Tasting - Morada Sangria

Morada Sangria

Variety:  Sangria

Region:  N/A

Country:  Spain

Year:  NV

Price:  $4.95

Shop Review:  Morada Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Pasteurization preserves the color, aromas and flavors. 7% Alc. It is a very refreshing Sangria with around 85 grams of sugar. Sangria is now one of the hottest items in the beverage industry and it's growing exponentially year to year. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.

Personal Review:  Smell is intoxicating of multiple fruits.  Tastes of lemons and many, many fruits.

Food Paring:  Not tasted with food

 

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Lost Vineyards Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety:  60% Shiraz 40% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region:  N/A

Country:  Argentina

Year:  NV

Price:  $3.95

Shop Review:  It is dry and contains subtle tobacco undertones with a black licorice, cherry, scent. The oak is in the background. Would pair well hamburger or a steak rather than stand alone.

Personal Review:  Powerful Smell.  Awful, oak taste.  Tobacco taste on finish is horrible.

Food Paring:  Not tasted with food

 

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola

Variety:  D'Avola

Region:  Sicily

Country:  Italy

Year:  2010

Price:  $8.95

Shop 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.

Personal Review:  Smells of banana and berries.  Bitter slightly, but also dry.  Tastes and smells very similar to a dark red from another week.

Food Paring:  Not tasted with food

 

Tasting - Tres Ojos Rose

Tres Ojos Rose

Variety:  50%Tempranillo 50% Garnacha

Region:  Calatayud

Country:  Spain

Year:  2009

Price:  $3.95

Shop Review:  This medium rose-colored rosado boasts a spicy red cherry/plum nose with a soft lush attack of red berry fruit flavors and a crisp dry finish. Simple and refreshing and a natural for tapas.

Personal Review:  Smells sweet and perfumesque.  Taste of berries and bitter, but less so in second taste, which is okay.

Food Paring:  Not tasted with food

Tasting - Les Perles Piquepoul

Les Perles Piquepoul

Variety:  Piquepoul

Region:  Cotes de Thau

Country:  France

Year:  2011

Price:  $7.95

Shop Review:  Light and young, this is a straightforward but enjoyable selection that would be an ideal match for light fare such as grilled chicken salads or fluke. Apple flesh, nectarine, and sweet citrus oil aromas and flavors appear on the nose and palate, while the short finish is infused with a flavor of green melon rind.

Personal Review:  Light, fresh smell.  Not too dry.  Apple and citrus taste with a short finish.  Actually rather tasty.

Food Paring:  Not tasted with food

Tasting - Gabriella Chianti

Gabriella Chianti 

Variety:  Chianti

Region:  Tuscany

Country:  Italy

Year:  2008

Price:  $7.95

Shop 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.

Personal Review:  Smell is kind of overpowering but can't place it, almost alcoholic.  Absolutely awful.  Dry and leaves feeling parched.  Definitely taste of spice but bad.

Food Paring:  Not tasted with food

Tasting - Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Lavarini Valpolicella Classico

Variety:  65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and10% Molinara

Region:  Valpolicella Classico

Country:  Italy

Year:  2010

Price:  $6.95

Shop 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.

Personal Review:  Awful.  Smells kind of good and warm.  But is too dry and not fresh and fruity like the description.  Extensively dry aftertaste after a few sips.

Food Paring:  Not tasted with food