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.

Tasting - Alvarez de Toledo

Name: Alvarez de Toledo
Variety: Mencia Roble
Region: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2009
Price: $14, sale $8.95

My review: This wine tasted floral, like violets or lilacs. It was thin and slightly tannic. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: The 2009 Alvarez de Toledo was bottled just a week before the wine was presented but seems to be showing no symptoms of distress. Balsamic, leather, and black fruits are the principal notes struck by this sauve effort that over-delivers in a big way. Like its older sibling, it can be enjoyed now but will have more to say in 2-3 years.

Tasting - Codirosso

Name: Codirosso Chianti
Variety: 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo, 3% Colorino
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2015
Price: $13, sale $7.95

My review: This smelled like cherries, and tasted like black cherries and plums. It was slightly tannic. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: A heck of a value in Chianti, this delicious blend of 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo and 3% Colorino offers up notes of licorice, new saddle leather, black cherry and berry fruit, loamy soil undertones and a touch of pepper and herbs. It is medium-bodied, savory and best drunk over the next several years.

Tasting - The Royal

Name: The Royal Old Vines Steen
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Vintage: 2015
Price $8.95

My review: This wine smelled floral. It tasted like nectarines and lemon. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: The 2015 Chenin Blanc offers loads of melony fruit interspersed with hints of honeysuckle and peach. It is delicious, crisp, lively, and dead ringer for a good Loire Valley Chenin Blanc. Drink it over the next year.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira

Name: Barao de Figueria
Variety: Vinho Branco, Siria
Region: Biera
Country: Portugal
Vintage: 2014
Price: $12, sale $6.95

My review: This wine smelled like fruity. It was dry, and had a fruity taste like apples or pears. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: This wine is soft and rounded. It has lemon and light spiciness along with cool acidity. It is an easy wine that is ripe with apple and fresh lemon juice and ready to drink.

Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Name: Crane Lake Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Vintage: unstated
Price: $5.95

My review: This smelled like honeysuckle and hibiscus. It was thick and sweet, and tasted like peaches.

The wine shop's review: Pale golden color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Minerals and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, leaning towards lime acidity.

Tasting - Vinedos Real Rubio

Name: Vinedos Real Rubio Rioja Crianza
Variety: Tempranillo, Graciano
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2010
Price $16, sale $9.95

My review: This wine was not my favorite. It had a pepper and thyme taste, and an oaky smoky flavor. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: Lightly baked berry aromas vie for attention with leather, spice, and mild earth notes, and the result is disjointed. On the palate, this is tight as a drum initially, but more expansive as it unfolds. Cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and woodspice flavors finish pure, clean and easy. This is a fine yet manageable Rioja that's not trying too hard. Drink through 2016.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira

Name: Barao de Figueira Tino Reserva
Variety: Touriga nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Vintage: 2013
Price: $12, sale $7.95

My review: This wine smelled like red fruit. It tasted like pomegranates and had a black pepper taste.

The wine shop's review: From vineyards at 2000 feet elevation, this is a rich and spicy wine that has a pure streak of fruit freshness and a firmly tannic core. It is perfumed from Touriga Nacional in the blend, with red berry and black plum flavors coming through strongly along, balanced by acidity. It will be better from 2017.

Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego

Name: Garnache de Fuego Vines Grenache Rose
Variety: Grenache
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2014
Price $10, sale $2.95

My review: This wine had an earthy smell. It was smooth and mild, and had an earthy taste, almost like a clay pot. I did not have it with food.

The wine shop's review: The Garnacha de Fuego Rose is a solid effort that has a light salmon color to go with notions of cherry blossom, orange peel and herbs de Provence. Medium-bodied, supple, fresh easy=drinking, and an outstanding value at $3.

Tasting - Villa Vitas

Name: Villa Vitas Ribolla Gialla
Variety: Ribolla Gialla
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2014
Price: $18, sale $6.95

My review: This wine smelled this apples. It tasted fruity like apricots, was slightly dry, and had an almost metallic aftertaste. I did not try it with food.

The wine shop's review: The 2014 Ribolla Gialla shows more minerality, nice quince, white currant and citrus oil notes, a dry, refreshing mouthfeel and a fragrant bouquet.

Wine Dinner (Homemade) - 3/7

A few us of who were still in town over spring break decided to do a last minute wine dinner.

Left to right: Rachel, Patrick, and myself

Patrick and myself

The first wine was a 2016 Anne de Joyeuse Camas Pinot Noir from France that was $11. This wine was very light bodied, but was well balanced.  It was slightly dry, and the flavors/smells were very subtle. It smelled slightly citrusy, and tasted a little like raspberries.

Anne de Joyeuse Camas Pinot Noir 

We had this wine with a lettuce mix salad with dried cranberries, strawberries, bleu cheese, avocado, and balsamic vinaigrette.  It paired well with the acidity of the dressing and the strawberries, and the tanginess of the bleu cheese. It made the wine taste slightly dryer, but since the wine was very mild to begin with it tasted good. This was my favorite pairing of the dinner.

Salad with avocados, dried cranberries, strawberries, bleu cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette

The second wine was a 2014 Sangiovese from by Monte Degli Angeli from Tuscany, Italy for $10.60.  It smelled like berries, and tasted slightly like cherries. It was a little tannic, but well balanced.

The Sangiovese and Patrick

We had the Sangiovese with homemade Penne ala Vodka.  It included homemade pasta noodles and veal meatballs.  They went well together, and the food reduced the tannic taste of the wine.

Sangiovese and Pasta

The last wine was a 2013 Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina for $14. It smelled jammy, and had subtle floral notes. I wasn't a huge fan of this wine, as it was a little tannic for my taste.

Cabernet Sauvignon

We had this wine with chocolate chip cookies, and I wasn't crazy about the pairing. The wine still tasted slightly bitter with the sweetness of the cookies.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tasting - Alvaro Domecq

Name: Alvaro Domecq
Variety: Aranda Creamy Sherry
Region: Jerez
Country: Spain
Vintage: Unstated
Price $20, sale $9.95

The wine shop's review: Golden-brown in color, this has heady aroms of cola, nut, nutmeg, root beer, and caramel. A pure, creamy palate of cinnamon apple, mocha, coffee and chocolate. It's quite smooth and balanced, and very long on the finish.

My review: I was not a fan of this sherry. It was very viscous, and I thought the flavor was almost like that of bourbon, but it was also very sweet. I did not have it with food.

Tasting - Layer Cake Garnacha

Name: Layer Cake Garnacha
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Variety: 2011
Price $18, sale $7.95

The wine shop's review: The Layer Cake Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain is rich and powerful, yet clean and balanced. Layered with aromas of ultra ripe black fruit. On the palate, the wine shoes intense dark fruit with a background of rich dark chocolate and fresh ground coffee with a long creamy finish.

My review: This wine had a slight vanilla taste, and was tannic and had an almost gritty feel. It had an almost mocha like taste. I did not have it with food.

Tasting - Fossi Rosso

Name: Fossi Rosso Magnum
Variety: Sanviogese, Merlot, Primitivo, and Negroamaro
Region: Fiesole
Country: Italy
Variety: Unstated
Price: $18, sale $7.95

The wine shop's review: A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with a touch of Primitivo and Negroamaro. It will remind those who have traveled to Italy of one of the local house wines they consumed while there. Simple, juicy, and perfect for drinking with or without food, it's packed with bright cherry, strawberry, and cranberry fruit aromas and flavors.

My review: This wine smelled like berries. It was a little acidic, but was smooth, and had a slightly earthy taste.

Tasting - Nugan Pie in The Sky

Name: Nugan Pie In The Sky Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2013
Price: $15, sale $7.95

The wine shop's review: Aromas of peach, fig and pineapple with biscuity notes. Tropical, medium bodied style with peach and melon flavors complimented by zesty acids, savoury nuances and a crisp, dry finish. Perfect partner with many styles of modern cuisine including those with an Asian or Mediterranean twist.

My reivew: I thought this wine smelled a tiny bit oaky. It tasted a little acidic, and had a savory, buttery flavor. I did not have it with food.

Tasting - Invino Si Pinot Grigio

Name: Invino Si Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2014
Price: $14 sale, $5.95

The wine shop's review: Pavia, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy where viticulture dates back thousands of years is home to the Si Pinot Grigio vineyards. The wine is creamy on the palate with a crisp, dry character, fresh citrus and pear flavors, and an elegant finish.

My review: This was had a fruity taste, and tasted a little citrusy. It was a little sweet, and was smooth on the palate. I did not have it with food.