this wine with food.

Wine Dinner at Zeppoli's, April 8th

On Easter Sunday, my roommate Eric and I decided to go to Zeppoli's for dinner and to taste wine. We had both been there before for organized tastings but this time we were going to pair wine and food on our own.

Olive bread and olive oil

My Riesling and I

For dinner, I ordered the vegetarian sampler entree that came with eggplant Parmesan, spinach ravioli, and pasta with marinara. To drink I ordered the Frisk "Prickly" 2011 Riesling from Australia ($6/glass, $11.99/bottle). The wine review stated that the Riesling was acidic with notes of lemon sorbet, bath salts, and white lilies layered with spices from your favorite childhood pie shop. The nose on the wine smelled of lemon zest. The Riesling felt bubbly and tasted complex with tartness balanced with sweetness like honey. Being a dessert wine person, I know this did not pair with my entree as perfectly as I would have liked, but I enjoyed the wine, alongside our complementary olive bread served with olive oil. During the meal, the Riesling cut through the heavy dish covered in red sauce so that the sweetness in the wine was diminished and you tasted more of the lemony, acidic notes. I really enjoyed this wine.

Vegetarian sampler

Eric at dinner

Eric ordered veal Parmesan for dinner and the house Merlot to drink. The nose on his wine smelled of dark fruit like cherries. I could taste the tannic components in the Merlot but it also had round flavors of plum. I felt it was medium-bodied and not too heavy, which was nice. Eric really enjoyed his meal with his wine. I'm not the biggest red wine fan but I think next time I'll try to pairing it with food.'

Winery Visit to Chateau Morrisette, April 6th

On Friday, April 6th, 2012, three of my friends and I went to Chateau Morrisette to do a wine tasting and eat at the restaurant. I have done wine tastings before at Zeppoli's or the Vintage Cellar but I have never been to a winery before so this was an exciting experience. Chateau Morrisette is in Floyd, Virginia and is a nice hour-long drive on a nice day, however since I was driving it took us an extra hour since we got lost. It was a beautiful day though and I didn't mind the extra time it took to get to the winery.

Our wine tasting consisted of 6 wines, one of which was a table blend. The first wine I tasted was the 2011 Dry Rose. It is Chateau Morrisette's newest wine made by separating juice from the grapes prior to fermentation, resulting in this lovely rose-colored wine. It is made from 100% Chambourcin grapes and pairs well with ham, roasted poultry, sweet Italian sausage, and any savory, non-spicy foods. It is 12.5% alcohol and $17.99. The nose smelled of strawberry and it was very tart, acidic, and dry. I did not really enjoy this wine that much.

The second wine I tasted was the 2010 Chambourcin and I absolutely loved it! With aromas of blackberry and plums, this wine was silky smooth and had notes of dark fruit like cherries. It was 12.5%  alcohol and cost $17.99. The grapes used to make this wine were light-skinned and therefore the wine has low tannic structure, which Roberto our sommelier told us.

The third wine I tasted was The Black Dog. It was a blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot and was 11.7% alcohol and cost $10.99. The nose smelled of cherries and berries and tasted of spice. It was very good and I learned it is the same wine they sell as the Hokie Red but they price it higher, at $12.99.

The fourth wine I tasted was the 2010 Frosty Dog. As a sweet wine person, this wine was right up my alley. It is sold as a split at $19.99 and has 11.2% alcohol. It smelled and tasted of honey and was actually a little too sweet for my taste. It was smooth and creamy and a little thick. I think I would only be able to have one glass of this, and only as dessert.

The fifth wine I tasted with the Blackberry Wine sold at $10.99 and with 12% alcohol. I was really excited about this wine because I have never had wine made out anything but grapes. The wine had a bit of sediment in it, which Roberto said was because of the small seeds in blackberries. It was sweet and smooth and (surprise!) smelled and tasted like berries! It would be excellent chilled and served alongside grilled or spicy food. I enjoyed this wine so much that I bought a bottle to take home.

The last wine I had was a table blend Roberto individually tailored to whatever our own personal tastes were. Because I enjoy dessert wines, he made my blend 50% Chambourcin and 50% Blackberry Wine, two wines I enjoyed immensely on their own. The table blend was the perfect balance of sweet and dry. I have never thought to blend wines so I may try this on my own at home now.





Our waitress, Marisa, openning our bottle of Our Dog Blue

After the tasting, me and my friends visited the restaurant and sat out on the terrace and ate appetizers and drank a bottle of their Chateau Morrisette's Our Dog Blue, a Riesling. We ordered fried green tomatoes, wild mushroom galette, and a fruit and fromage platter. The sweetness in the wine paired with the savory dishes was a perfect combination. The best part of eating at the restaurant, I felt, was the view! It was gorgeous sitting out on the terrace, although a bit windy, and looking at the Blue Ride Mountains in the distance.



I had so much fun visiting Chateau Morrisette, despite getting lost along the way, and I intend to visit again before the semester ends with a picnic basket in tow!

Eric and I outside of the Chateau Morrisette restaurant

Zeppoli's Wine Dinner, April 1st

Zeppoli's Italian Restaurant and Wine Shop holds weekly wine dinners. The wine dinner we went to featured nine Italian wines. I was excited about this tasting and dinner because being an Italian restaurant, I thought it would be interesting to pair Italian food with Italian wine.

The Italian dishes that my meal consisted of were a cheese tray with brie, Gorgonzola, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese, a Mediterranean sauce over fusili pasta, baked shells with marinara, baked shells with meat sauce, and balsamic chicken salad. Our servers for the night were Cody and Matthew. The two of them helped describe the wines and helped us do a blind tasting for three different pairs of wine throughout the tasting.

Eric and I at the wine dinner

We had four white wines with our meal. The first white wine we tasted was a Fossi Bianco White Table White. It was a fairly inexpensive crisp, fruity Italian white priced at $6.99 with an alcohol content of 11.5%. The nose was very sweet and crisp. This wine tasted like a classic white that was zesty and dry, but overall very light. The wine review stated that this wine was "light bodied, green apple, and citrus undertones, crisp clean finish" and I completely agree.

The second and third white wines we tasted were a blind taste taste. I enjoyed tasting blindly because it really helped me concentrate on taste and smells similar to what the wine reviews stated. The second wine was La Fiera 2010 Pinot Grigio Veneto, priced at $7.99 and with 12% alcohol. Made with Pinot Grigio grapes, it tasted lemony and zesty and pairs well with salads, grilled chicken and seafood. The third wine was a Nals Margried 2010 Pinot Grigio Alto Adige, priced at $14.99 and with 13.5% alcohol. It was not as lemony as the second wine and I tasted more fruit flavors like apple and melon as opposed to the second wine.

The fourth and last white wine we tasted was the Lodali 2011 Moscato D'Asti priced at $12.99 and with 5.5% alcohol. Being a dessert wine person, this was my favorite wine of the night. It was carbonated with fresh fruit flavors like berries. The nose smelled of cherries and the flavors that came through were strawberries and peach. This wine was good with the fusili because the wine cut the saltiness of the olives that were in the pasta dish.

SUD 2010 Primitivo Puglia

We tried five red Italian wines that night. The first pair we tasted blindly of the reds was the Luca Primitivo del Salento Puglia, priced at $8.99 and at 13% alcohol, and the SUD 2010 Primitivo Puglia, priced at $11.99 and at 13.25% alcohol. I accurately guessed which wine of the Primitivo grape varietal we tasted first and second. The Luca Primitivo was a non-vintage that was light and not as tannic or spicy as I expected. The SUD Primitivo smelled of cherries and tasted of dark fruit.

The third blind tasting we had were of the Chianti grape varietal. The Morli Neri 2009 Chianti DOCG, priced at $9.99 and at 12.5% alcohol was a traditional Chianti and one that I really enjoyed. It had less wood contact, was medium-bodied, and pairs well with red-sauced based foods like pizza and pasta. The other Chianti we tried was the Bibi Graetz 2010 Casamata Toscana, priced at $12.99 and at 12% alcohol. Casamata means "crazy house" and Toscana means "super Tuscan". This was a 100% Sangiovese pure blend and was very spicy and heavy. It was ok and I preferred the Morli Neri out of the two Chiantis.

The last wine we had of the night was the Lodali 2009 Nebbiolo D' Alba Sant Ambrogio, priced at $17.99 and with 13.5% alcohol. It was the most expensive of the wines we had and was a de-classified Barolo. It was aged 12 months in French and Slovenian oak barrels and 3 months in the bottle. The Lodali is DOCG certified. It was tart and definitely not my favorite. I'm glad I got to try it though so I know that I am not the biggest fan of Barolos.

All the wines we tasted lined up in order!

Vintage Cellar Tasting, April 5th

Name: gPG Garganega Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: gPG is from the delle Venezie regions of northeastern Italy. A clean and crisp palate with plenty of texture and weight follows aromas of apples and zesty lemons. It's perfect with grilled white fish or light risotto.

My Review: The nose on this wine was very zesty and lemony as the review stated. It tasted very tart was a little too acidic for my taste.

I did not have food with this wine.

Name: Oveja Negra
Variety: Syrah-Cab Rose Reserva
Region: N/A
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Oveja Negra Reserva Rosé is bright cherry-red in color and has an attractive nose with aromas of raspberries and strawberries as well as plum and a bit of green apple. Crisp and juicy on the palate with a slight sweetness that accompanies the red fruit flavors. Pleasing natural acidity with medium high intensity, nice persistence, and a fresh finish.

My Review: The nose on this wine had strawberry notes. After doing the "swishy swishy", the overall effect was very light on my palate.

I did not have food with this wine.

Name: Varas Vinho Tinto
Variety: Castelão (45%), Tinta Roriz (25%), Tinta Barroca (20%) and Pinot Noir (10%)
Region: Lisbon
Country: Portugal
Year: N/A
Price: $21.95 ($5.49/bottle)

Winery Review: This smooth Portuguese red is a blend of Castelão (45%), Tinta Roriz (25%), Tinta Barroca (20%) and Pinot Noir (10%). The vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slopes of clay and limestone soils. The wine was aged in oak barrels.
My Review: I really enjoyed this wine! There was a little bit of tannic taste but it was not as peppery as I expected. There was a nice amount of heat on the finish.

I did not have food with this wine.

 
Name: Montebuena Rioja Crianza
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: N/A
Country: Spain
Year: 2007
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: 100% Tempranillo. Dark red. Spicy red berries and cherry on the nose, with hints of cracked pepper and dried rose. Crisp and dry on the palate, with spicy redcurrant and cherry flavors, light tannins and a fresh, energetic finish. An excellent value, and surprisingly elegant for this price point.

My Review: This wine was very full-bodied. It had a spiciness and tartness to it.

I did not have food with this wine.

Name: Cantina di Casteggio Moscato di Pavia
Variety: Moscato
Region: N/A
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Bright, light golden color. Very aromatic nose of ripe apricots, sage, honey and a slight minerality. Medium bodied, sweet and fruity with flavors of apricots and tangerine. Well balanced acidity and medium finish with layers of sweet and citrus fruit.

My Review: The nose on this wine was very, very sweet. It had pear and plum notes. It felt bubbly in my mouth and I definitely got citrus flavor like the review mentioned.
I did not have food with this wine.

Vintage Cellar Tasting, March 17th

All the wines we tasted were from the Roanoke Valley.


Name: Castell del Remei Blanc Planell
Variety: 54% Macabeo, 46% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Catalonia
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: 89 Points, Wine Enthusiast. Easy, chiseled and refreshing stuff from Catalonia that's 54% Macabeo and 46% Sauvignon Blanc, by no means a common combo in Spain. Aromas of lime are clean, while the palate locks in on orange and grapefruit flavors with perfect acidity. Delightful salad and appetizer wine.

My Review: I did not enjoy this wine very much. I agree with the review that it was very zesty and had notes of lemon and lime.

I did not have food with this wine.

Name: Le Vigne des Sablons Vouvray
Variety: N/A
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: From clay and limestone, naturally slightly sweet, but balanced from high natural acidity. All tank aged to retain freshness, loaded with minerals and aromas of white and yellow acacia flowers, apricots, and pears. A great apritif or lovely with white fish or blue veined cheeses.
My Review: A very good white wine. It smelled a bit like apples and chemicals, but its taste was very sweet and grape filled.

My Review: I liked this wine a lot! It was very fresh and I tasted some of the fruity notes like pear.

I did not have food with this wine.

Name: Grange Philippe Gipsy Rosé
Variety: 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache
Region: Pays D'Oc
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $11.95

Winery Review: A wine with strong pink color, excluding floral notes and red berries. Fat and round, it coats the palate before finishing on a final balance without bitterness. 60% Syrah 40% Grenache.

My Review: I enjoyed this wine, but I am a fan of rose. It was sweet and light. The nose on this wine was very pleasing there were notes of strawberries and raspberries.


I did not have food with this wine.

Name: Maison Foucher Chinon La Vigne en Véron
Variety: Red
Region: Aquitaine
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: This Chinon comes from the villages of Riviere, Beaumont en Véron and Savigny en Véron. The soils here are a mix of Argilo Calcaire and gravel which tend to produce wines that are a bit more approachable with soft tannins and lovely fruit. The core of the blend is cuvee of old vines (45-50 years) raised mostly in used barriques, 1-3 years old. The balance is aged in tank, creating a wine that is bright, fresh and aromatic, with a lovely cut. A perfect wine for picnics or by the glass in bistro like settings.

My Review: This wine was very dry and very spicy. It was very heavy, especially after the rose, and smelled of green peppers.

I did not have this wine with food.


Name: Castell del Remei Gotim Bru
Variety: Red
Region: Catalonia
Country: Spain
Year: 2008
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: The flavours of dark cherries are complemented by some red fruit and savoury, almost minty, notes coming through as the wine opens up. A touch of balsamic and some firm tannins round out a thoroughly enjoyable wine. An interesting one for Rioja fans to try, as it does enough to be different, but still ought to appeal with its similar flavour profile. A good match for roast lamb (like all good Rioja).

My Review: This wine was very acidic and a lot of the tannic components came through. I didn't enjoy it very much.

I did not have this wine with food.

Zeppoli's Wine Tasting Feb.6, Red Wines

Name: Allamand
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Valle de Uco
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $11.99

Winery Review: It is a 100% Malbec that comes from 15-20 year old vines planted in the Uco Valley region. Located at the foot of the Andes range, more than 3,150 ft above sea level, this region produces some of the most refined and elegant Malbecs from Argentina. Deep purple color, lots of violets in the nose, and natural great acidity, are the typical characteristics of this typical Uco Valley "appellation" Malbec.

My Review: This wine had a smooth mouth-feel. It was dry and had spicy, tart notes reminiscent of black olives. There was a little heat coming through. The legs were seductively long.

I had this wine with food.

Name: Crucero
Variety: N/A
Region: Colchagua Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $7.99

Winery Review: Alcohol 13.5% "Herbal, powerful and varietally on the money, with common but well-executed aromas of earth, blackberry, and olives. The palate offers proper weight and intensity, while the flavors of black plum, raspberry and tea are just herbal enough to scream out 'Carmenere.' Tasty and consistent from nose to finish. - M.S."
-Wine Enthusiast (December 1st 2010), 88 points + Best Buy "Top 10 under 10"

My Review: The nose was herbal and had spicy flavors coming through. The taste was very dry and earthy with heavy black pepper.

I had this wine with food.

Name: Maipe
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza
Country:Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $8.99

Winery Review: Alcohol 13.5% This Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby red color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, red pepper, mint, chocolate, and vanilla hints. The fruit and tannins are perfectly balanced to give a wine of excellent structure making it ideal for grilled meats, game, pasta, or pizza.

My Review: There were tobacco notes on the nose during the swirly swirly. This Cab Sauv was very full bodied and mature. It tasted earthy and of black cherry and berries with just a touch of dryness.

I had this wine with food.


Name: Gen 5
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lodi
Country:California
Year: 2009
Price: $11.25

Winery Review: Alcohol 13.9% - We strive for a friendly Cabernet Sauvignon, with juicy red and black fruit flavors that is well-balanced and textured and soft on the palate.
Review: 92 points (2009), Wilfred Wong: "Taking Lodi into a whole new level, the finely-tuned '09 Gen Cabernet shows intricate and complex flavors; ripe for sure, yet classy and refined; long finish."

My Review: The nose smelled of rubbing alcohol and sterile notes. The taste was smoky and of mushrooms. There was good tannic structure

I had this wine with food.