Fork and Cork!

This past weekend, I attended Blacksburg's annual wine festival, Fork and Cork! There were many wineries from all around Virginia in attendance. The only downside was how crowded it was, causing very long lines. I was only able to taste wines from four wineries: Barren Ridge Vineyards, Mountain Rose Vineyards, Veritas, and Peaks of Otter Winery.

The first tasting booth I visited was Barren Ridge Vineyards. Due to the large crowds, it was hard to take many notes as the wineries were in a rush to get groups through tasting as quick as possible. Here are the wines I tasted with tasting notes:

• Vidal Blanc - 2011 - $16
• Vidal Blanc
• Winery Review: "This dry white is bright & vibrant with the perfect balance of acidity & freshness, that features aromas of green apple & citrus, with a hint of grapefruit."
• My Review: I found this white wine to be quite dry, which I don't particularly care for but the many fruit notes and acidity helped make it more pleasant. The apple, apricot, and citrus notes were most evident on my palate.
• Harmony - 2011 - $16
• Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, Traminette, and Petit Manseng
• Winery Review: "A semi-sweet blend featuring Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, Traminette, & Petit Manseng. Abundant citrus flavor with notes of tropical fruits, apricots, & honey."
• My Review: This white wine blend was absolutely delicious. It wasn't too sweet, with a mild acidity, and perfect balance; featuring notes of citrus, apple, honey, and a little peach. This is Barren Ridges' best selling white wine, and this does not at all surprise me!
• Cabernet Franc - 2011 - $17
• Cabernet Franc
• Winery Review: "An exciting mix of fruit and spice on the nose with hints of cinnamon candy, black cherry, and cranberry. This wine is fruit forward on the palate with smooth tannins."
• My Review: This Cabernet Franc was just alright to me. It was pretty dry and tannic but had some nice cherry notes with spice and pepper. 
• Red Barren - 2011 - $16
• Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Touriga, and Malbec
• Winery Review: "A semi-sweet blend of Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Touriga & Malbec. Dominated by fruity aromas, with soft fruit & chocolate flavors on the palate."
• My Review: This was one of my favorite reds of the day! This red blend was quite fruity, with fresh notes of cherry and a hint of chocolate on the finish. 
• Christof - 2011 - $25
• Traminette and Vidal Blanc
• Winery Review: "A blend of Traminette & Vidal Blanc, this dessert wine offers an exceptional balance of flavors featuring apricot, passion fruit, honey suckle & peach, with lingering spice on the finish."
• My Review: This dessert wine was fruity and refreshing. It offered a variety of fruit notes such as passion fruit, apple, pear, peach, and apricot. 

The next tasting booth and my favorite of the day was that of Mountain Rose Vineyards. Here are a few of the wines I tasted with tasting notes, as well as my favorite wine of the day:

• Traminette - NV - $15
• Traminette
• Winery Review: "Our Traminette creates a mouthwatering delight of floral aromas followed by apricot flavors & a smooth yet crisp, tropical fruit finish which makes it perfect with chicken, seafood & cheese dishes. Great for sipping as well!"
• My Review: This is a new and up-and-coming white grape varietal, and I loved it. It is a semi-sweet wine and offers balanced notes of apple and apricot on the palate.
• Autumn Gold - NV - $20
• Vidal Blanc
• Winery Review: "Our late harvest or ice-wine style wine has a beautiful rich straw color made from Vidal Blanc grapes. The apricot & honey aroma is accented by a smooth lychee taste, lingering hints of honey & balanced acidity."
• My Review: This was one of my favorite white wines of the day. Perfect with dessert, it was quite sweet, smooth, and offered fresh notes of apricot, pear, and honey.
• Sweet Mountain Rose - NV - $11 - MY FAVORITE WINE OF THE DAY!
• Niagara, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc
• Winery Review: "Niagara-lite with nectarine and rose water! Aromas & flavors abound in this foxy & youthful wine. This easy drinking light dessert wine is held in check with a zippy acidity."
• My Review: This sweet white wine blend was my absolute favorite of the day, because it featured the perfect mix of light fruit notes, with a balanced acidity and sweetness.
  
  This is a picture of my friends and I in line to taste the wines of Mountain Rose Vineyards!

Food and Wine Pairing: Peaks of Otter Winery - The wine was called "Chili Dawg." It was 97% Light Apple Wine and 3% Chili Pepper wine. This wine is meant to be drank with American cheese spread. When tasting the wine before the cheese, it is less peppery and the apple notes dominate the palate. Once you have the cheese and then sip the wine, the pepper notes hit your palate first, making it much spicier. This was a fun pairing, it really does taste like you're eating a chili cheese dog.

Tasting - "Castello del Poggio Moscato Provincia Di Pavia"

• Castello del Poggio Moscato Provincia Di Pavia
• Moscato
• Piedmont
• Italy
• NV
• $9.99
• Wine critics say this Moscato is made from the muscat grape and originates from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is lightly sparkling, with lush notes of apricot and honey. Best to drink on its own, with dessert, or fruit salads.
• I found this sweet white wine to be one of the best Moscato's I've tasted. It was on sale at Kroger this week, so I thought I would try it. On the nose, it offered notes of grapefruit, apricot and a bit of peach. This Moscato was simple and refreshing on the palate, offering a great balance of light fruit notes, a little acidity and sparkling.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone"

• Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone
• 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault
• Rhone Valley
• France
• 2010
• $14.95/ 750mL or $38.95/3L
• Wine critics say this red wine blend displays loads of ripe flavors. Its is quite concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice are all present in this full-bodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, and it may last even longer.
• I very much enjoyed this Cotes du Rhone red wine blend. The nose offered strong notes of strawberry and cherry. On the palate, it was bold, tannic and long lasting with black cherries and a mild, pleasant spice. 
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Lobetia Tempranillo"

• Lobetia Tempranillo
• Tempranillo
• La Mancha
• Spain
• 2011
• $10.95
• Wine critics say this Tempranillo is organically and naturally grown and made. This red wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It has a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. The nose offers red berries and cherries. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.
• I found this Tempranillo to have a bold, dark nose with berries and cherries. It was quite tart on the palate with a nice mix of berries.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Lobetia Chardonnay"

• Lobetia Chardonnay
• Chardonnay
• La Mancha
• Spain
• 2011
• $10.95
• Wine critics say this Chardonnay is organically and naturally grown and made. This white wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It is clean, with a bright color and a greenish-yellow tone. The nose offers exotic fruits like pineapple. It is full flavored, fresh, and with good acidity in the mouth. The finish offers tropical fruits.
• I enjoyed this organically grown Chardonnay. The nose offered apple and pineapple, with a bit of acidity. On the palate, it was acidic but had a nice complement of light fruits.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele"

• Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele
• Pinot Grigio
• Veneto
• Italy
• NV
• $7.95
• Wine critics say this Pinot Grigio is named after the famous restaurant in Italyand is their house white wine. It has a coppery color from extended skin contact. The texture is round and rich with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. This is a great value Grigio!
• This pinot grigio had a welcoming melon and citrus nose. On the palate, it had a mild acidity with a great balance of sweet melon and grapefruit. This may have been my favorite of the tasting, as it was very refreshing.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Concannon Shiraz"

• Concannon Shiraz
• Shiraz
• Central Coast, California
• United States
• 2008
• $7.95
• Wine critics say this Shiraz is extremely rich and full-bodied with a dark fruit core. It offers aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry. These are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate.
• I didn't mind this California Shiraz. The nose offered blackberry notes with a little spice. On the palate, it was quite spicy and peppery but with complementing berry, cherry and chocolate flavors.
• I did not taste with food. 

Tasting - "Ksana Bonarda"

• Ksana Bonarda
• Bonarda
• Mendoza
• Argentina
• 2008
• $9.95
• Wine critics say this Bonarda has a floral and lightly jammy bouquet, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To those new to Bonarda, this is a great introduction. It finishes solid and has a sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Due to its dryness, your lips will pucker.
• This red wine was not my favorite. The nose was pleasant, offering aromas of dark berries and jam, but on the palate, I found it to be too dry. Although there were still nice notes of berry and cherry.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Black Ridge White Zinfandel"

• Black Ridge White Zinfandel
• Zinfandel
• California
• United States
• NV
• $3.95
• Wine critics say this White Zinfandel is fruit forward and displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is very food friendly and pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, and fruit salad.
• The color of this White Zinfandel was a salmon with hints of orange. Flavors of strawberry dominated the nose. On the palate it was quite refreshing, with a little bubbles and acidity, sweet, with a nice balance.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Chandon Sweet Cuvee"

• Chandon Sweet Cuvee
• Sparkling Rose Blend
• California
• United States
• NV
• $9.95
• Wine critics say this is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. It enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, as it complements your passion for a good life.
• This sparkling rose blend was a light orange, yellow color. On the nose, it was quite mild for a sparkling wine. What I did not enjoy was how sparkling this wine was on my palate. There were more bubbles than the nose originally offered, but it did have light notes of fruit.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc"

• Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Central Coast, California
• United States
• 2010
• $7.95
• Wine critics say its scents of orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Its alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate with bright acidity that balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish. 
• I very much enjoyed this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The nose was full of citrus notes with some acidity. The balance of grapefruit flavors and acidity was delightful and refreshing on my palate. 
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne"

• Caprice de Bastor-Lamontagne
• 60% Semillon, 36% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle
• Sauternes
• France
• 2004
• $7.95
• Wine critics say it is very clean, with lemon, mineral and honey aromas that follow through to a medium body. It displays vanilla, apple and melon flavors, with a medium finish and is lightly sweet.
• This wine was my favorite of the tasting of the day and one of my favorites this semester. Offering melon and honey on the nose, I enjoyed the aroma. On the palate, it had a medium body and I detected some peach, lemon, and again melon and honey. The balance of this wine was excellent.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Torre Castillo Alegre"

• Torre Castillo Alegre
• Monastrell
• Jumilla
• Spain
• 2010
• $9.95
• Wine critics say it spends 4 months in new American oak barrels. The color is bright ruby-red. There are aromas of dried cherry, pipe tobacco and rose, with a hint of woodsmoke. It is sweet and fleshy on the palate, with blackberry and cherry flavors complimented by licorice and a hint of dried herbs. The cherry and smoke notes are repeated on the finish.
• I found this Monastrell to have a ruby red color. The nose was very different, it was unfamiliar and full of scents I have never detected in wine before. It offered extra ripe fruit with hints of tobacco. The tobacco was evident on the palate, with still a bit of ripe fruit and hints of smoke. Although I enjoyed the new notes and flavors I experienced with this wine, I didn't care for it.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Wilson Daniels Merlot"

• Wilson Daniels Merlot
• Merlot
• Central Coast of California
• United States
• 2010
• $7.95
• Wine critics say this Merlot is made predominantly from Paso Robles grapes. It is full-bodied and silky yet robust, with aromas of black cherry and plum. The palate offers blackberry, raspberry and blueberry jam laced with vanilla and toast.
• I found the color of this Merlot to be a black cherry. The nose offered notes of black cherry and blackberry. On the palate, it was tart, but balanced nicely with flavors of blackberry and raspberry.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Bricco Dei Tati Rose"

• Bricco Dei Tati Rose
• Barbera
• Piedmont
• Italy
• 2012
• $6.95
• Wine critics say this Rose is fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries, and rose petals. It goes best with shellfish, salads, chicken, and appetizers.
• I found the color was that of light cherry, with a bit of pink. The nose offered strong aromas of strawberry and hints of cherry, with some acid. I was surprised at how different it tasted, and I don't mean that in a good way. The notes of strawberry and cherry weren't as obvious. I feel these fruit notes were components this rose needed for balance.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc"

• Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc
• Sauvignon Blanc
• California
• United States
• 2009
• $7.95
• Wine critics say it is a bleached blonde beauty and reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple, with hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth and leaves behind notes of thyme and melon. The bright acid in this Sauvignon Blanc gives you a "zing" while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This white wine pairs best with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa.
• I found the nose to be full of lemon and herbs, with citrus in the background. On the palate, it was quite acidic but with a nice complement of lemon and melon.
• I did not taste with food. 

Tasting - "Ruta 22 Malbec"

• Ruta 22 Malbec
• 100% Malbec
• Patagonia
• Argentina
• NV
• $7.95
• Wine critics say that from the beginning, this Malbec is stout and dense with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is fresh and composed on the palate, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. The finish is good, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness.
• This Malbec has a dark berry color with hints of violet. The nose offered plum and blackberry with lots of spice. The amount of spice is equally as evident on the palate with blackberry, lots of tannins, and a very bold flavor.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres"

• Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres
• Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre
• Corbieres
• France
• NV
• $4.95
• Wine critics say this red has a superb dark garnet color with a few reflection of dark orange. There are intense notes of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. On the palate it is round and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. It is rich and powerful with layers of tannins.
• This red wine resembled the color of blackberries. The nose and palate offered spicy flavors. I did not care for the smell and it was too dry on my palate.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Cresta Azul"

• Cresta Azul
• Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo
• Emporda
• Spain
• NV
• $5.95
• Wine critics say this white wine blend has peach, orange cream, and vanilla flavors that mingle in this soft, bubbly white. It is off-dry, but with a crisp acidity and clean finish.
• This wine was my favorite of the day. The color was a soft vanilla. Notes of peaches and vanilla filled the nose. The palate was pleasing as well, with mild fruit that matched the nose and a light acidity, creating an excellent balance.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Veleta Tempranillo Rosado"

• Veleta Tempranillo Rosado
• 100% Tempranillo
• Granada
• Spain
• 2010
• $3.95
• Wine critics say this Tempranillo is fresh in flavor and crisp in texture. This dry rose offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. It is focused and juicy.
• The nose offered an enticing aroma of fresh light fruit. The palate was a bit more tart than I expected, but it had a nice acidity with notes of cherry.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado"

• Veleta Brut Vino Espumoso Rosado
• Tempranillo and Granacha
• South Central
• Spain
• NV
• $3.95
• Wine critics say this rose is a salmon color with copper reflections. Slow rising fine bubbles that form "lace" and rosary". The nose is complex and elegant with red fruit, citric, exotic, fresh flowers, and notes of dry fruits as well as dry flowers. It is fresh, gentle, and alive. Perfectly integrated "perlage" with serious and very subtle flavors of dry fruits, pomegranate and lemonade. The finish has a long lasting scent of flowers and herbs.
• I found this rose to have an orange, salmon color. On the nose, I especially sensed the dry fruit component. It was a little sour and sparkling on the palate, with a hint of fruit and pomegranate.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz"

• Emeri de Bortoli Sparkling Shiraz
• 100% Shiraz
• South Eastern
• Australia
• NV
• $9.95
• Wine critics say it is relatively light, a fresh style of sparkling Shiraz with berries and hints of chocolate picking up just a touch of sweet vanilla on the finish.
• I found this sparkling Shiraz to have strong notes of berries on the nose, which I enjoyed. On the palate, I felt it came off more fizzy than I expected at first but decreased with more tasting. The mid palate was a bit acidic and tart with the berry flavors. The finish was a little dry.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Tres Ojos Garnacha"

• Tres Ojos Garnacha
• 50% Garnacha, 50% Tempranillo
• Calatayud
• Spain
• 2011
• $6.95
• Wine critics say this Tres Ojos Garnacha has a brick red color with a bouquet of red raspberries, spices and white pepper. The palate is very concentrated and rich. This red wine is fruity, juicy and shows great depth, ripe tannins, length but yet with a wonderful elegance and lightness. This goes best with sausages, roasted meats, and aged cheeses.
• I found the nose to be full of red berries and pepper. The spice and pepper was evident on the palate, but not too much, with the red berry fruit notes. The finish was a little dry.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Montebuena"

• Montebuena
• 100% Tempranillo
• Rioja
• Spain
• 2010
• $8.95
• Wine critics say this Tempranillo has flavors of ripe cherry and blackcurrant on the nose and palate. The texture is pliant and seamless with good heft and back-end energy. The finish is smooth and sweet, with fine-grained tannins providing shape and grip. Still on the young side, but this Tempranillo drinks well with about an hour of decanting. It’s an excellent value for Rioja.
• I found the nose and palate of this wine to have notes of black cherry and dark berries, especially raspberry with a little pepper.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence"

• Sainte Victoire Cotes de Provence
• 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Cinsault
• Provence
• France
• 2011
• $8.95
• Wine critics say this rose is bright salmon pink in color, which is typical of the fresh but warm Provence style. It is refined and complex on the nose, with summer fruit and floral notes. Dry and crisp on the palate, with a delicate flavor and full texture.
• I found the color to be a mix of pink, orange, and gold. The nose was acidic with some fruit. On the palate this rose was mostly dry and tart, with less fruit than I expected.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Canyon Road"

• Canyon Road
• 100% Chardonnay
• California
• United States
• 2011
• $6.95
• Wine critics say this Canyon Road Chardonnay is medium-bodied with notes of crisp apple, ripe citrus fruit and a hint of cinnamon spice. Goes best with grilled chicken, a lighter pasta dish or mild cheeses.
• The color of this chardonnay was like most, a light gold. The nose was full of apple notes. On the palate, the balance of apple, light citrus fruit, and acidity was near perfect, with a hint of butter.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Potluck Sweet Malbec"

• Potluck Sweet Malbec
• 100% Malbec
• Mendoza
• Argentina
• 2010
• $7.95
• Wine critics say the color is a deep red with hints of violet. It is complex, fruity, and predominantly red fruits. This red is easy to drink, round with persistent sweetness, and is well balanced with sweet tannins.
• I didn't care for this Potluck Sweet Malbec. The nose was sweet, with strong red fruit notes. For a Malbec, I found it to be too sweet on my palate which I didn't enjoy.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Domaine de Grange de Payan"

• Domaine de Grange de Payan
• Grenache (majority, about 80% according to The Vintage Cellar)
• Cotes du Rhone
• France
• 2011
• $8.95
• Wine critics say this red is intensely spicy and precise, with lively red berry flavors and hints of black pepper. The Grenache is deeper and more powerful, with cherry and black raspberry qualities lifted by zesty minerality.
• I found this Domaine de Grange de Payan to be a Grenache that I don't care for. I felt the balance was off. On the palate, it was a bit more fruity at first, with notes of raspberry and cherry. From the mid-palate to the finish it gave off more of a spicy pepper flavor.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Tinto Figaro"

• Tinto Figaro
• 100% Garnacha
• Calatayud
• Spain
• 2009
• $6.95
• Wine critics say it is made from a selection of the best grapes grown in the oldest vineyards. Its short stay in oak barrels gave it a nice spicy flavor boost. The color is a bright violet. The dark berry and cherry aromas give off a jammy aspect. It's supple and gently sweet, with flavors of black raspberry and boysenberry. The finish is smooth and broad, leaving behind a hint of spiciness. This wine is very easy to drink and an excellent value.
• I found the nose on this Tinto Figaro to be a nice mix of raspberry and blackberry. The same fruits came through on my palate, as well as a little bit of pepper and spice.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Maipe Malbec Rose"

• Maipe Malbec Rose
• 100% Malbec
• Mendoza
• Argentina
• 2011
• $7.95
• Wine critics say its color is an intense pink with hints of violet. The bouquet is a fresh red fruit. Flavors include strawberry and cherry. The acidity is balanced, with a dry and lingering finish. It goes well with tuna or green salad, pasta, or spicy Asian dishes.
• On the nose, this Maipe Malbec Rose gave off a nice strawberry aroma. On the palate, it was a little acidic with bold notes of cherry and strawberry.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Cortenova Pinot Grigio"

• Cortenova Pinot Grigio
• 100% Pinot Grigio
• Veneto
• Italy
• 2012 
• $7.95
• Wine critics say it is a brilliant straw color with reflections of emerald. The bouquet is fresh and floral with varying hints of pears, apricots and bananas. It is fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style. The aftertaste gives off a pleasing hint of almonds. This would pair best with seafood dishes, risottos with scampi, and spaghetti with clams. It would be perfect as an aperitif.
• The color of this Cortenova Pinot Grigio was almost clear, but it had a light golden tint. There were light fruit notes on the nose and the bouquet was very fresh and balanced. On my palate, there wasn't as much flavor but the light fruit and slight acidity was refreshing. I felt this was a white wine I would enjoy drinking slightly chilled, outside on a warm, sunny day.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Monte Aman"

• Monte Aman
• 100% Tempranillo
• Arlanza
• Spain
• 2009
• $5.95
• Wine critics say this Monte Aman was aged in American oak casks for five months and then spent three months in the bottle before being released in the market. The color is an inky ruby with ripe cherry and plum on the nose. It is smooth with deep dark fruit flavors complicated by bitter chocolate and anise. There is a spicy quality that adds lift and focus to the weighty fruit. This Tempranillo offers an appealing mix of power and energy.
• On the nose, this Tempranillo was quite fruity with plum. I sensed the same flavors once I tasted this red, but also with a bit of a spice/pepper.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Cortenova Montepulciano d' Abruzzo"

• Cortenova Montepulciano d' Abruzzo
• 100% Montepulciano d' Abruzzo
• Abruzzo
• Italy
• 2010
• $6.95
• Wine critics say this Cortenova Montepulciano d' Abruzzo is a deep ruby red color with violet highlights and a pleasant, fruity bouquet. It has a full body, soft tannins and good acidity. Goes best with pasta dishes and red meats.
• The nose was very bold with strong berry notes and the body seemed quite thick. 
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Maipe Chardonnay"

• Maipe Chardonnay
• 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier
• Mendoza
• Argentina
• 2012
• $7.95
• 30% malolactic fermentation and 30% was aged in French oak barrels. Wine critics say this Maipe Chardonnay is a yellow, golden color with hints of green. This wine is crisp and filled with white peach, pear, green apple flavors, and toasty vanilla. The finish is long and crisp. It pairs best with creamy soups, pork, veal, or vegetables.
• My palate found this Chardonnay to be mildly acidic, with flavors of citrus and pear. It also seemed a little oaky for a white wine.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Villa d' Orvieto"

• Villa d' Orvieto
• A blend of Grechetto, Procanico (Trebbiano), Malvasia
• Umbria
• Italy
• 2011
• $6.95
• Wine critics say this Villa d' Orvieto is fresh and crisp with a beautiful floral bouquet. It goes best with appetizers, fish, chicken, and salads.
• I actually enjoyed this white wine blend. I found the body to be quite mild and creamy, with a little butter.
• I did not taste with food.

Tasting - "Dibon Cava"

• Dibon Cava
• 45% Macabeo, 30% Parellada, 25% Xarel-lo
• Penedes
• Spain
• NV
• $9.95
• Wine critics say this Dibon Cava is light gold in color with lots of bubbles. It offers aromas of apples and pears with nice floral notes. Crisp and light-bodied on the palate, the stone fruit flavors are accompanied by a mild minerality and balanced acidity.
• I found the aroma was very similar to champagne. On the palate, it was quite acidic with flavors of apple.
• I did not try with food.