Name: Salvano Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba "Fosco" D.O.C.G.
Variety: Dolcetto
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $16.20 (sale)
Gando Italian Foods review: An intense ruby-red coloured wine with violet hues. It's aroma is sharp and persistent, with hints of violets and ripe blackberry. It has an intense, round flavour, warm and very soft with a hint of almond.
My review: This is a very gentle, smooth, and mild wine. Mostly dark fruit aromas on the nose, such as cherry, blackberry, plum, etc. While I could smell several dark fruits, this isn't a wine that is aromatically "in your face" even when it's thoroughly swirled and coated on the inside of the glass, which can be an advantage. I tasted mostly a cherry and plum component on the palette. It was pretty dry, lightly tannic, and while it is a bit higher in alcohol (13.5%), it was very smooth, balanced, and pleasant to drink. I almost think it might go well with a moderately spicy Mexican dish.
I had this wine without food.
Name: Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier
Variety: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier
Region: Oakville, California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $13.99 (sale)
Winery review: Our distinctive blend marries the crisp, honeyed citrus fruit of Chenin Blanc with the plush body soft floral and juicy peach notes of Viognier for a lush, versatile and delicious wine. Enjoy a glass on its own or try it alongside your favorite seafood or spicy dish.
My review: I really enjoyed this Chenin Blanc and Viognier combination! I got a lot of floral and fruity notes along with a theme of light weight, fresh, warm air. On the taste, I got some great citrus fruits, not like an orange, but maybe more of kiwi or mango. I also taste a bit of honeysuckle. There is a very nice balance between the dryness and acidity of this wine. I think this wine it great by itself, but would also go well with some seafood.
I had this wine without food.
Name: Delea Bianco Di Merlot (white Merlot)
Variety: Merlot
Region: Ticino
Country: Switzerland
Year: 2009
Price: $10 - 30$ (retail)
Chain Bridge Cellars review: Delea (the producer) makes a nice line of red wines, but has also been making a white wine from Merlot for years. This isn't a rose -- the grapes are pressed right after picking, so the color is similar to a rich Pinot Gris. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with loads of red currant, strawberry, and bright green grape fruit. It finishes dry and complex and very long. Use this like you would a Pinot Gris for sipping or pairing with rich foods with mushrooms or other earthy notes. Be bold - give it a try!
My review: At first I found it difficult to pick up the nose on this wine, but after a bit I found aromas of honey, flowers, and nearly burnt caramel. On the palate, I got a dry, lightly acidic, fruit and floral flavors. It's not a complex new world fruit bomb, but I could definitely taste several bitter fruits, such as the strawberry and green grape fruit like in the Chain Bridge Cellars review. I would also add red grape fruit. It was recommended that this wine be aged for two years before drinking; it's now five years since it's been bottled, so this wine's nose and taste are most likely not as great as had the wine been opened sooner. I would drink this wine by itself or pair it with creamy pasta dishes with earthy, Greek olives and mushrooms.
I had this wine without food.
Name: Villa Pozzi
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: NV
Price: $11.99 (retail)
Winery review: Clear to light straw colored, this Pinot Grigio exhibits soft aromatic flavors of perfumed rose and soft honeysuckle that are attractive and indicative of the refreshing and rounded fruit style. The structure of a this wine is well balanced and clean. Wonderfully complemented by a firm and crisp acidic finish. This wine is perfect for sipping on its own, or as an accompaniment to fish, salads and seafood dishes.
My review: This wine reminds me a bit of Sauvignon Blanc with notes of tropical fruit and grass along with some floral hints on the nose. I get a dry, lightly acidic, and light bodied theme on the taste. I also get some fruit on the taste, but nothing really strong; maybe a little lemon peel and kiwi. I think this wine would go well with a light salad or seafood dishes.
I had this wine without food.
Name: Yali Wetland Cabernet Carmenere
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Carmenere blend
Region: Punta de Cortes, Rancagua
Country: Chile
Year: 2012
Price: $10.99 (retail)
Winery review: This Winemaker's Selection red is a blend of hand selected Cabernet Sauvignon and Chile's signature grape, Carmenere. The result is a full bodied smooth wine, with flavours of ripe blackcurrant, and cassis coming from the Cabernet underpinned by a hint of spice from the Carmenere.
My review: I think the blend of Cabernet and Carmenere works very well for this wine. It has a very full-bodied mouthfeel and a great balance of acidity and dryness. I get mostly vegetal and spice aromas from the nose. I also smell only a bit of oak which is good because over-oaking would have ruined this wine. On the taste I get a very dry, moderately tannic, vegetal theme along with hints of dirt and earthiness. This red goes very well with applewood smoked Gouda cheese! I also think this red would pair well with beef dishes or tomato based pasta dishes.
I had this wine with applewood smoked Gouda cheese!
Name: Annalisa Moscato Dolce
Variety: Moscato
Region: Northern Italy
Country: Italy
Year: NV
Price: $11.99 (retail)
Winery review: Produced from selected Moscato grapes grown in northern Italy. Soft and delicate with pleasantly sweet ripe flavors of apricot and peach.
My review: I think this is an excellent sparkling Moscato! While it's fairly simple in terms of taste and aromatics, I really like the effect that carbonation adds to the experience of this wine; I don't think I've had a sparkling Moscato before this one. On the nose I get strong themes of fruit and sweetness. On the palette I get, of course, a strong carbonation effect along with themes of sweet fruit such as peach and apple. I think this wine would go well by itself or with a light salad and Italian bread.
I had this wine without food.
Name: El Cortijillo Blanco Verdejo
Variety: 100% Verdejo
Region: La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $10 (retail)
Chain Bridge Cellars review: Here's a screaming value white wine from the Spanish land of La Mancha. It's 100% Verdejo - a grape that, at it's best, is kind of a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. Bright, fresh, aromas of ripe peach, fresh grass, and mineral notes lead to a juicy mouthful of fresh apricot, peach, and citrus fruit with a touch of fruit blossom and mint for complexity. Round and zesty in the middle and clean and bright on the finish where the apricot and papaya flavors linger nicely. A mouthwatering, refreshing, white to drink on any warm day and a great match for summer salads and grilled white meats or fish.
My review: This is definitely a refreshing white wine to drink! When I first sniffed it I noticed that it seemed very similar to Sauvignon Blanc because of its intense grassy, tropical fruit, and fresh air aromas. On the taste, however, I didn't get the peach and ammonia themes of Sauvignon Blanc , but more of a Pinot Grigio. It is a pretty dry white; not residual sugars left from fermentation. This Verdejo also seems to be heavier in mouthfeel than either the Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that it seems to be a cross between.
I had this wine with lemon cake and vanilla ice cream.
