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