Tasting- Cantina di Casteggio Moscato di Pavia

Name: Cantina di Casteggio Moscato di Pavia
Variety: Moscato
Region: Lombardy, Oltrepo Pavese
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95 

Vintage Cellar Review: Bright, light golden color. Very aromatic nose of ripe apricots, sage, honey and a slight minerality. Medium bodied, sweet and fruity with flavors of apricots and tangerine. Well balanced and acidity and medium finish with layers of sweet and citrus fruit


My Review: This was a very sweet wine, too sweet for my tastes. A very fruity and bubbly Moscato that left a candy taste in your mouth. Great for a dessert.


I didnt have this wine with food.

Tasting- Montebuena Rioja Crianza

Name: Montebuena Rioja
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Year: 2007
Price: $6.95 

Vintage Cellar Review: 100% Tempranillo. Dark red. Spicy red berries and cherry on the nose, with hints of cracked pepper and dried rose. Crisp and dry on the palate, with spicy redcurrant and cherry flavors, light tannins and a fresh, energetic finish. An excellent value, and surprisingly elegant for this price point.


My Review: There was a spicy but fruity nose to this wine. The flavors were very light and smooth on the palate and one of my favorites. This wine would pair nicely with a hearty steak.


I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Varas Vinho Tinto

Name: Varas Vinho Tinto
Variety: 45% Castelao, 25% Tinta Roriz, 20% Tinta Barroca and 10% Pinot Noir
Region: Estremadura
Country: Portugal
Year: NV
Price: $21.95 for a 3 Liter Box (Vintage Cellar)

Vintage Cellar Review: This smooth Portuguese red is a blend of Castelao (45%), Tinta Roriz (25%), Tinta Barroca (20%), and Pinot Noir (10%). The vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slope of clay and limestone soils. The wine was aged in oak barrels.


My Review: This was a very deep and dark wine with a definite oak nose and palate. There were hints of chocolate and cherries that overpowered the palate. This was a medium bodied wine with a smooth finish.


I did not have this wine with food.

Tasting- Oveja Negra Syrah-Cab Rose Reserva

Name: Oveja Negra Syrah-Cab Rose Reserva
Variety: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Maule Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Oveja Negra Syrah-Cab Rose Reserva is bright cherry-red in color and has an attractive nose with aromas of raspberries and strawberries as well as plum and a bit of green apple. Crisp and juicy on the palate with a slight sweetness that accompanies the red fruit flavors. Pleasing natural acidity with medium-high intensity, nice persistence, and a fresh finish.

My Review: I was a huge fan of this wine with the strong black and raspberry flavors and nose. It was strong on the palate but not overwhelming with the tannins. This wine would pair nicely with a steak or hearty pasta dish.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- gPG Garganega Pinot Grigio

Name: gPG Garganega Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Delle Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: gPG is from the delle Benezie regions of north-eastern Italy. A clean and crisp palate with plenty of texture and weight follows aromas of apples and zesty lemons. It's perfect with grilled white fish or light risotto.

My Review: This wine was a very good Pinot Grigio for the price. Very fruity but light on the palate with low tannins. This would be perfect to pair with fish or chicken.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Primo Amore Moscato

Name: Primo Amore Moscato
Variety: Muscat Blanc
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: Not Vintage
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Straw-yellow with golden reflections and a delicate mousse. Fruity and very inviting, with intense scents of peaches and exotic fruit. Fresh and pleasantly sweet with a taste that reveals its varietal characteristic.

My Review: This was a typical Moscato with high sugar levels and strong flavors. It was way too sweet for my liking and expensive for a Moscato that wasn't a show stopper. This wine tasted just like candy and left you with the feeling of eating too much on Halloween.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Faraway Farms Shiraz

Name: Faraway Farms Shiraz
Variety: Shiraz
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2008
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Fresh, modern style with lots of plum pudding, sweet chocolate, mocha, blackberry and boysenberry flavors supported by round, sweet tannins and toast.

My Review: This Shiraz had the nose and palate of black licorice. It was almost too fruity for a Shiraz, but balanced out with the soft tannins at the finish. This would pair well with a creamy pasta dish.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Tres Ojos Old Vines Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Old Vines Garnacha
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Year: 2009
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Bright ruby color. Primary dark berry aromas are simple but offer very good purity and focus. Juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are youthfully tangy, with good back-end acidity adding snap. The clean, brisk finish leaves behind notes of sweet dark berry preserves and cracked pepper.

My Review: This was a very delicious Garnacha with strong hints of berries and oak. A very smooth wine with a distinct peppery finish. Not too overwhelming and would pair nicely with any type of beef.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Oak Vineyard Chardonnay

Name: Oak Vineyard Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Napa and Sonoma California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Quite an interesting Chardonnay, in an era when so many are too sweet and extracted. There's plenty of orange and apricot fruit flavor, but also a brilliant streak of minerality, like a lick of cold steel, and the overall taste is dry. Really easy to like, with lots of complexity to warrant repeated sipping.

My Review: This was a very good Chardonnay with medium legs and soft tannins. Definite traces of oak in the aftertaste. Almost had a buttery taste to it. This was not the kind of wine I would normally go for, but it wasn't bad for the price and would pair well with any seafood.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Obikwa Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2010
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: OBiKWA Sauvignon Blanc is the ideal summer wine and smacks of crisp tropical fruit with a smattering of gooseberries and fig. If you're planning a night out with mates - don't forget to bring along a bottle of this yummy potion!

My Review: There were strong hints of citrus and passion fruit in this wine. This is a good sipping wine with soft acidity and tannins. A little too sweet and fruity for my taste, but a very good Sauvignon Blanc for the price.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Winery- Attimo Winery

Attimo Winery

The Attimo Winery in Christiansburg, VA is a family owned winery by fellow Hokies with a passion for wine. The family named the winery Attimo representing "in the moment". The winery is only about 5 years old, starting out only with "test vines" developing into a large vineyard and tasting room. The winery offers many events throughout the year with wine dinner pairings along with weekly winery tours and tasting selections.

                            

Paige, Emily, Sarah, and Me

On Monday, March 26th, my friends and I visited the winery to participate in the tasting selection for this season. We tasted a total of 9 wines, 3 white, 3 red, and 3 desert. 

White

The first white wine is called Masquerade. It is a dry but smooth and oakey Chardonnay. It pairs well with cheese plates and creamy foods. I had many vanilla and mineral notes due to the aging process. 12.5% alcohol.

The second white wine was a Vidal Blanc called Sonnet 98. This is a dry , crisp, and floral wine with hints of fresh greens. This wine pairs well with their Caprese salad. This is one of their highly awarded wines. 13% alcohol.

The last white wine is called "I Do" and is a Traminette/Petit Manseng. The label is a picture taken at the wedding of the Attimo Winery owners. This is a semi-sweet wine with distinct citrus notes. It pairs well with macadamia salads, light desserts, and spicy Asian foods. 13% alcohol. 

Reds

The first of the red wines is called Deep Silence and is a Cabernet Franc. This is a dry red, with intense berry flavors and a light smoky pepper finish. It pairs well with cheeses, fruit, and rosemary walnuts. This wine gets its color from fermenting with the grape skins for 10 days. 13.5% alcohol.

The second of the reds was by far mine and my friends favorites. It is called AD 325 and is a Chambourcin. This is a dry red with bold flavors and cherry undertones. It pairs well with hearty foods, including BRIX chocolate. It was very smooth with low tannins. 13.8% alcohol.

The last red is called Vertex and is a Cabernet Sauvignon. It is also a dry red with rich black currant flavors and French oak notes. It pairs well with rosemary walnuts. This wine had a strong aftertaste and higher tannins than the other reds. 13% alcohol.

Dessert

The first of the dessert wines is called Sweet Berry Sunset and is a Raspberry/Red blend. It is semi-sweet with intense berry and fruity flavors and pairs well with any chocolate dessert. It had a jam like taste on the palate. 12.5% alcohol. 

The second dessert wine is called Sudden Downpour and is an Apple/White blend. It is a sweet apple wine with bourbon notes and earthy tones with a clean finish. It is specifically made with apples, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. 12.5% alcohol.

The final wine was the sweetest of them all. It is called Seduction and is a Tinta Madera/Touriga nacional/Sousao. It is a sweet vintage ruby port. It is direct from Portugal with hints of raspberry and raisins. It pairs well with aged cheeses and brie. 18% alcohol due to the added Brandy. 

Dinner- The River Company

The River Company 

The River Company Restaurant and Brewery is located in Fairlawn, VA, just outside of Blacksburg's city limits. It is accompanied by the River Course Golf Course across the street which was founded by a Virginia Tech Alumni, Pete Dye. The River Company specializes in all natural beef that they dry age in house. All beers are produced in house, and also offers a variety of wines to pair with any dinner you desire. On Monday March, 27th, my boyfriend Eric, his roommate Vinnie, and Vinnie's girlfriend Taylor and I attended a wine and beer pairing dinner at the River Company. 

Taylor and Vinnie waiting for their drinks.

Me and Eric enjoying our wine and beer.

The boys participated in the beer pairing with the home brews, while Taylor and I enjoyed different wines paired with different meals. I had the lump crab cake sandwich with a fresh garden salad and mashed potatoes. Taylor ordered the grilled salmon, mashed potatoes, and fresh vegetables. My meal was paired with the Atlas Cumbres Malbec and Taylor's was paired with the Sciarpa Pinot Grigio. 

The Atlas Cumbres Malbec has an intense red color with blue and violet tinges. Fruity flavors with most significant being red fruits. Harmonious and elegant. It is 100% Malbec with a smooth texture and medium-bodied palate. This wine would pair well with any grilled meat, pasta, or sharp cheese, or crab cakes! 

The Sciarpa Pinot Grigio has a wonderfully fresh, zesty flavor of lemon and lime and a tangy, dry finish. This was a very crisp and clean Pinot Grigio that was light-bodied with a slight tannic aftertaste. Not too sweet, but not too dry. Perfectly paired with grilled fish, light pastas, and salads. 

This is a very interesting restaurant to visit and try their home made aged meats and brews. There is a look though glass that allows the customers to view the restaurants brewery in action. They offer many seasonal brews along with changing wine lists based on what entrees they have to offer. 

Tasting- Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen Qualitatswein

Name: Peter Mertes Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen Qualitatswein
Variety: Muller- Thurgau
Region: Rheinhessen
Country: Germany
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Leibfraumilch is a soft delicate wine of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate districts. The original wine was named after the Leibfraumilch monastery in Worms, where the monks were the first wine growers and produced an unusually pleasing wine. Wines of the Rheinhessen and Palatinate are noted for their aroma, well-balanced harmony and fragrance. Leibfraumilch as all excellent white wines is best best served chilled. We suggest serving with cold entrees as well as poultry such as chicken or turkey or even with a mild Cheddar, mellow and slightly nutty with a medium consistency.

My Review: This was actually a very surprising experience to me when white wines are concerned. This one was not too sweet for me, but still felt light on my palate. There were hints of green apples and pears that were almost cancelled out by a slight oaky tone. This wine would, in my opinion, pair well with any type of fish or chicken.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Col Des Vents Corbieres

Name: Col Des Vents Corbieres
Variety: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah
Region: Roussillon
Country: France
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 50% Carignan, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah. Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper,...all are present in this authentic French country wine.


My Review: This wine had a very smokey nose with hints of berries and plums. It was medium to light bodied to me, and had great depth to it. This was a very good flavored wine with the right amount of tannins and acidity. This wine would pair great with any type of red meat.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- San Elias Carmenere

Name: San Elias Carmenere

Variety: Carmenere

Region: Central Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: The grapes for this Carmenere are selected from vineyards in the Central Valley. Beautiful red fruit aromas. Supple and round in the mouth, the wine pairs well with full flavored cheeses and lamb.

My Review: I had not yet tried a wine of this variety, and I was delightfully surprised. There were hints of plum and almost a violety smell. This wine was quite more acidic than I am used to, but was very refreshing in the same. There was not too harsh of an aftertaste, leaving you with a refreshing taste of blackberries and cherries. 

I did not taste this wine with food. 

Tasting- Estrella Chardonnay

Name: Esrtella Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Napa California
Country: United States
Year: 2010
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Intensely flavored and balanced with layers of vanilla, butter and pear, followed by apple, banana and oak.

My Review: I'm not a fan overall of white wines, and this wine reminded me why. It was too sweet for me and didn't pack that punch that I enjoy with most reds I taste. It almost tastes like sweetened fruit juice you can by in the grocery store. A good value for those who love Chardonnay, but not great for me.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Zonin Pinot Grigio

Name: Zonin Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2009
Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Pale straw-yellow color with brilliant reflections. Delicately fruity bouquet, with outstanding finesse and marked hints of almond blossom and peaches. Elegant, soft and well-structured fruit on the palate, with remarkable freshness and a clean, persistent aftertaste.

My Review:  The wine had a nose of apples and a type of wilderness smell to it. This was a very smooth medium bodied wine with a soft aftertaste. It was not too high in tannins, which works well with a Pinot Grigio. This wine would be delicious with any type of shell fish.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Dinner- Zeppolis

Zeppoli's Wine Dinner Pairing #2

After attending my first Zeppoli's wine pairing dinner 3 weeks ago, I was dying to go back. This past Sunday, March 18th, me, my boyfriend, my friends Sarah and Brelyn, and Brelyn's boyfriend all attended the blind tasting pairing. We were once again given multiple plates of Zeppoli's homemade dishes to pair with the different wines we were about to taste. There were a total of 9 wines, each wrapped in a brown paper bag in order not to give away the variety of the wine being tasted. We each filled out our tables, including varietal type, price, year, and alcohol content. We were all so sure we could pick most, boy were we wrong. The most anyone guessed right was 4!

Sarah and I waiting for our first glass to be poured. 

Bre and her boyfriend!

Eric and I

All the wines we sampled

White Wines:

The first wines were whites, so luckily were were able to eliminate 5 varietals right off the bat. The first was a Sierra Cruz Sauvignon Blanc 2010.This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc features a bright citrus flavor and a nose of herbs and grass. It is a cross between the herbal, grassy wines so prevalent in Sonoma County and the riper, and the more fruit forward products of New Zealand. Match it with pasta sauced with pine nuts, mushrooms and Parmesan. $7.99

The next wine was a Lison Pramaggior Pinot Grigio 2010. With original vines from burgundy, this wine is grown in clay, loam and slightly alkaline. The color is yellow when young and has a pleasant fruity aroma, but with the passage of time tame a characteristic bouquet of hay, walnut, and toasted almonds. It is a wine to be consumed early. Perfect for lighter meals including salads, light pasta, and seafood. $7.99

The third wine was a Leese-Fitch Chardonnay from California 2009. This Chardonnay is bursting with aromas of ripe tropical melon, and crisp Anjou Pear. After the blast of fruit your senses will be bathed with aromas of roasted chestnut, vanilla caramel apple, and an ample dose of rich French Oak. The palate is full-bodied with a fresh entry, medium weight mid palate and a creamy, lingering finish that just won't quit! This is a very versatile wine that has great balance of fruit notes with rich and memorable creaminess. $11.99

The final white wine was an Opera Prima Moscato from Spain with no vintage. A great value and a crowd-pleasing pour, Opera Prima Moscato presents and intense aroma of fresh grapes, fruit syrup and hints of white flower petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness, balanced crisp, refreshing finish. Ideal on its own or with all types of sweets and desserts. $5.99

Food Tasting Intermission!

Yummy!

Trying to decide which wine we are tasting.


Red Wines:
The first red wine we sampled was a Kenwood Yulupa Pinot Noir 2010. 2010 is the first vintage of our Yulupa Pinot Noir. The grapes are sources from select coastal vineyards that have excellent varietal character that are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks. Fruity aromas of boysenberry, strawberry, and cherry are joined by notes of vanilla and spice smooth tannins with a hint of sweetness make for a well balanced wine with exceptional finish. 99% Pinot Noir, 1% Syrah, 11 months aged in French and European Oak. $14.99

The sixth overall wine we tasted was a Poggio Vipere Chianti DOCG 2009. Ruby red color, it has a good body and persistent aroma with hints of cherry spice. In the mouth, it reveals itself as soft, fresh, and pleasantly balanced. $11.99

The next wine was Hope Merlot Hunter Valley 2009 from Australia. Aroma is of dark plums and vibrant fruit. A dense, well rounded palate of cherry, chocolate richness with some spicy, integrated oak characters. This is a full bodied, richer style of Merlot. $11.99

The 8th wine tasted was Cholila Ranch Malbec Fatagonia from Argentina 2010. Named for the former Ranch owned by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tasting Notes deep purple color, aromas of ripe plum, mulberry with violet hints, ripe black fruits and fig on th palate, and touches of smoke and vanilla. $10.99

The final wine in this pairing was the Chasing Lions Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 from the North Coast of California. The 2008 Chasing Lions shows wonderful scents of blackberry, cassis, tobacco, leather and plums on the nose followed by a deep and concentrated roundness on the palate with lovely textures and pure flavors of dark fruits, black licorice and toasty oak. $13.99

Tasting- High Vines Pinot Noir

Name: High Vines Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Languedoc Roussillon
Country: France
Year: 2008
Price: $12.99

Bottler Review: High Vines Pinot Noir is a selection of small, carefully crafted blends from the best high altitude vineyards. A great value from the sunny South of France.

My Review: This was my first ever bottle of Pinot Noir. I had always mistaken it as a wine similar to the white Pinot Grigio, which I do not like very much. My friend actually insisted I try a bottle and I would love it. She was right. This is a great light bodied red that pairs well with fish or steak. This particular Pinot Noir had hints of raspberries and light cherries that were subtle enough to make this a sipping wine.

I tasted this wine with salmon.

Tasting- DaVinci Chianti

Name: DaVinci Chianti
Variety: Sagiovese Blend
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $13.49

Bottler Review: The town of Vinci is home to the world class wines of Cantine Leonardo DaVinci, a cooperative of over 200 individual growers. Nestled between Florence, Pisa and Siena in the Chianti Region of Tuscany, Cantine Leonardo DaVinci produced outstanding wines for hillside vineyards tended for generations. Expertly crafted, DaVinci Chianti is crimson red with intense aromas of ripe fruit and flavors of fresh strawberry and plum.

My Review: Normally for me, a Chianti would be almost too strong and not enjoyable from my past experiences. My boyfriend actually picked this one out for us to give one more try to Chianti. We were lucky he did. This outweighed all my past experiences with too dry and heavy of a Chianti that left me just wanting a tall glass of water. This bottle paired really well with steaks and potatoes we had that night for dinner. Overall a great wine for the price.

I had this wine with steak and potatoes.

Tasting- Sterling Vintner's Collection Meritage

Name: Sterling Vintner's Collection Meritage
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Region: Sonoma, CA
Country: USA
Year: 2009
Price: $7.99

Bottler Review: Our Meritage is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot from some of California's best appellations. This richly textured wine has flavors of cherry, chocolate, black raspberry, and vanilla, which lead to a full, lingering finish. Enjoy our Meritage with grilled or roasted meats and heavy vegetables.

My Review:  After on weekend of tasting at the Vintage Cellar in Blacksburg, VA, I was hooked on a certain blend of wine that included all of my favorite reds. After not being about to find it anywhere, I can across this bottle that was very similar in content. Although it might not have been the exact one I fell in love with, this Meritage was very pleasing to my palate. The mix of lighter and heavier reds blended perfectly goes well with any dinner or just to have as a night cap. I would definitely buy a bottle of this again.

I had this wine with pasta and steak.

Tasting- Three Rivers Winery Merlot

Name: Three Rivers Winery Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: Columbia Valley
Country: USA
Year: 2006
Price: $10.99

Bottler Review: Created using a blend of vineyards, this Merlot opens with chocolate covered cherries and finishes with rustic cedar notes.

My Review: I tasted this wine one night when I was craving a cheap, but good, Merlot. I have to say, I was not at all let down. There were definite chocolate tones on the palate along with cherries and a hint of vegetables. I had this wine with an Alfredo pasta and it paired wonderfully. The cheesy sauce brought out more flavors that were not present in the initial tasting.

I tasted this wine with pasta.

Tasting- Nathanson Creek Merlot

Name: Nathanson Creek Merlot
Variety: Merlot
Region: California
Country:  United States
Year: Not Vintage
Price: $8.99


Bottler Review: Nathanson Creek Merlot, garnet in color and medium-bodied, shows aromas of olives and herbs with a hint of oak and berry-like flavors. It pairs nicely with red meats, hearty vegetable dishes and pasta with tomato-based sauces.

My Review: This was a very light bodied Merlot for me. It had major hints of blackberries and ripe cherries that helped disguise the tannins. This wine would pair well with any pasta or meat dinner I happen to make. A great choice for the price.

I did not taste this wine with food. 

Tasting- Gabbiano Chianti

Name: Gabbiano Chianti
Variety: Chianti
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $10.49

Bottler Review:  In 1124, Castello di Gabbino was established in the heart of the renowned Chianti Classico region. During the Middle Ages, a courageous Italian knight, Il Cavaliere, dedicated himself to protecting our castle and vineyards. His code of honor came to embody our philosophy that the finest things in life deserve our fiercest commitment-estate vineyards, Old World traditions, and the enjoyment of robust wines. Salute.

My Review: This was a deep and rich red wine that embodies all that you imagine when tasting a Chianti. This was, hands down, the best Chianti I have yet to taste. However, it was very dry and needed a sweet and juicy steak or meat to pair with it.

I didn't taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Bixler Union Island Red

Name: Bixler Union Island Red
Variety: Merlot, Petite Shirah, Syrah, and Temranillo
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $26.00

Bottler Review: David Bixler came to the California Delta after realizing prosperity during the Nevada Silver Rush of the 1860's. He then acquired virgin farmland on Union Island near Stockton and in 1875 would marry the love of his life, Augusta Hyde. Together, these agricultural pioneers established a diverse and very successful farm raising fruits, vegetables, and grains. Our Bixler Union Island Red is a masterful blend of California's finest red wines providing rich, ripe fruit flavors, full body, with supple tannins and a lingering finish. Enjoy with grilled meats, pizza and pasta or by the fireplace!

My Review: This was my favorite wine out of the bunch. There was a dominate aroma of blackberries and cranberries with a strong tannic palate that leaves you wanting another sip. This would be a wine I could pair with about any type of meal and I would enjoy the different flavors present.

I did not have food with this wine.

Tasting- Linen Chardonnay

Name: Linen Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Walla Walla Washington

Country: United States

Year: 2009

Price: $10.95

Bottler Review: Linen is an elegant wine layered with notes of ripe pear, golden apple, and hints of honey. It's been crafted into a mouthwatering and delicious wine and is an excellent choice to pair with seafood, grilled chicken, or any day that ends in "Y". Cheers!

My Review: This wine had a taste of tropical fruits and vanilla flavoring with a hint of sweet honey. It was very crisp and light on the palate with mild tannins that made this wine very refreshing. This wine would pair nicely with an afternoon lunch of shrimp and crabs.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Willunga Chardonnay

Name: Willunga Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South East Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $10.99

Bottler Review: Our Willunga Chardonnay shows the true style of early harvested grapes. This combination of fermentation in stainless steel tanks along with maturation for six months in French and American oak barrels allows the wine to stay fresh and vibrant while adding complexity with buttery characteristics to enhance its richness. Enjoy served chilled on its own or try it with a bowl of fresh steamed mussels in garlic broth.

My Review:  Willunga Chardonnay was a very light and crisp wine and was a very enjoyable white. This wine would pair nicely with salmon or any type of seafood. It had a pretty strong aftertaste with higher tannins than expected, but overall was a delicious white wine.

I did not taste this wine with food.

Tasting- Col di Sotto

Name: Col di Sotto
Variety: Montepulciano
Region: Abruzzi
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $6.33

Bottler Review: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo used to be off the radar as far as any wine collectors were concerned, but the smaller producers have slowly beaten down and educated the former wine snobs that have formerly miscast this Abruzzo wine as simple peasant wine. Col di Sotto's 2010 vintage is made from 100% Montepulciano grown in selected cinyards in the L'Aquila province of Abruzzo, central Italy. For Barrel-Aging, 50% of the wine is aged in oak barriques for 6 moths and 50% for the same period in stainless steel. This results creates a wine that is deep plum colored with intense spice and cherry aromas, a luchious, fruity, medium-bodied palate and smooth tannins. Serve at room temperature with pasta, pizza, red meat, game or cheese.

My Review: This wine was very strong for me, however, it had a soft aftertaste that made you want to take another sip. There was an intense aroma and palate of cherries and blackberries along with the ever present oaky flavor. This wine would pair very nicely with a big steak and potatoes.

I did not have this wine with food.

Dinner- Fireside Pies and Bernardo's

Dinner- Fireside Pies, Fort Worth, TX and Bernardo's, Galveston TX


While on Spring Break, My boyfriend Eric, his brother Andy, and Andy's fiance Sara attended two different wine paring dinners while traveling. The first was at Fireside Pies, who is dedicated to serving outstanding artisan pizzas made in wood-fired ovens. They also specialize in homemade, hand-cut pastas and wine.We all ordered their famous pies to pair with a deep and rice wine that the waiter recommended.  We ordered two Triple 'Roni pies and one Light n' Crispy. The Triple 'Roni included pepperonis, fresh mozzarella, hand-torn basil, and their famous truffle oil. The Light n' Crispy contained fresh tomato ragu, Paula's mozzarella, marinated tomatoes, good sea salt, and hand torn basil. (My favorite was the Light n' Crispy).

Of course we had already started digging in before I could snap a picture of the pizza pies...

Eric scarfing down his Triple 'Roni

The wine that was paired with this scrumptious meal was a 2007 Castellani Campomaggio Toscana from Tuscany, Italy. This is a superTuscan blend containing 85% Sangiovese accompanied by Cabernet and Merlot. This wine had an overwhelming oak tone with a fairly light body that complimented the pies very nicely. This specific variety was aged in oak for 6 months before bottling that helps give that oaky aftertaste that paired well with the Light n' Crispy Pie. 

Sara and I enjoying our Castellani wine.

The second pairing we attended was at Bernardo's at the Hotel Galvez in Galveston, Texas. The Galvez Hotel was built in 1911 honoring Bernardo de Galvez y Madrid. There are many significant aspects about this hotel that are equally hard to overpass, such as the haunting of the ghost bride of room 501, the use by President Roosevelt as a temporary White House, and Bernardo's restaurant. The elegant dining room accompanies the 5 star dining experience wonderfully.

Bernardo's Restaurant

We chose the restaurant classic, the Galvez Pasta. This dish includes penne pasta tossed with a Cajun cream andouille, mushrooms, shrimp and sausage, finished with goat cheese. This was a definite classic Cajun sauce right from the gulf of mexico. This dish was paired with the 2007 Esser Vineyards Merlot. This wine has a deep garnet color and a delicious array of aromatics. There were flavors of cherries, cranberries, cocoa, and toffee. This wine was light in texture but higher in tannins which paired nicely with the punch of Cajun cream sauce covering the penne pasta.

My Delicious Galvez Pasta 

If ever visiting the area of Galveston, Tx, even if you are not staying at the Hotel Galvez, Bernardo's is a definite must on the list of restaurants to try. And if ever in Fort Worth, TX, Fireside Pies is a definite win of a restaurant to experience.