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.