Elvira's Wine Blog: April 2013

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Fork & Cork

My boyfriend and I

I had been ready for Fork and Cork for weeks! I remember it being announced last year but unfortunately I wasn't of age to enjoy the wine festivities. In March I heard it was coming back, so I bought my ticket as soon as I could. Getting there was entertaining, the bus was packed with students (probably in this class with blankets, lawn chairs, and thirst mouths. The lines were long, but luckily the line for those with tickets went by very quickly! The first wines we tasted were from the Peaks of Otter Winery from Bedford, VA. The most memorable wines from that winery were:

Strawberry Shortcake purchase

Strawberry Shortcake
$15.00
Their Review: Smooth, Crisp, Refreshing.
My Review: I loved it! It was fruity but not too over the top that it made me sick when I drank the whole bottle. There were strong aromas and tasting of strawberry and apple. Though when I think of strawberry I think of sweetness, this win had the crisp, fresh, berry taste this made this wine very enjoyable.

Blueberry Muffin

$15.00

Their Review: Like my wife Nancy-Beautiful but expensive, triangular blue bottle.

My Review: This wine had strong a blueberry nose. It smelled and tasted like waking up to the smell of fresh, warm blueberry muffins baking and then just taking a bite. This wine was a little too fruity or had too much breakfast characteristics that I could drink more than two glasses of it, still those two glasses were yummy.

The Mango Tango

$22.00

Their Review: The dance you'll never forget.

My Review: Though I'm a fan of mango and the summer nose I got from this wine, I was not a fan. The taste of mango overpowered any distinct taste that it was wine. All I could taste was mango and that taste would have gotten old after a few sips.

Kiss the Devil

$15.00

Their Review: Made from 30 varieties of peppers, including ghost, better for basting than tasting, super hot.

My Review AHHHHHHHHHH!!! DO PEOPLE ACTUALLY DRINK THIS 'WINE'??? This was the last wine Peaks of otter offered for tasting, but before they asked if we wanted to kiss the devil. After their description I should have said no, but that's no fun! They had a chaser ready for when we drank it and we surely needed it. It tasted like hot sauce and vodka mixed together. It was definitely not something I would drink with anything! The lingering burn on my tongue was what prompted me to buying their first wine we tasted. I'm guessing that's how they get sales.

Hokietron dancing!

We were getting hungry, so we decided it was time for lunch and The Cellar truck look like it could hit the spot. I ordered hot dogs with chips. I added ketchup and mustard on it and after each bite I would wash it down with the Strawberry Shortcake wine I bought at Peaks of Otter. I'm not sure if it the tang in the ketchup or mustard, but it was a good idea to drink my wine after. The wine seemed to taste more sweeter that it was on its own. I wouldn't eat hot dogs with tthat again. After watching the live band and older women drunk dancing, we proceeded to continue our tastings with Hill Top Berry wines. I was surprised and excited to learn that these wined were not made form grapes, but from other fruits! I tried:

Lavender Metheglin
$16.95

Their Review: Metheglin is derived from the Welsh word "meddyglyn" which means healing drink. In ancient times, healing spices were added to mead resulting in a drink with healing powers. Lavender, believed to promote good health, is also soothing and relaxing and is associated with romance and seduction. Possessing a beautiful golden color and a bouquet of fresh lavender flowers, this slightly sweet mead can be enjoyed heated or paired with desserts such as blackberry cobbler.

My Review: The nose was very soothing, like when you walk to a room where they are burning some kind of lavender candle. The taste was as if you drank the lavender oils that were burning in that room. That taste was most powerful at the beginning and on the finish, but in the middle the honey softened the lavender taste.

Strawberry Melomel
$13.95
Their Review: A unique sipping wine with a delightful strawberry bouquet that is sure to please the senses. Pair it with an assortment of food like cheesecake, almonds, and country ham. Also makes a great cigar wine.
My Review: The nose was very fruity with hints of strawberry and other berries, like blueberries. Unlike the one I tasted at Peaks of Otter, the strawberry flavor in this was was overbearing. It was too sweet and I couldn't detect any other flavors.

Cranberry Table Wine

$16.95

Their Review: Hold on to your taste buds. This tart wine goes well with baked or grilled chicken or with turkey during the holidays; makes a refreshing sea breeze or cranberry lemonade as well.

My Review: THIS WAS MY FAVORITE WINE ALL DAY!!! This definitely made your mouth make a sour face, but in a good way. The nose was cranberry, cranberry, cranberry! The taste was tart like they warned, but it was a good tart that made you want some more. Even though it was tart, the fruitiness made it enjoyable alone.I tried to go back and buy another bottle of wines, but they sold out!

My friends visiting from Northen Virginia had a blast!

Friday, April 26, 2013

Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Wine: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône

Variety: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault

Region: Rhone Valley

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $14.95/750 mL, $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: The color of this wine was a deep red with a full body and great texture. The nose had hints of cherries and spice. The spice was also present in the taste. This wine was utterly dry and bitter. The dryness lingered in your mouth. I would have loved to have it with a meat of some sort to soften the bitterness.

I did not have it with any food.

Tasting - Lobetia Chardonnay

Wine: 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: I'm not sure if this Tempranillo tasted better than other Tepranillos I've had because it was just better or because I saw the description of it being organic and natural. The color was a light, clear, crisp color. I could definitely smell pineapple and apple aromas on the nose. There was definite hints of pineapple in the taste which made it acidic. The citrus and acidic characteristics was just enough to make it an enjoyable wine.

I did not have it with any food.

Tasting - Lobetia Tempranillo

Wine: 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 color of this wine was a deep red. The nose was strong with hints of plum and dark cherries. The strong nose continued with a strong taste. The tannins were very high, making the taste and finish bitter. The taste lingered for a while.

I did not have it with any food.

Tasting - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele

Wine: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da 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: Though the description says that the color is coppery, the color was more clear, like a typical white wine. The nose was fruity with hints of apple and melon. The nose of this pinot grigio had a very acidic and citrus. It wasn't too strong of a citrus taste, instead it made it a perfect Spring/Summer drink.

I did not have it with any food.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Rias Baixas Region

Most wine spectators can say that Rias Baixas is the most important Denomination of Origin in northwestern Spain’s Galicia. The establishment of Rias Baixas as a Denomination of Origin was in 1988. When Spain joined the United Nation, the denomination was changed to Rias Baixas because EU wine laws know any DOs named for just a single grape varietal. An official denomination was made specifically for the Albariño grape variety, which is the grape that Rias Baixas grows most successfully.

Because this region shares its border with the Atlantic Ocean, its climate is greatly affected by the ocean. Most of the region has cool, damp climate, but it can vary between the sub regions. Annually, Rias Baixas may get only 2,200 hours of direct sunlight. The average rainfall is very high, at times surpassing 71 inches a year! This great rainfall amount makes Rias Baixas one of the greenest parts of Spain. The rich land is illustrated by rias, deep, wide bay of water from the Atlantic Ocean. The soil, because of the rain, is granitic and rocky with alluvial top-soil. In some area, the vines may be located near mountains and valleys. In this region with its green rolling hills and high rainfall, and high humidity, white and light red wines are the most successful. The Albariño grapes, which are the most successful in this region, have distinct taste characterized by intense flavor from its mouth- watering acidity. It has a pleasant floral finish, many times with small fizz.

There are around 24 wineries in Rias Baixas. Within the region, there are 8,650 acres of grapes with almost 20,000 individual vineyard plots. Nearly 100% of the wine produced here show the DO designation.

Within this wine region lie five sub regions of Rias Baixas: the Val do Salnes, Condado de Tea, Rosal, Soutomaior, and Ribera do Ulla. Val do Salnes is the western most sub-region of Rias Baixas and the most coolest and wettest. It is the original and oldest sub region in Rias Baixas. Ultimately, this is where the Albariño grape was born. Its closeness to the coastline helps Val do Salnes creates the best Albariño grapes for Rias Baixas. They grow on gently sloped hills and flat valley on the Umia River. Condado de Tea vines lie near the Miño River and borders Portugal. ‘Tea County’ is named after a tributary of the Miño River, Tea River. This sub region is the farthest away from the Atlantic Ocean so it is the warmest part of Rias Baixas. Because of the warmer weather, the grapes are less acidic but still powerful ones. The Rosal region also grow near the Mino River but also borders the Vinho Verde region in Portugal. The smallest sub region in Rias Baixas, Soutomaior, is located south of the town of Pontevedra. The last sub region is Ribera do Ulla. This region is fairly new, it became recognized as a sub region in 2000.

The Rias Baixas region is regulated by the Consejo Regulador which is a local governing body. Aside from the Albariño grape, other varietal grapes include Loureira, Treixadura, Caiño, Torrontés and Godello. These traditional white grape varietals are the only ones allowed when producing DO wines. They regulate grape varieties, viticulture practices, winemaking and aging procedures. Though they are not a big region in production of red wines, there are specific grape varietals allowed in them. The only ones allowed are Mencía and Brancellao. For a wine to be labeled as ‘Rias Baixas’, it must contain at least 70% Albariño grapes. In certain sub regions, Caiño Blanco and Loureira can also be used in the wines as a blend. An interesting fact about wine labeling in Rias Baixas is the language. Because Rias Baixas is part of the independent region of Galicia with a distinct dialect of Spanish called Gallego, most of the wines labels are in Gallego.

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: The nose of this wine was a strong citrus one, like some sort of orange or grapefruit were squeezed in it. The citrus reminded me of a fresh, Spring day, especially with its floral scents. Reflecting the strong smell, the taste was was clean and acidic. The finish was not a strong one which was perfect because if the tannins were in the finish it would have made it a harder wine to drink on its own.

I did not have it with food.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Wine Dinner - Zeppoli's "Spain and Italy, Vino Di Vino" (Italy)

I reserved seats for my boyfriend and I in the middle of the week, I was really excited, even if it was cold and snowing outside. I did not really know what to expect. I figured we would sit down, order from the menu and they would serve wines that complemented our orders. We arrived early, before anyone, and saw the set up of the dinner in a smaller room. We met Matthew Burch who seemed excited and overwhelmed. When I had called to make my reservation earlier that week, there had not been many reservations at all. He tells us that on that same day, all the seats became reserved! It was definitely an adventure!

My boyfriend and I, I promise he was more excited for this in person!

As we sat down and explored the room we saw the different bottles of wines for sale, several wine glasses on all the tables, and the food. I was quite hungry so I was glad to see it was a buffet- style dinner. There was a great variety of food! We had cheese and pepperoni pizza, barbeque meatballs, turkey pesto wraps, pasta smothered in Alfredo sauce, bread, Greek salad, and a tray of cheeses and crackers.

That night we tasted a whooping 11 wines! We had five white wines and five red wines.I had wines from different vineyard and from different regions of Spain and Italy. The prices of the wine bottle were affordable, plus tasting all of them for $15 was luck! As a bonus, we had a Sangria!

White Wines

Cortenova NV Prosecco DOC Treviso Italy: Alcohol 11% Light straw colored with greenish reflections. Fragrant bouquet full of flowers and almonds. In the palate it is fresh and clean with a soft body and a pleasing sparkle. The fruit is subtle and reminiscent of apples and pears with a hint of almond in the background. The finish is inviting. Can be drunk by itself as an aperitif or with seafood and fish, pastas with cream sauces, chicken, and fresh cheeses.

Cortenova Pinot Grigio DOC Italy (Magnum) 2011: Brilliant Straw color with emerald reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots, and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste. Pairs well with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, spaghetti with clams, sole in white wine. Perfect also as an aperitif.

AV Vinho Verde AOC Portugal 2011: "Spring flowers and fresh fruit essences a natural freshness to dance across your palate." For a hot summer's day, you don't want an expensive rich white; you want Verde! There are few other wines that scream "summer" in the way Vinho Verde does. It seems as though that gently fizzy, wet stone-scented thing works equally well with hot dogs, raw clams, corn on the cob or any of the other classic foods of the season. Enjoy this at your Fourth of July barbecue, and consider it for summer picnics, shore outings and other alfresco events all the way through Labor Day.

Opera Prima NV Sparkling Moscato: A great value and a crowd-pleasing pour, Opera Prima Moscato presents an intense aroma of fresh grapes, fruit syrup and hints of white flower petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness, balanced by a crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on its own, as an aperitif or with all types of sweets and desserts. Serve well-chilled.

Opera Prima 2011 Chardonnay La Mancha DO Spain 2011: Alcohol 12% Chardonnay clean and bright in color, with an attractive tone. From fresh aroma on the nose, with a complex compendium of tropical fruits. Flavor is tasty, well balanced acidity and with memories of sensations obtained in the nose.

Red Wines

Aviva Vino 2009 "Aletta" Garnacha Campo de Borja Spain: Alcohol 14%. While most Campo de Borja Garnachas under $15 are simple, easy-drinking, medium-bodied fruit bombs, this is a dark, brooding wine that demands to be taken seriously despite its bargain price. This is like if someone just took the skins of blackberries and blueberries and through some sort of arcane beverage alchemy turned it into a bottle of lush-fruited elixir with great acid and firm tannins and only the slightest hint of the tell-tale cigar leaf common to its origin.

Opera Prima 2011 Tempranillo La Mancha DO Spain: This Opera Prima Tempranillo has a bright ruby red attractive and clean with blue trim of his youth. The nose displays intense fruit aroma characteristics of the variety, red and black fruits of the forest: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries with Litter flavors and floral aromas as interesting violets and roses. The palate confirms the explosion of aromas of red and black fruits of the forest, reappearing for the initial retronasal aromas found on the nose.

Cortenova 2011 Sangiovese di Puglia IGT Italys: Alcohol 12.5% intense, ruby red color. Strawberry, cherry fruit aromas. Fruity flavors, great body, supple tannins and a long finish. Food friendly style of wine. Excellent with rich pasta dishes and grilled red meat.

Cortenova 2010 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC Italy: Alcohol 12.5% Deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant and fruity bouquet. Full bodied, soft tannins and good acidity. Excellent with pasta dishes and red meats.

Damilano 2009 "Marghe" Nebbiolo d'Alba DOCG Piedmont Italy: Alcohol 14%, Characteristic notes of violet and red fruit. Dry on the palate with good body and character; velvety and harmonious. Pairs well with hearty first courses, red meats, roasts, braised meats, game and aged cheese.

Morada San Gria: A traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana, or apple.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

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 follow through to a medium body. Shows vanilla, apple and melon flavors with a medium finish. Lightly sweet.

My Review: This wine was a fun experience to taste. It definitively reflected the warm, Spring weather outside. This wine has clear, yellowish tint. The nose was fruity with strong scents of lemon. Though the lemon smell was strong, the taste was not citrus. It was clean, crisp, and fresh, as if it were Pine-Sol. The finish was not too light but not too strong, just perfect.

I did not have with any food.

Tasting - Torre Castillo Alegre

Name: Torre Castillo Alegre

Variety: Monastrell

Region: Jumilla

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Bright ruby-red. Dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose aromas, with a hint of wood smoke. Sweet and fleshy on the palate, with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a suggestion of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes repeat on the finish.

My Review: This red wine was one of the less appealing wine for me. The nose was strong with scents of cigarettes (which I am not a fan of). There were also hints of bitter candy and dried spices or herbs. The nose was similar to the taste. It was a dry, bitter taste without any fruitiness to soften it.

I did not have it with any food.

Tasting - Wilson Daniels Merlot

Name: Wilson Daniels Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: California

Country: US

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 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 wine has a full, deep, red body. The nose had strong scents of berries. like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. In the tasting, I could taste the fruitiness and also hints of almonds. The finish was not bitter but it was more like dry and flat.

I did not have it with any food.

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: Like its pink color, the nose was very feminine with scents of a flowery, spring perfume. I could definitely smell hints of strawberries and cherries. Though it had a feminine nose, the taste was strong, especially with its bitter finish. I wish I had some chicken with it maybe soften the taste.

I did not have it with any food.

Tasting - Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: California

Country: US

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: The wine was a crisp, clear color. I enjoyed the nose very much. It was very fruity reminding me of summer. I was also reminded of the beach because I could smell some sort of sunscreen lotion or beach smell mixed together. The taste was citrusy, but it was not overrated. It did not interfere with a sweet, crisp finish. I enjoyed drinking it on its own.

I did not have it with any food.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Tasting - Ruta 22 Malbec

Name: Ruta 22 Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Patagonia

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.

My Review: I did not get much descriptions from the nose. The nose was small and bland. The taste was more strong than the nose. It had fruity, acidic flavors like that of berries. It wasn't sweet at all, it was more dry. The finish was also acidic with a tinge of burn or spice.

I did not have it with any food.

Tasting - Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Name: Château Serres Sainte Lucie Corbières

Variety: Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre

Region: Corbières

Country: France

Year: 2009

Price: $4.95

Winery Review: Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins.

My Review: The nose was strong and unappealing. It smelled like dirty veggies or vegetables and some moldy dirt. I didn't let it ruin what the taste might be like. It was difficult to drink. The taste was intense, very acidic with a spicy finish. This was my least favorite wine of all time!

I did not have it with any food.