Zeppolis Wine Dinner on April 15th

My friend and I at dinner.

Today I went to a wine pairing dinner with two of two of my good friends. It was at Zeppolis, a restaurant in Blacksburg, Virginia. This is where I went for the last food and wine pairing. I enjoyed that wine tasting and I was sure that I would love this one. In the end I was very impressed with the variety of the wine tastes as well as the food being served with them.

At Zeppolis we tried 9 different wines, 4 whites and 5 reds. The waiter/the person running the dinner did not have a themed dinner. It was just a bunch of different food types with the different wines that he thought would pair well with the wines being served. The wines tasted ranged from old world wines to new world wines. While he was serving wine he talked about different types of things that relate to wine, such as different bottle styles as well as peoples different tastes in wines.

The selection of wines tasted.

Below are the description given to us and then my thoughts on the different wines with the different types of food that was available.

The white wines.

White Wines

Muscanti NV Brut Sparkling Wine Penedes Spain
Lemon blossoms, green apple, toast and honeydew melon are front and center in this crisp refreshing Spanish Sparkler. Silky supple with lingering flavors, yet a tingle of crisp acid on the finish. A combination of traditional cava grapes but this wine is not made in the traditional methode champenoise (which is required by Spanish law to be called Cava). This is made with the Charmat process and may only be called 'Spanish sparkling wine'. [$7.50 and Alcohol: 11.5%]
My thoughts: This wine was very dry! I normally never get Brut sparkling wines (or champagnes) for this reason.  I thought the wine itself was very well crafted and I thought it went well with much of the lighter foods. It had tastes of the fruits, the main one that I tasted was apples. It went well with the cheese and crackers as well as the fruit. I think this would go very well with different types of fruit.

Mars and Venus Chardonnay 2006 Central Valley Chile
This Chardonnay is juicy and fresh with pineapple and citrus notes and a silky smooth texture. Serve it with roasted Chicken, Shellfish or pasta dishes in a light cream sauce. [$8.99 and Alcohol: 13.5%]
My thoughts: This wine was very good. It had a very light fresh taste to it. It went well with the white sauce pasta and the pesto on bread. I can see this wine being paired with anything from white sauce pastas to salads with light dressings.

Rubus 2009 Chardonnay Russian River Valley California
This wine has hints of tropical fruit, pear and New Town ripened apples. The wine is barrel fermented, but not overly and is balanced just like a Joe Swann or Sonoma-Cutrer wine. This is Chardonnay for the lover of white burgundy-flavorful, balanced and delicious. [$11.99 and Alcohol: 13.9%]
My thoughts: The first thing that I noticed about his wine is how much darker is was than the other chardonnay that we just had. I could also smell an oak flavor to it. I thought this wine was pretty much good with everything! It was good with the red sauce, but I do not think that I would ever pair this wine with a red sauce again. I have to say that it was great with all the cheeses and the white sauce pasta.

Borealis 2010 "The Northern Whites" Willamette Valley
The aroma practically covers the full fruit spectrum with notes of papaya, quince, yellow apple and hints of grapefruit and lime made all the more exotic with whiffs of jasmine and sandlewood. On the palate it starts with a slightly sweet expression of ripe fruit with a crisp acid balance and evolves to a delicious fresh finish of grapefruit and lime. [$12.99 and Alcohol: 11.5%]
My thoughts: This wine had a very different taste to it. The light crisp taste. It was also very good with the lighter food. My favorite with the wine was the pesto on the bread. I think this wine would pair well with a lot of different foods.

The red wines.

Red Wines

San Elias 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
 "This wine has a nice purple color and the bouquet practically jumps from the glass; smoky, meaty notes; soon ripe cassis and black cherry emerge; the palate is similar, with the fruit taking the lead; nice tannin and acidity perk the fruit up again near the finish, which is crisp yet lingering. A top value." - Beverage Dynamics (Jan/Feb. 10), 88 pts [$7.99 and Alcohol: 13.5%]
My thoughts: When I smelled this wine I was not sure if I was going to like it. It was one of the of those wine that I would have passed up at any other place because of the smell. Upon trying the wine I realized that it is actually a very smooth wine and tasted really good. I like it with the red pasta sauce, and I can see it being paired with a nice steak. But I am not sure if I would ever buy it because of the smell.

Kenwood 2009 Yulupa Cabernet Sauvignon California
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot. Deep in color with rich, ripe fruit aromas of cherries and plums followed by fragrant notes of cinnamon and cocoa nibs. Full-bodied, with a rich lingering finish. Aged 20 months in French and American oak. Delicious with any pork, beef or lamb, this Cabernet Sauvignon also pairs wells with a variety of pasta dishes. [$11.99 and Alcohol: 13.5%]
My thoughts: This wine had a very good taste. It had nice oak flavorings that were not overwhelming. I tried this with the ravioli and the salad and I thought it paired well with both. I liked the different meats on the salads, it made the red wine really pair well with the flavoring of a salad.

Rubus 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi, California
Rude red in color, with red fruit, raspberry, and spice on the nose. This wine is medium in body, with notes of ripe cherry, cedar box, cinnamon, anise, black pepper, and hint of smoke on the palate. It has a long, silky finish. [$12.99 and Alcohol: 14.4%]
My thoughts: This wine had a very fruity taste to it. I could taste the wood flavoring to it, it was different because it was not aged in wood but still had a wood taste to it. Unlike most zinfandel, in which I would pair with heavy food, I would only pair this with lighter food. I thought the ravioli was almost too heavy for this wine. It was also good with the salad and crackers.

Mars and Venus Merlot 2007 Central Valley Chile
Smooth, rich and well balanced with berry and cocoa flavors framed by a sturdy structure-a real wine drinker's Merlot. It is perfect with pizza, pasta or even a good Steak!! [$8.99 and Alcohol: 13.5%]
My thoughts: This wine was not my favorite. It was still good with most foods. I don't very much agree with the description of it being prefect with pizza and pasta. It just did not seem like the best wine for some of the sauces that could be used in making those dishes. I would call this a 'safe' wine, as in it pairs well with everything but it may not be the best for all types of food.

Trentadue 2009 Block 500 Merlot Sonoma County California
96% Merlot, 1% Montepulciano, 1% Cabernet Savignon, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot. The wine's characteristics are typical to the Estate fruit with aromas and flavors of dark stone fruit, black licorice and earth. Further aeration reveals layers of blackberry, herbs, cedar and tobacco. On the mouth the wine is complex and full-bodied with ripe, balanced tannins, a juicy middle and long smooth finish. The low pH and tannin structure will support several years of again. [$18.99 and Alcohol: 14.6%]
My thoughts: This wine was good. Again, not my favorite of the group. I unfortunately did not get to try this with a lot of the food because by the time I was given this wine I had ate most of the different foods on my plate. I can image that this food would be good with the classic red wine foods. I think that it would go really well with some of the lighter red meats.

Plates after we were done eating.

Wine Pairing Dinner at Zeppolis (Italy)

Today I went to a wine pairing dinner with two of my roommates and good friend Sonia. It was at Zeppolis, a restaurant in Blacksburg, Virginia that is know to serve very good meals that pair well with wines. I was very excited to try this opportunity because normally when I eat wine with a meal I try to guess which type of wine will go best with the food I want to cook.

Some food tasted.

At Zeppolis we tried 9 different wines, 4 whites and 5 reds. The waiter/the person running the dinner had kinda  theme to the dinner. He wanted us to try wines of the same grape variety, but not tell us which wine it was, the alcohol content, and the price. He wanted us to try to guess the differences in the wines just by using what we know about wines. After the first set of wines it was a little easier to taste the differences but it really made me realize how much I have learned from trying different wines. All the wines tasted are from Italy and the food was themed to be more Italian dishes.

Below are the description given to us and then my thoughts on the different wines with the different types of food that was available.

The selection of wines tasted.

Whites:

White wine tasted.

Fossi Bianco White Table Wine: An inexpensive crisp, fruity Italian white that is very drinkable. It is light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy. From outstanding Chianti producer Andrea Fossi, there is a lot of quality in the bottle for this price. Excellent for a big gathering. Light bodied, green apple and citrus undertones, crisp clean finish. [ $6.99, 11.5% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: This is a very good wine. It is very light and refreshing, I can see why this is a table wine. The subtle flavors taste like they would pair well with anything that would be ordered, as long as it was not a heavy red meat. It seems to be paired well with the Italian pasta salad, the garlic bread, and the cheese.

La Fiera 2010 Pinot Grigio Veneto: It has straw color with a fruity bouquet filled with apples and pears. The palate is dry, soft and well balanced with a lingering acidity. Exhibits ripe peach and apple flavors with a pleasing mineral finish, perfectly suited as a delightful aperitif or served alongside salads, frilled chicken and seafood. Since 1928, the Botter family has been producing wines under environmentally friendly policies and with innovation production techniques and technologies. [$7.99, 12% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: Part of the blind tasting with the Nal Margried Pinot Grigio (below). I did not like the taste of this wine. I thought it was very bland, and it did not seem to pair well with much of the food.

Nals Margried 2010 Pinot Grigio Alto Adige: Here is a Pinot Grigio (of which 30% see contact with oak) with a rich, creamy mouth feel and compelling aromas of yellow fruit and Golden Delicious apple. The wine is thick and slightly oily on the finish. Lively, refreshing and seems to have an Alpine purity. Nicely defined on the palate showing pear, melon, tangy lemon curd, and a Fruity Finish. [$14.99, 14% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: This wine was tasted first in the blind tasting (with the La Fiera Pinot Grigio). You could tell that this wine was darker than the second just by looking at the colors as they were served. I thought this wine was very crisp and tart. The acidity comes though a little, but it was expected. It was very good with the salad, pasta salad and the bread.

Lodali 2011 Moscato D'Asti: A delightfully aromatic wine, with loads of fresh fruit flavors bursting from the glass. It is sweet, but beautifully balanced by the wine's effervescence and acidity. Being Frizzante, it has only about half the effervescence of a sparkling wine, and is hard to resist. The wine makes a wonderful accompaniment to many desserts, especially those made with fruit such as peach, pear, apple and berries. [$12.99, 5.5% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: This is definitely a desert wine. It was very sweet, I am not the biggest fan of moscatos because of how sweet they are. The wine did not pair with much, just the cheeses, which can be served with desert. It was not too bad with the salad, but it was not something that I can see myself drinking a lot of with any other food besides deserts.

Reds:

Red wine tasted.

Luca Primitivo del Salento Puglia: From the easternmost part of Italy (the heel), and one of the most prolific wine producing areas since Phoenician times, the Primitivo grape produces rich, dark, fruity wine of distinctive character. Known as the father of Zinfandel, this wine shows similar qualities without the "jammy" mouth feel of the California style; a pronounced vinuous quality is readily apparent on the nose, followed by a collage of flavors. Bright plums and burnt cherries are complimented by pepper spice and laced with mineral notes. A full-bodied wine, great with barbequed meats, roasts, game, and hearty pasta sauces. [$8.99, 13% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: This wine was done as a blind taste testing with the SUD Primitivo Puglia (below). The color of this wine was very dark red. The smell was a mix of alcohol and some plums, which did not make the best combination. Because of the smell I didn't think it was going to pair well with any of the food. It was a little dry. The only food that it paired well with was the red-sauce pasta.

SUD 2010 Primitivo Puglia: Feudi di San Marzano's 2010 Privative Puglia Salento cuts a handsome appearance in the glass. It wears a deep purple robe that is imbued with fiery glints of ruby. More importantly, it offers an intense aromatic profile of plum, cherry, herb, vanilla, and spices that caress the nose. On the palate, the wine continues to work its magic by spreading plush fruit and herb driven flavors to fill the mouth. Coupled with the wine's bright fruit is a balanced minerality that adds both interest and vibrancy. [$11.99, 13.5% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: The smell of this wine was a lot better than the Luca Primitivo. You could taste a lot more of the spices in this wine. I thought it was a much better constructed wine than the other Primitivo. It tasted very good with the chicken in the salad, but I could tell it was meant more for a red meat dinner.

Morli Neri 2009 Sangiovese and Chianti DOCG: This is beautifully traditional Sangiovese and Chianti with great compatibility with food. It has a dried-cherry nose and burst of plummy jam on the palate. It has a soft bouquet and long lasting aroma. This medium bodied, earthy red is wonderful with red-sause based foods such as pizza, pasta, and lasagna. [$9.99, 12.5% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: This was part of a blind tasting with the Bibi Graetz Casamata Toscana (below). This wine is very good. I have actually had this wine before in Italy, but did not know what type of wine it was then. When I was in Italy I had it with a pizza dinner, it was the house wine. It is a wine that I would love to pair with any type of red-sause food, for example pizza or pasta. I was able to tell that this was made for an Italian palate (partly because I have had it before)

Bibi Graetz 2010 Casamata Toscana: Casamatta (meaning Crazy Horse!) is 100% Sangiovese pure blend from various Tuscan microclimates which reconfirms the exceptional nature of this territory. Smooth and rich, the wine displays all the classic qualities of the varietal with ripe red currant, earthy tannins, and hints of licorice. It is easy to drink, great with food or just by the glass, and sure to please. An unbelievable bargain too! [$12.99, 12% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: Compared to the other Sangiovese wine, I thought this wine was very dark in color. I could pick with wine this was while tasting it because I could pick out the licorice flavoring. The taste was much drier, and I was able to taste the tannins in the wine as well. I think it would be paired well with red meat instead of red-sause food, as with the other wine.

Lodali 2009 Nebbiolo D'Alba Sant Ambrogrio: Aged 12 months in French and Slovenian oak barrels and 3 months in bottle. The color is bright ruby red with shades of garnet, and the aroma is subtle and lingering, with hints of florality and licorice. The flavor is full and well-rounded, long-lasting and harmonious. Pairs well with pasta and vegetables, game birds, roast meats and cheese. [$17.99, 13.5% Alcohol]
My Thoughts: When I smelled this wine I could smell some of the oak flavoring and flowers but it was very subtle like described. Out of all the wines tasted today I was my favorite. I think it paired well with a lot of the food (the pasta salad, the red-sause pasta, and the garlic bread just to name of few). It had a very full body, and the lingering taste was very pleasant and not overwhelming.


Overall it was a good experience and I can't wait to try different foods and wine pairings.

Rosenblum Desiree - Chocolate Port

Name: Rosenblum Desiree
Variety: Chocolate Port
Region: California
Country: USA
Price: $35.00 -> $16.95

Winery Review: Our Desiree Chocolate Dessert Wine is crafted in a rich, tawny port style with heady, dark fruit and enticing chocolate character. On the nose, chocolate, vanilla and coconut aromas swirl around a rich fruit core, spilling forward through the senses and across the palate. Seductive and smooth, this wine borrows its name from the deep emotion it elicits: desire.

My Review:I really didn't like the smell of this wine. It didn't sit right, and I was very hesitant about trying this type of wine. When I tried it I did not like it at all. The color of the wine is very brown in color. It tastes like chocolate licorice and chocolate. It is very sweet.

Girard - Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Girard
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley (California)
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $30.00 -> $14.95

Winery Review: Showcases the forward, ripe fruit and fine, polished tannins for which the Napa Valley is most prized. The initial aromatic notes are of ripe red fruit and spicy oak. The flavors on the lush palate follow suit, while the finish underscores the high quality of the fruit from which the wine was made. Enjoy it now, but know that this Cabernet will continue to improve with proper aging for another 8 to 12 years.

My Review: This is a very excellent wine. The color is very dark, and intriguing. When I smelled this wine I could almost tell by the flavors that this would be great with wine. The flavors of the wines are very good. It has a hint of dry towards the end. I think this wine would pair well with steaks, in fact I really want to try this wine with steak and would recommend it to anyone that needs a wine to go with steak.

Vidal Fleurie - Cotes du Rhone

Name: Vidal Fleurie
Variety: Cotes du Rhone
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Country: France
Price: $16.00 -> $10.95

Winery Review: Brilliant garnet red color. Red fruits and spices on the nose. The mouth reveals rounded tannins (thanks to the stay in the oak barrels), a warm and full-bodied wine with an uncommon and lasting aromatic intensity. The proof that Cotes-du-Rhone can be a serious and elegant wine.

My Review: The wine has a slight pepper smell. Once I tasted the wine the only thing that I could taste was pepper. There is not much other taste to the wine, it is a very bland wine. It says that the wine was aged in oak but I was not able to taste the oak or tannin flavors. It was a little dry, but not overly dry. I would not recommend this wine to anyone that wants to try it.

Villa Pozi - Nero d'Avola

Name: Villa Pozi
Variety: Nero d'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Very dark purple, with a reddish-violet edge, typical of this grape. Black plums, a hint of licorice and subtle spice, not overly complex but appealing. A big mouth full of juicy black fruit is well structured by tart acidity and soft but distinct tannins. Quite a wine for well under $10, and is offers some reason to believe it will cellar well.

My Review: This wine smells like spices. The wine has a very dark red color to it, very appealing to the eye. When I tasted it the spices came through too. It was a little bit too spicy for my tastes. I could also taste a hint of smokiness and licorice. It is a very different type of red wine, and I would like to try more of them.

Villa Pozi - Pinot Grigio

Name: Villa Pozi
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Clear to light straw colored, this Pinot Grigio exhibits soft aromatic flavors of perfumed rose and soft honeysuckle that are attractive and indicative of the refreshing and rounded fruit style. The structure of this wine is well balanced and clean. Wonderfully a complemented by a firm and crisp acidic finish.

My Review: The wine smells very flowery, I could smell the honeysuckle sent in the wine. The taste of the wine is also very flowery. It is also a very light wine with a slight acidic taste. The taste of this wine does not linger too long in your mouth. It is a very good wine but not my type of pinot grigio.

Fontana Candida - Frescati

Name: Fontana Candida
Variety: Frescati
Region: Near Rome (Piedmont)
Country: Italy
Price: $11.00 -> $6.95

Winery Review: The grape for this dry, clean wine are grown in the porous, volcanic soils located in the Frascati commune near Rome. Rich in potassium, this soil produces plump flavorful grapes. Fontana Candida is the only Frascati producer that uses cold filtration and cold bottling to preserve the wine's flavor and clarity. Prairs well with salads, pasta, veal, chicken, vegetable soups, mild seafood dishes and mild cheeses.

My Review: This was a very good wine. When I smelled this wine it was a very fruity smell, but it tasted every fruitier. It has a very clean finish, the taste of the wine didn't linger long in your mouth. I can see this wine being paired very well with pasta dishes.

La Sera - Red Malvasia

Name: La Sera
Variety: Red Malvasia
Region : Piedmont
Country: Italy
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: A specialty of Italy's Piedmont region, Red Malvsia di Casorzo is fragrant and fruity, moderately sweet wine. It has strawberry and fresh grape flavors, with a zesty fizzante (fizz). It is low in alcohol (5.5%) and best served slightly chilled. Enjoy as an aperitif, matched with spicy barbeque or Oriental dishes. It is also excellent with rich chocolate cake and fruity sorbet.

My Review: This wine is very sweet. It had some bubbles but not as much as I have seen in other sparkling wines. I could smell and taste strawberries in the wine. The wine was very sweet, too sweet for me. It reminded me of something made of a syrup that is diluted in water.

Four Bears - Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Four Bears
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California (Paso Robles)
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95

Winery Review: Ruby in color and displays aromas of lavender, ceder and raspberry fruit. Flavors of blackberries and respberries combined with hints of savory spices coat the palate. The soft tannins and sweet oak balance lead to a long and lingering finish.

My Review: The color of this wine was a very dark rich color. When smelling this wine I could right away pick out of cherries with other fruits. When I tasted the wine I got the overwhelming sensation of raspberry. It was also dry but just enough. I also tasted oak, which gave me the clue that it was aged in an oak barrel. The after taste has a zing to it. Which was very surprising and a nice taste. I really want to try this wine with food, I think it would pair well with a lot of different food.

Pietra Santa - Sangiovese

Name: Pietra Santa
Variety: Sangiovese
Region: California (Cienega Valley)
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $15.95

Winery Review: Produced exclusively from grapes frown on the estate and showcases winemaker Alessio Carli's talent with the grape. Growing up in Tuscany, Alessio watched his father make Chianti and later honed his skills as the renowned Badia a Coltibuono. Out Estate Sangiovese tastes of cranberry and intense Bing cherry with undertones of anise and lingering finish. The depth and complexity of this wine has made it an annual best seller and the ultimate companion to great Italian cuisine. Typical of this varietal, our Sangiovese vines have matured and we have been rewared by increasingly rich fruit.

My Review: I did not like this wine at all. It was very different than any other wine that I have ever tasted. The bouquet of the wine was very other powering with spices, as well as the state of the wine. It is very hard for me to describe the taste of the wine because the flavors are so different. I think it would be a very interesting wine to try again after expanding my palate.

Pietra Santa - Sacred Stone Red

Name: Pietra Santa
Variety: Sacred Stone Red
Region: California
Country: USA
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Propietor's Red Blend. This wine is ripe and juicy with expressive flavors of cherries and plums. It is dark and aromatic with crisp acidity, nice structure and a lush finish. Made to pair with a wide variety of food, this red wine is a must for everyday enjoyment or teaming with your favorite grilled and outdoor cuisine.

My Review: When I first smelled the wine I could smell spices. After giving it another sniff I was able to smell some plum and black cherries. I tasted the wine and tasted a lot of spices, it was not an overpowering sensation but it was enough to make me think twice. Overall I thought the flavors of the wine were well balanced and that the overall taste of the wine is smooth. I don't think that I would ever buy this wine because I can not see it being paired with any type of food.

Four Bears - Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Four Bears
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: California (Sonoma County)
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: Rich and complex with aromas of ruby grapefuit, citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate, the combined flavors of fresh melon, fig and lime are balanced perfectly to form a crisp, mouthwatering texture and lingering finish.

My Review: This wine has a very overpowering smell of grapefruit. It was not much after swirling the wine that the grapefruit was very noticeable. When I tasted the wine I was able to taste the the citrus flavors. The wine has a very good mouth feel to it, very smooth. A little acidity comes through but it is not overpowering. I think the acidity gives this wine a little something different, which I really liked.

Pietra Santa - Pinot Grigio

Name: Pietra Santa
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: California (Cienega Valley)
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: From grapes grown at the highest elevation on our estate. Morning fog followed by sun and afternoon shade make this an ideal  location for growing this varietal. The grapes ripen slowly allowing them to develop balance between rich texture and heady aromas. The wine is stainless steel fermented and bottled young to preserve the crisp acidity and refreshing fruit flavors. Tasting Notes: This well balanced Pinot Grigio tastes of mangos and passion fruit with hints of citrus. It is wine is crisp, refreshing and ideal for a summer picnic or as an aperitif. Wonderful when paired with Oysters on the half-shell.

My Review: Pinot Grigio's are one of my favorite types of wines, so I was very excited about trying this wine. This has a very fruity smell. The taste is very light taste. It is very fruity, it has a tropical flavor. I can really taste the grapefruity and mango. Overall, I have to say that this is one of my favorites.

Lamadrid - Malbec Reserva

Name: Lamadrid
Variety: Malbec Reserva
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Price: $18.95

Winery Review: 91 points, Jay Miller for Robert Parker. Single vineyard estate fruit; opaque purple; complex aromas, layered, loaded with fruit, rich

My Review: Very strong smell at first, I could since a but of plums as well as a slight cherry smell. It was well balanced. The first thing that I noticed about this wine is that it was very smooth. Compared to to Malbec Rose produced by the same vineyard it was much bolder taste.

Gen 5 - Chardonnay

Name: Gen 5
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $11.95

Winery Review: 92 points, Wilfred Wong. Superbly crafted, the nifty and poised '09 Gen 5 Chardonnay drinks incredibly easy; ripe and fruit-forward with excellent balance; rounded finish.

My Review: The wine has a very floral smell to it. When I tasted the wine it came off dry. I could also taste the oak in the wine but it was not overpowering. It has a smooth finish. Overall, it is a very well crafted wine, one that I would definitely have with a meal.

Gen 5 - Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Gen 5
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $11.95

Winery Review: 92 points, Wilfred Wong. Taking Lodi into a whole new level, the finely-tuned '09 Gen 5 Cabernet shows intricate and complex flavors; ripe for sure, yet classy and refined; long finish.

My Review: Very dark red color. It smells very full but has a hint of alcohol. It has very bold flavors and taste. I can taste the oak flavoring.

Palo Negro

Name: Palo Negro
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Toasty and forward, with rounded currant and plum fruit backed by a nice weight in the palate. A long sustained finish. Definite quality for an outstanding price.

My Review: It has a very fruity smell, kinda a mix between plum and a black fruit. When I tasted the wine I noticed that It was lighter than a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. It had a smooth finish. I really liked this wine but it was not the best Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lamadrid - Malbec Rose

Name: Lamadrid
Variety: Malbec Rose
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2010
Price: $10.95

Winery Review: Tobacco and black cherry nose; real dark cheery sweet tarts flavor in the mouth; medium body, a touch spicy in the mouth, fairly simple, appealing, dark rose.

My Review: I really like the different coloring of this malbec. The wine has a cherry smell, as well as a hint of alcohol. When I tasted the wine I got a spicy taste, but not as spicy or tannic as a regular malbec. It did have some heat after you taste it. It has a cherry taste, as well as a full body.

Trinca Espinhas

Name: Trinca Espinhas
Variety: Branco Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95

Winery Review:Pleasant and mellow, this young white wine will be the perfect accompaniment to all kinds of seafood, salads, mild cheeses, as an aperitif or just by itself. The alcohol content of Famega is 9.5% which makes it the ideal natural low calorie white wine. The grapes used in making Famega are 100% Alvarinho (same Albarino grape over the border in northwest Spain).

My Review: The smell is light and crisp. It has a very light taste. It also has a very acidic taste but very sweet. I can see this wine being paired well with a seafood dinner.

Chateau Morrisette Winery Visit

I went on a winery visit to Chateau Morrisette this weekend with a group of friends. We planned on taking a tour of the winery facilities as well as sampling wines.

All of us outside of Chateau Morrisette.

Chateau Morrisette is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd, Virginia. On the property there are 13-acres of grape vines, which is not enough grapes to make all the wine produced by Chateau Morrisette. They have contracts with other grape growers across the state of Virginia that ship grapes to the main site at Floyd. The other benefit of getting grapes shipped in from different areas is that because of the altitude of Floyd only certain grapes can grow at that altitude.The biggest harvest is in October.

This is where the grapes come in and the stems are picked up and are crushed for the juices.

After the grapes are picked they are put through a machine in which the grapes are picked off the stems. A metal cylinder with holes turns, and the grapes go in the holes and into a holding container. Then the grapes are put into a crusher. When the grapes are crushed, no matter what types of grapes they are, the juice is white. In the crusher a metal cylinder with holes on the outside and a bladder that expands to crush the grapes, they make sure to not expand the bladder to much because then the seeds will be crushed releasing more acid than desired.

Fermentation tanks and barrels.

After the wines have been fermented they are aged, they are either in a French Oak, American Oak, or a Stainless Steel based on the type of wine. Only two whites are aged in oak. Because of the cost of French oak barrels ($700) they are not experimenting with using Belgium oak that is grown in the same soil conditions as French Oak. A French Oak barrel, that will age a wine for a year and a half, will last for seven cycles.

Bottling process/machine.

 After the wines is aged a wine tester will taste the wine a determine how to mix them in order to produce the wine correctly. There is also a lab that will test the acidity, pH balance, and alcohol content. After the wine is mixed and ready to bottled it is put through a machine that can bottle 3500 bottles an hour.

After the winery tour we sampled some of the different wines available:
       Chardonnay; Independence; Dry Rose; Chambourcin; Cabernet Franc; Merlot; Cabernet Sauvignon; Petit Verdot; The Black Dog; Vidal Blanc; Our Dog Blue; Sweet Mountain Laurel; Frosty Dog; and Blackberry Wine.

Frosty Dog

Name: Frosty Dog
Variety: Not listed
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $19.99

Winery Review: Freezing resulted in a concentrated, aromatic juice, which when fermented became this sumptuous, complex dessert wine. Aromas of apples, citrus, and orange blossoms are accentuated by lively acidity. The lingering finish drips with honey, pear, and subtle mango flavors. This delightful wine is a great dessert by itself, and can also be served as a aperitif.


My Review: This is the first ice wine that I have had. The aroma was very fruity and you could smell a hint of sugar. I must say that it is very sweet, much sweeter than I expected an ice wine to be. It has a very citrus taste, although you could clearly taste the honey. I would recommend this wine to people, but only with the caution that they need to drink it when they are in the mood for very sweet wines. This is not a wine I can see drinking often.

Sweet Mountain Laurel

Name: Sweet Mountain Laurel
Variety: Native American grape varieties
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Price: $10.99

Winery Review: A unique and refreshingly sweet dessert style wine made from Native American grape varieties. Firm acidity balances the sweetness, producing a crips finish with aromas of freshly picked grapes. Pour over fresh berries and sponge cake or blend with vanilla ice cream and fruit for a creamy dessert smoothie.


My Review: You can smell the fresh fruit in the aroma of the wine. It is a very unique aroma. This wine is very sweet, and light on the pallet. It taste like a they used a concord grape type.

Merlot - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Merlot
Variety: Merlot, blended with Cambourcin, small amount of Cabernet Franc, and small amount of Tannat
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: The ruby red vintage fuses leather, black tea and tobacco box aromas with plum and berry flavors. Medium bodied, velvet-textured and slightly spicy, this wine pairs wonderfully with fame meats, lamb, and mushroom dishes. This wine was blended with Chambourcin, a small amount of Cabernet Franc for depth, and was finished with a bit of Tannat for added structure.


My Review: When I smelled this wine I could smell a hint of tobacco and earthy smells. The last of the wine is very earthy and fully bodied. It has a slight peppery taste to it, but it is not overwhelming. I can see this wine going well with a meal.

Cabernet Franc - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Cabernet Franc
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Wild berry and cedar aromas illuminate the plum and black cherry flavors in the mid-weight, mouth-watering wine. The silky tannic structure is augmented by small amounts of Petit Verdot and Tannat, and slowly fades into a warm, lingering finish with emerging cocoa notes. Ideal with steaks, this wine also pairs well with lamb, game, mushroom dishes, and medium to sharp cheese. Try it with chocolate!


My Review: This wine has a very strong aroma of cherries and a slight hint of alcohol. It has a taste like cherry. The wine has a good body and lingers on the pallet. It has a fully developed taste.

Chambourcin - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Chambourcin
Variety:Chambourcin
Region: Virginia

Country: USA

Year: 2010

Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Aromas of plums and berries lift from this dark violet wine, augmented by gentle notes of black tea. Tasking quickly fills the mouth with rich fruitiness, suggesting cherries and blueberries. Silky and soft, this medium to full bodied wine features a fruity and exceptionally long finish, reveling glimmers of black pepper. Chambourcin is an exceptionally smooth and food-friendly wine. Enjoy it with meats, sausages, roasted poultry, and dishes with mushrooms. Try it with Chocolate!



My Review: The bouquet is very strong, and appealing. It has deep rich colors. The taste of the wine is very smooth with a peppery flavor it is. Once I sipped the wine I could tell that my mouth was filling with the different flavors of this wine. The berry flavors stood out very well in this wine.

Dry Rose - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Chateau Morrisette Dry Rose
Variety: Chambourcin
Region: Virginia

Country: USA

Year: 2010
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Our newest wine, Chateau Morrisette Dry Rose, is made by separating juice from the grapes prior to fermentation, resulting in this lovely rose-colored wine. Made from 100% Chambourcin grapes, our Dry Rose is crisp and juicy, with the character of citrus and strawberries, gently augmented by subtle suggestion of peach and banana evolving from the lingering, aromatic finish. This wine is food friendly, pairing well with ham, roasted poultry, sweet Italian sausage, and most any savory, non-spicy foods. Try it with chocolate-covered strawberries!


My Review: The smell of the wine really opened up as I swirled the wine. It was a very nice color, very light. I found this wine to be dryer than any roses that I have tasted before, which was shocking because I was expecting a sweeter wine. It had a very fruity taste and I think that it would be paired well when eating fruit. It was recommended that this wine would pair well with ham, I can see this being true and would like to try it at some point in time.

Independence - Chateau Morrisette

Name: Independence
Variety: Blend - Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Price: $12.99

Winery Review: A blend of Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Riesling, and Chardonnay, this refreshing dry white wine is packed with the lively fruit characters of grapefruit and melon. The smooth texture and entrancing aromas of white flowers and roses complete this delicious tribute to Independence.


My Review: This wine had a very light but floral bouquet. I can taste the grapefruit and melon. I find that this pairing of wine is very interesting, it has a unique taste unlike any other wine I have tasted. I think that because of the sweetness of the different types of grapes used that I would almost consider this a desert wine, more than a table wine.

Chateau Morrisett Chardonnay

Name: Chateau Morrisette Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $17.99

Winery Review: Pear and applesauce aromas float from this opulent wine. Tasting reveals refreshing citrus fruit, augmented by rich naunces of toffee, fig and vanilla. Smooth and creamy in texture, this wine features a lengthy finish infused with traces of melon and pineapple. Slow barrel fermentation and subsequent aging sur lies (on the yeast) for 8 months resulting in a well-balanced and complex wine. Our Chardonnay pairs well with crab, lobster, and other rich seafood, especially with cream sauces; roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, and sharp cheese.


My Review: I can smell the fruit in this wine, very light smell. I can taste hints of pineapple and pears in the wine, as well as the oak from being aged. It is very smooth and has a clean finish. I do agree with the list of dishes that this Chardonnay would pair well with. This is a wine that I would buy just to try it with a food dish.

Heinz Eifel Shine

Name:Heinz Eifel Shine
Variety:Riesling
Region: Pfalz
Country: Germany
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: Flint and mineral notes accent pineapple and lime aromas, while on the palate, the wine shows plenty of ripe, citrusy fruit flavors. Tangy acid on the long finish provide balance.

My Review: This wine has a lime smell to it. When I tasted the wine I noticed two things, 1. it has a very lime taste, and 2. it reminds me of a Corona but with a lot of sugar and not as much carbonation. For Riesling being my go to wine, I did not enjoy this wine. I do not think I would buy this wine or recommend it to someone unless they like sugary wines.

Don Ramon

Name: Don Ramon
Variety: Tinto
Region: Campo De Borja
Country: Spain
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: 75% Grenache, 25% Tempranillo. Aged 3 months in American Oak casks. Ruby red in color, with creamy aromas of earth and cherry. Flavors turn toward deeper and darker black cheery and raspberry on a medium framework. A subtle earthiness underneath the bright fruit adds some depth and complexity.


My Review: I liked the color of this wine, like the winery review describes it has a very ruby color to it. The smell is a little peppery with the combination of cherry and raspberry added in. When I tasted the wine I could take the cherry flavor and a hint of the oak. This combination is really great and I think that it would pair well with many different types of food.

Resonata

Name: Resonata
Variety: Nero D'Avola
Region: Sicily
Country:Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Dense ruby red violet reflections. Lush and ripe bouquet full of mullberries, blackberries, and spice. Harmonious and well balanced with good berry fruit in a spicy background.


My Review: I am not the biggest fan of red wines but I must say that this is one of my favorite wines that I have tasted. It was very smooth. You can smell the berries in the wine, the smell definitely had an impact on the wine. The taste of the wine was a nice balance between spicy and berries. The spicy aspect was not overpowering.

Protocolo

Name:Protocolo
Variety: Blanc
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Winery Review: Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon, and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value.


My Review: It smells like a mix of lemon and mint. When I tasted this wine, the first thing that I thought of was a sauvignon blanc. It has a melon flavor, and it very clean. I feel like it has a little kick at the end, but its not overpowering.

Santola

Name: Santola
Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Price: $7.95

Winery Review: Soft and creamy, although with just the right Vinho Verde bite, this is a crisp and clean win, boasting light pear and pink grapefruit flavors. Off dray and very fresh.


My Review: This is the first Vinho Verde that I have tried. Overally I liked the wine, but I don't know if I would go out of my way to buy it. It had good flavors just not my favorite in wine form. I could taste the pear and grapefruit very well, which I enjoyed. It was also very light and fruity.

Emeri

Name: Emeri
Variety: Pink Moscato
Region: South Eastern Australia
Country: Australia
Price: $13.95

Winery Review: We select fruit from vines with generous canopies allowing natural fruit ripening. The fruit is picked and gently pressed and the juice allowed to settle naturally before being filtered. The wine is cold fermented to retain fresh fruit characters.



My Review: I could smell a strawberry flavor. The taste is very bubbly taste to it, but it is not too sweet like other sparkling moscatos that I have tasted. I can see this wine being served outside of just a desert wine.

Black Chook

Name: Black Chook
Variety:Shiraz/Viognier
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Price: $18.95

Winery Review: The seamless integration of Shiraz co-fermented with Viognier, generates a seductive nose of apricots, spice and ripe berries. The palate is smooth and full of rich flavor, perfect for a long lingering finish of delightfully soft Shiraz fruit, but not without the punch.


My Review: You could see the pepper flakes in the wine, which is a huge turnoff for me because I am not a huge fan of peppery wines. When I tasted the wine I got an overwhelming taste of pepper.

Woop Woop

Name: Woop Woop
Variety: Cabernet
Region: South Australia
Country: Australia
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: Winemaker, Ben Riggs and his team have produced a full and flavorsome wine, deep-hued with lifted aromatics and a structured but supple palate. Smooth, rich and generously loaded with mulberries, black cherries and spice on the palate, the finish is long lasting, delicious, dense and fruit-packed. With tannins enhancing the tastes and richness of food, this is a perfect red meat or pasta accompaniment.


My Review:  It has a good smell, some spicy smell comes through. You can taste the different flavor components of wine, the pepper flavor turned me off some. But I would love to try this wine with grilled food, because I can see that pairing going very well together.

Grayson Cellars

Name: Garyson Cellars
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: United States
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: The 2010 Grayson Chardonnay is brilliantly ripe and shows aromas of bright, brisk acidity with notes of peach and Asian pear. The palate offers green apple with a crisp finish showing gentle hints of apple pie and tropical fruit.


My Review: I can really taste the oak flavor in this wine, but it is not overpowering. You can smell the apple and pear flavoring. Out of all the Chardonnays that I have every had this has to be my favorite so far, I really think it has to do with the French oak aging. I would recommend this Chardonnay to anyone looking for one.

Don Rodolf

Name: Don Rodolf
Variety: Torrontes
Region:  Cafayate Valley
Country: Argentina
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: Light yellow-gold color with hues of green. A very fruity, floral nose with white peach and hints of citrus. Good volume in the mouth with complexity and balance, and an excellent fresh finish.


My Review: Definitely a good smell to it, very fruity. I can really taste the peach and citrus flavors. I would recommend this wine to anyone that wants a 'non-mainstream' wine.