Wine Dinner (Homemade) - 3/30

Six of us sat down together for a wine dinner today, and Rachel (who was at work) showed up later to join in. 

Rachel and I, when she finally got back from work

   

(Left to right) Patrick, Sydney, Bryan, Abby, Austin, and myself

Pairing 1: Sauvignon Blanc with Caprese Salad

Name: Crucero

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Curico Valley

Country: Chile

Vintage: 2016

Price: $7.95

My review: It smelled like light acidic fruit and coconut. It was definitely acidic, and tasted almost like pears. It was thin, and not too dry. 

With the caprese salad (cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and Italian seasoning): it definitely took out the tartness of the wine, but it didn't add much flavor to the wine or the food. It was a decent pairing and the oil balanced out the acidity, but it didn't add much of anything.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc and Caprese Salad

Pairing 2: Sangiovese + Syrah with Spaghetti and Meatballs

Name: Sasyr

Variety: Sangiovese and Syrah blend

Region: Tuscany

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2012

Price: $30, sale $12

My review: It smelled like vanilla/butter, and oaky. It tasted creamy and smooth, with a bit of spice, and was dry.

With the spaghetti/meatballs (spaghetti noodles, sauce: crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, store bought beef meatballs): Eating it with the food caused it to have a bite at the back end with the sauce/noodles. It tasted almost berry-like with the sauce. The meatballs caused it to have even more of an acidic bite with the spices, but it goes well with the smooth structure of the wine. It was a good pairing overall. 

Sasyr

Sasyr and Spaghetti and Meatballs

Pairing 3: Sherry and Tiramisu 

Name: Alvear

Variety: Sherry

Region: Montilla

Country: Spain

Vintage: 1927!!

Price: $25

My review: It smelled like good quality maple syrup, and a little bit nutty. It was very sweet, almost overpowering, and tasted like pecans. It was like drinking alcoholic syrup.

With the Tiramisu (bought from Kroger): It brought out more of a sweeter berry type flavor, almost like raspberries, and cut some of the syrup like taste/texture. It was the best pairing of the night. 

Sydney, the 1927 Sherry, and Tiramisu

Sherry

Tasting - Clean Slate

Name: Clean Slate
Variety: Riesling
Region: Mosel
Country: Germany
Vintage: Unstated
Price: $15, sale $9.95

My review: This wine was sweet, and smelled and tasted almost a little floral like hibiscus. It was fruity, as well, like kiwi. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: The balanced taste profile of Clean Slate is created by carefully selecting grapes from vineyards throughout Mosel. Grapes from the Lower Mosel provide mineral notes, while grapes from the Middle Mosel create a hint of spiciness and grapes from the Upper Mosel supply fresh, peach flavors. The result is clean, fresh flavor that is delicious with food and perfect to share with friends.

Tasting - Tabali

Name: Tabali Reserva Carmenere
Variety: Carmenere
Region: Cachapoal Valley
Country: Chile
Vintage: 2012
Price $15, sale $7.95

My review: This wine had an earthy smell, and definitely had a spicy taste. The black pepper was very prominent, and maybe even a little like jalapeno? I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: Dark, statuesque wine with concentrated potent aromas of black olive, herbs and mulled blackberry. Tastes like textbook Carmenere, but without any jammy overripeness. Flavor of racy spiced berry, olive and black pepper are all good, and there's that patented herbal, roasted quality on the finish, but not too much.

Tasting - Yellowtail

Name: Yellowtail Shiraz Grenache 1.5L Magnum
Variety: 80% Shiraz, 20% Grenache
Region: Casella
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2015
Price: $14, sale $5.95

My review: This wine smelled like cherries, and tasted like dark fruit (like plums or cherries) and was slightly spicy like pepper. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: A classic blend of Shiraz and Grenache, with the raspberries, blackcurrant, licorice and spice characteristic of the Shiraz complementing the upfront cherry and cola flavors of the Grenache. The balanced wine offers earthy tones, strawberry aromas and vibrant acidity.

Tasting - Closerie Saint Antoine

Name: Closerie Saint Antoine Champ de Carra
Variety: Viognier
Region: Languedoc
Country: France
Vintage: 2015
Price: $13, sale $6.95

My review: This wine tasted fruity, like apples or pears. It was smooth and light, ad didn't have too much acidity. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: Light yellow color with green reflection. At first, this Viognier exhibits some citrus and pine aromas, after some time in the glass, it develops peach and mango. In the mouth, it is quite lovely with a great fruit forward approach. It is intense and balanced at the same time. The finish is long and offers an array of flavors, such as ripe peach and pear with creamy, lemony nuances.

Tasting - Tabali

Name: Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Limari Valley
Country: Chile
Vintage: 2013
Price: $15, sale $7.95

My review: This was had an earthy smell, and tasted slightly like grass, and was pretty acidic. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: The 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva is un-oaked and without malolactic from a selection from the Talinay vineyard and 20# from the Tabali vineyard. It has an herbaceous note of asparagus and peas, a chalky sensation, and a fresh palate with bitter and citric flavors. It's a superb value.

Tasting - Ca' Bea

Name: Ca' Bea Sangue di Guida
Variety: 45% Uva Rar, 10% Barbera, 25% Croatina
Region: Oltrepo Pavese
Country: Italy
Vintage 2014
Price: $9.95

My review: This wine was straight-up purple. It was very sweet and tasted like acacias or blueberries, and maybe slightly like vanilla.

The wine shop's review: Off-dry with a slight fizz, offering bright berry and mineral notes. Medium-bodied, wit ha clean, fresh palate and fruity finish. This is a rare, sweet red wine that is wonderful with desserts such as dry pastries, cookies, and cakes.