Tasting- Barefoot Moscato

 

Name: Barefoot Moscato
Variety: Muscat
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $7.00

Online Review: "Our Moscato is delightfully sweet, just like it says on the bottle. You'll fall in love with it from the first whiff of its lush, fruity aroma. Full of the flavors of juicy peach and ripe apricots, this wine has citrusy hints of lemon and orange that wraps things up with a bright, crisp finish. An easy-sipping wine that is a bit sweeter than our Riesling." -Winemaker

My review:  Moscato was one of the first wines I ever drank and I felt I needed to blog about it even though it isn't a wine I've recently tried for the first time. I am proud to say I have moved on from drinking only this sweet, juicy wine and have branched out to others that aren't so sugary and fruity. Although I still enjoy sipping on Barefoot Moscato every once in a while, I can only have a minimal amount at a time since it is so sweet. Barefoot is such a great brand and is very well known and Moscato is definitely one of their best wines. Tasting this wine recently brought back many memories and I'll always enjoy a glass of Moscato, especially in the summertime.

Tasting- Red Rock

 

Name: Red Rock
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $12.00

Online Review: Our Red Rock Winery Pinot Noir is layered with soft red fruit flavors of strawberry, dark red cherry, raspberry jam, and plums. These characteristics are balanced with subtle hints of oak and caramel notes that make our Pinot Noir smooth and balanced.

My review: I wasn't the biggest fan of this Pinot Noir. It had a very long after taste and was overwhelming to my pallet. It did have some good fruity characteristics, but was too much of a "kick in the mouth" for my liking. However, Red Rock Winery recommended trying this with roasted poultry, so maybe I'd like it more with a food to compliment its flavors.

Tasting- Cellar No. 8

 

Name: Cellar No. 8
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $8.00

Online Review: A great example of California Cabernet with a deep ruby core and intense aromas of blackberries, black cherries, spices and toast. The palate is dry with flavors of dark fruits, cloves and oak toast, supported by ripe, supple tannins and followed by a long finish.

My review: This is my third California Cabernet Savignon in a row and this one was my favorite of the three. It was a very deep red color, fruity, and rich with a litle spice. I greatly enjoyed smelling and tasting Cellar No. 8 to figure out all the different flavors my pallet could recognize. I would buy this wine again and would definitely recommend it to a friend. I did not try it with any food, but the label says it goes perfect with a grilled burger and I plan on trying that out at some point.

Tasting- Fetzer Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Fetzer
Variety: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carignane, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Syrah, 5% Zinfandel, 3% Petite Verdot, 1% Ruby Cabernet
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: est. $9.00

Online Review: This Cabernet Sauvignon is complex with various layers of spice and flavors. On the nose you will find enticing aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cassis and vanilla with evident spice from the oak and a hint of herbs. Tasting delivers a multi-layered wine with texture of ripe blackberry, mocha, toffee and vanilla. Medium firm tannins provide structure and balance to this medium bodied Cabernet, which will continue to evolve in the bottle. 

My review: This wine tasted similar to the previous wine I blogged about, The Naked Grape. The smells of this wine was very pleasant as well as the taste. There were many different flavors I could pick out in this wine and it had a very rich taste to it. I did not have this wine with any food, but would like to try it with a meal. I have become very fond of California Cabernets and can't wait to try some others!

Tasting- The Naked Grape

 

Name: The Naked Grape
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Online Review: Clear ruby color, medium legs. Dominant nose of bright red cherries, blackberries and vanilla oak. Undertones of plum and cassis with gentle smokiness. Supple & sweet on the initial, light to medium body with a gentle structure. Exceedingly smooth transition, not overly complex. Surge of firm tannins contrasts against delicious fruity taste, culminating in an accentuated finish that lingers. Wine retains many characteristic of good grape juice.

My review: I enjoyed this wine and thought it was very tasteful. When I first smelled the wine before tasting, I loved the aromas I got with various fruit, mostly blackberries. I tasted this wine on Valentines Day with chocolate covered strawberries and it was a great combination to my pallet. It was very rich and flavorful but not too bitter. I would definitely purchase this Cabernet Sauvignon again and thought it was the perfect red wine to complete my Valentines Day.

Tasting: Gabriella Chianti

 

Name: Gabriella Chianti
Variety: Sangiovese
Region: Chianti/Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Online Review: This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor. Even with it’s boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth.

My review: When smelling this wine before tasting it, it had a very strong, fruity smell with a little spicy kick to it. After I tasted it, the boldness in the flavors came out but it was also very smooth. Even though it was a dry red wine, it was tasty and I especially liked the label on the bottle.

Tasting- Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

 

Name: Lavarini Valpolicella Classico
Variety: Varietal, 65% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, and 10% Molinara
Region: Lavarini
Country: NW Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Online Review: The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality.  It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My review: I was not a huge fan of this wine when I tasted it. At first when I smelled it there was a strong smokey sense. After I let the flavors absorb in my pallet, I tasted the spices in it and did not like it too much. It seemed somewhat watery for being a red wine and I probably wouldn't choose to drink this wine again.

Tasting: Dom de Mirail Cabernet/Merlot Rose

Name: Dom de Mirail Cabernet Merlot Rose Cotes De Gascogne
Variety: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot
Region: Gascony (South of Bordeaux)
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Online Review: Wow, That's some Rose! There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rose. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.

My review:  When I tasted this wine, I smelt sweetness and fruity aromas. It was a very dry wine, but still refreshing to taste. I did not taste this wine with any food, but would like to try it with some later on in the year. I was very indifferent after tasting this wine, and had no strong opinion on it.

Tasting- Norton Torrontés

 

Name: Norton Torrontés
Variety: Torrontés
Region: Mendoz

Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95

Online Review: Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate.

My review:  When sniffing this wine I immediately smelled peach and was eager to taste it. It was very distinct that this was a peach wine with other fruity flavors. It was very full-bodied and although I did not taste it with any food, it seemed like it would go well with cheese or meats.

Tasting- Dibon Cava

 

Name: Dibon Cava
Variety: Varietal, 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region: Barcelona
Country: Spain
Year: NV
Price: $9.95

Online Review: This traditional blend of 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo and 30% Parellada is inexpensive but far from cheap. Full of toasty qualities reminiscent of baked green apples wrapped in a light pastry dough, this crisp light-bodied cava shows plenty of golden bubbles, making it a perfect celebration sparkler!

My review: This white sparkling wine reminded me a lot of champagne. It didn't possess too much flavor but was very bubbly. The apple, citrus, and grapefruit flavors were very vague but it was overall a refreshing, fresh taste to the mouth. I would not purchase this for an average day, but would definitely consider it for a celebratory outing.

Tasting: Chateau Morrisette Blackberry Wine

 

Name: Chateau Morrisette Blackberry Wine
Variety: Red Region
Region: Floyd, Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: $10.99

Online Review: Sweet and smooth, our Blackberry Wine is packed with the vibrant fruitiness of succulent, sun drenched berries. Try it lightly chilled with most any grilled or spicy food. This all-natural wine may contain a harmless sediment.

My review:  I love this red wine. It is a great red to drink for people that are still adjusting to drinking red wine. I tasted this wine without food, and loved the sweetness and fresh blackberry taste of it. I am excited to try more wines from this vineyard and hope to tour the Chateau Morrisette at some point this semester. It isn't bitter at all, and is super smooth and tasteful. This red is definitely much sweeter than most and is a top favorite of mine.

Tasting- White Zinfandel

 

 

Name: Sutter Home White Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region: Napa Valley, California
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Price: about $7.00

Online Review: A delicate blush pink color introduces this fresh, lively wine. On your palate, light creaminess surrenders to a refreshing crisp finish of strawberries and melon. Enjoy chilled as an aperitif, or partnered with all types of foods, particularly those with a slight spiciness, such as Asian or Latin cuisine.

My review:  I love drinking this wine. It has a hint of strawberries and possesses a beautiful, fresh light pink color. I think this is a great wine to start drinking if some one is new to drinking wine. It has the right amount of sweetness, and is enjoyable to casually sip with others. I drank this wine without food, but plan to try it with some type of foreign cuisine another time!

Tasting: Mulled Wine (Forralt Bor)

 

 

Name: Tasting: Mulled Wine (Forralt Bor)
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Budapest
Country: Hungary
Year: Unknown
Price: $3.00/per cup

Online Review: Mulled wine is called “forralt bor” in Hungarian, and it is easy to make at home too. You can use red wine with the main ingredients such as cinnamon (fahéj), clove (szegfûszeg) and whole grains of pepper (bors); you can also add slices of orange peel and lemon peel or juice.
The wine is heated up (not boiled) with the ingredients. 

 

My review: When I first went to Hungary to visit my Dad, we traveled the streets of Budapest seeing all the major sights to see but freezing while doing so. It was the middle of winter, during the Holiday season and all I wanted was a hot drink to warm me up. Hot chocolate and coffee came to mind, until my Dad asked me if I wanted to have a cup of mulled wine. Having no idea what mulled wine was, I decided to go for it since I do love wine. However, I was hesitant when I was told it was red wine, since the flavors of red are much more bitter than white. The taste wasn't nearly as bitter as I expected and was quite flavorful and sweeter. It was much better than having coffee or hot chocolate and the biggest perk of all is that I could walk around the streets with wine in my hand legally! The main flavors I tasted in the mulled wine was cinnamon and citrus and it invigorated my taste buds. Overall, I got this drink almost every day we went out sight seeing and it definitely surpassed having a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. If only the United States would adopt this trend!

 

 

Tasting- Apothic White

 

Name: Apothic White
Variety: Blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Moscato
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: Unknown
Price: $11.00

Online Review: Apothic White Winemakers Blend displays intense fruit flavors of pineapple and peach and a touch of vanilla. A blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato. It is a smooth wine that is beautifully versatile and a great accompaniment to an array of foods, or enjoy a glass all on its own.

My review:  I also tried this wine along with the Apothic Red that I mentioned in my last post. This white wine is also inexpensive with a sweet taste. It was the right amount of sweetness for my pallet and I greatly enjoyed it while sampling it. It was on the sweeter end of most wines, so I don't think I could have more than a couple glasses in one sitting due to the sugar amount, but would enjoy casually drinking this with some friends!

Tasting- Apothic Red

 

Name: Apothic Red

Variety: Indicative blend: Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: Unknown
Price: $11.00

Online Review: Apothic Red is a delicious blend of spicy Zinfandel, fruity Syrah, bold Cabernet Sauvignon and smooth Merlot. The winemaker’s blend includes grapes from a variety of California vineyards. It is fruity on the nose with flavors of cherry, chocolate, vanilla and a little bit of spice.

My review:
A friend and I went into Kroger a few days ago to buy a few things and it ended up being quite the grocery trip. Right as we walked in they were about to start a wine tasting. My friend and I, being avid wine drinkers went directly to the wine table to sample a red and a white that they had available. The brand was "Apothic". I greatly enjoyed both wines and the flavors each of them possessed. The "Apothic Red" possessed the characteristics of a Syrah and a Zinfendel with flavors of raspberry, chocolate, maraschino cherry, and boysenberry. The wine itself was fairly inexpensive and affordable, and I ended up leaving Kroger with a new bottle of wine!