Tasting - Mapreco Vinho Verde Rose

Name: Mapreco Vinho Verde Rose
Variety: 100% Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2015
Price: $7.95 (on sale)

Winery Review: The cherry color reveals a slightly fizzy wine that is a very fruitful rosé made from the traditional vinho verde white grapes. Adding a splash of red to offer flavors with notes of strawberry, cherry and berries. A delightful twist on the original.

My Review: This wine had a pretty color to it. It smelled of fruity and florally. I really enjoyed this wine because it was sweet and had a little bit of fizz to it.

I tasted this wine with no food.

Tasting - Mars & Venus Chardonnay

Name: Mars & Venus Chardonnay
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: A very nice value Chardonnay that comfortably over-delivers vs. its modest price tag. No oak here, just bushels of clean, crisp, Chardonnay apple and stone fruit with a hint of caramelized pineapple.  Juicy and clean, this is a mid-weight white that's just perfect for parties or weeknight sipping.

My Review: This wine smelled like apples. When I tasted it, it had a tart flavor with a bitter aftertaste that I did not like. It was also a little bit dry.

I tasted this wine with no food.

Tasting - Beringer Chenin Blanc

Name: Beringer Chenin Blanc
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $5.95 (on sale)

Winery Review: A fresh green-apple aroma and vivid citrus and crisp apple flavors are supported by vibrant acidity in this medium-bodied wine. The texture is smooth but crisp, making lots of good food pairings come to mind, from pre-meal cheese, to salads, seafood and veggie pastas.

My Review: This wine was smooth and had hints of pears and other fruits. It was not very sweet, but it was not very acidic either. This wine would be good for any occasion. 

I tasted this wine with no food.

Tasting - Carraia Aglianico

Name: Carraia Aglianico
Variety: 100% Aglianico
Region: Campagna
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $9.95 (on sale)

Winery Review: Produced in the Campania region of Italy, this Aglianico has delicious black fruit flavors with hints of licorice, volcanic soil and tar notes. Classic in nature, yet in a lighter, more crowd-pleasing style, the Carraia is made of the ancient Aglianico grape. This black grape originated in Greece and today is widely grown in Basilicata and Campania.

My Review: This wine was full bodied and smelled fruity. After tasting it, I thought it tasted earthy. It had hints of black cherries. I did not like this wine at all. It was too dark and had a lot of tannins.

I tasted this wine with no food.

Tasting - Siema Vino Rosso

Name: Siema Vino Rosso
Variety: Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $6.95 (on sale)

Winery Review: Intense ruby red with soft garnet nuances in the glass, the Rosso is intriguingly fresh, fruity and spicy on the nose. Perfectly round and balanced, the wine is particularly soft and dry. Pair with simple dishes like fresh cheese, ham, salami, or pizza for a divine culinary experience.

My Review: This wine smelled spicy. I have never tasted a wine that smelled spicy and sweet. It was very interesting, but it was dry. Dry wines make me not want to drink them anymore.

I tasted this wine with no food.

Tasting - Domaine de la Foret Grenache-Cinsault Rose de Mediterranée

Name: Domaine de la Foret Grenache-Cinsault Rose de Mediterranée
Variety: 50% Cinsault, 50% Grenache
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $8.95 (on sale)

Winery Review: A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache.


My Review: This wine had a beautiful color to it. It had hints of flowers and cherries. I actually enjoyed this wine because of the smell and color. It was very fresh.

I tasted this wine with no food.

Tasting - Bricco dei Tati Cortese

Name: Bricco dei Tati Cortese
Variety: 100% Cortese
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95 (on sale)

Winery Review: The Washington Post“Great Value! Treat this terrific little white like a red: Don’t chill it too much, then let it open for a half-hour to develop its enticing tropical fruit flavors. It’s dry, but the fruit gives an appealing illusion of sweetness. Great as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.”

My Review: This wine smelled fruity and sweet. It gave a dry aftertaste though, which I did not like. It also had an acidic taste to it. I would drink this with food. 

I tasted this wine with no food.