Tasting #20 - New Age Tinto Dulce

Name: New Age

Varietal: 70% Bonarda & 30% Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: N/A

Price: $11.99

Professional Wine Review: This bright red wine displays lots of tiny bubbles when first poured. It opens with an orange and red cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is very light bodied and frothy. The flavor profile is a slightly sweet strawberry and loganberry blend with notes of cherry and a twist of orange. The finish is remains slightly sweet and its fades away nicely. This is a good and easy to drink wine. It will appeal to the spritzer crowd. It is also very low in alcohol at 6% [1].

Wine Folly Review: This wine has the interesting trait of being a very sweet red blend. The Bonarda grape produces flavors of plum sauce, cherry, cardamom, fig pasta, and graphite. The question is which of these flavors will be exemplifed when combined with the Malbec grape. The Malbec introduces red plum, blackberry, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and cocoa. With Bonarda's bone-dry nature and Malbec's dryness, this blend is made out to be very dry. The medium and high characterics of both grapes collide together to make this wonderful red blend [2], [3].

Personal Wine Review: Ahhhh Sangria. My father has always told me to NEVER by bottles sangria, ALWAYS make it yourself. My family special Sangria does not include either Bonarda or Malbec, only Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. Our Sangria is also brewed for several hours to allow the fruit that is pressed and added to the mixture is able to integrate itself with the wine. At the end, it is always served cold with the pulp of the fruit. Now this Sangria was most interesting. It was a sparkling red blend! It was soooo interesting, but it was not better than my family's Sangria. I found it to be strong and very sweet and fruity, which is good. I also found hints of raisin in the aroma, but not in the taste. To my tongue, it was very sweet and specifically centered itself around strawberry. It had an excellent finish. I would have this again if it were presented to me, but I would prefer a homemade Sangria.

References:

[1] https://www.kenswineguide.com/wine_review/Valentin-Bianchi-New-Age-Tinto-Dulce-Naturally-Sweet

[2] https://winefolly.com/grapes/bonarda/

[3] https://winefolly.com/grapes/malbec/

Tasting #19 - Setzer Gruner Veltliner

  

Name: Setzer

Varietal: Gruner Veltliner

Region: Weinviertel

Country: Austria

Year: 2021

Price: $10.99

Professional Wine Review: Setzer Gruner Veltliner feels different from anything else – one feels the elevation in the slightly higher level of acidity making this wine “sing in a different register”. The texture runs more to light to medium in body for GV and often shows floral notes in conjunction with classic straw, wheat and savory flavors that the variety is known for. [1]

Wine Folly Review: Stated as having primary flavors of starfruit, gooseberry, green bean, white pepper, and crushed gravel to the tongue. In the world of the nose, the main way we humans examine taste you would be able to find hints of lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Wine Folly states that in the warmer regions of Austria you would be able to find a more rip fruit flavor on your palate. A medium to light bodied dry wine with virtually no tannic components creates room for a large acidic presence. [2]

Personal Wine Review: When I held this wine in my hand and performed the smell test, itself appear as full and acidic. With aromas such as apple and nature-adjacent like gravel, you would assume you are about to embark in a complicated tasting for your tongue. But no. I would the wine to be light providing flavors of banana and pear. It did not disappoint in being acidic and it was thankfully not too overwhelming. Served chilled, I think I would sip on this wine again, but I wouldn't aim on finishing the entire bottle or most of it. 

References:

[1] https://www.agedcork.com/product/setzer-gruner-veltliner/

[2] https://winefolly.com/grapes/gruner-veltliner/

Tasting #18 - Piattelli Malbec

   

Name: Piattelli Vineyards

Varietal: Malbec

Region: Lujan De Cuyo, Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2021

Price: $16.99

Professional Wine Review: This offers luscious dark plum, dried cherry and mocha notes that are supported by medium-grained tannins. Chocolate, cream and spice flavors fill the midpalate and linger on the rich finish. [1]

Wine Folly Review: Malbec is best described by WineFolly as a dry, full body wine with equal levels of tannins and acidity. With primary flavors such as red plum, blackberry, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and cocoa. On the darker side of red wines, this is not one to miss out on. [2]

Personal Wine Review: I have reviewed a few Malbec wines throughout the course of this class, but I think this one was one of the most intense and vibrate Malbec wins I have ever had. The wine had this incredibly underwhelming aroma to it, it made itself seem as if it was a light wine. This is quite the contrary, the wine was intense, very dry, and with a strong finish. Literally "woah". It was hard, jammy, and tasted of licorice and dark fruit. It was sweet but also not sweet. It was a great wine that I would definitely try to have again. 

References:

[1] https://www.edsfinewines.com/wine-store/wine/red-wine/malbec/piattelli-malbec-reserve/

[2] https://winefolly.com/grapes/malbec/

Tasting #17 - While Zinfindal

   

Name: Bay Bridge Vineyards

Varietal: White Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: United States of America

Year: N/A

Price: $3.99

Professional Wine Review: At Bay Bridge Vineyards, we carefully select grapes from some of the finest vineyards to craft wines with vibrant fruit and elegant structure. Bay Bridge wines are full of flavor, rich in color and smooth in taste, which makes them delicious and the perfect accompaniment to any meal. This refreshing, fruit-forward White Zinfandel has aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries with the perfect touch of sweetness. Pairs well with baked Brie. [1]

Wine Folly Review: Described as "a kind of rosé", this varietal looks and feels like a white wine but it has the taste and aromas of a semi-deep wine. Originating from the 1970s, this wine shows no signs of going away. Centered heavily on it's rich and flavorful experience, White Zinfandel does not disappoint. [2]

Personal Wine Review: I found this wine to be quite surprising. Upon smelling the wine, I found it to be floral, earthy, but also dead? I honestly don't know why I found it to smell dead, but it was. The wine seemed to be light bodied, but that is the characteristics of a rosé. When I tasted the wine, I found the wine to be acidic but smooth at the same time. Hints of blood orange and some sort of apple were also found. Overall this wine was fantastic and I would have it again. This wine was not consumed with anything.

References:

[1] https://www.kroger.com/p/bay-bridge-white-zinfandel-rose-wine/0008312000046

[2] https://winefolly.com/grapes/zinfandel/

Tasting #15 - Apple Barn White

   

Name: Apple Barn

Varietal: 60% Apple Wine 40% Grape Wine

Region: Tennessee

Country: United States of America

Year: 2022

Price: $24.99

Professional Wine Review: A delightful fusion of two distinct fruits, this wine is sure to please your house guests! The combination of these two fruits creates a beautifully balanced profile that dances between sweetness and acidity. A pale golden hue with a greenish tinge, you'll pick up aromas of ripe, juicy grapes and fresh picked apples coupled with similar flavor character. [1]

Wine Folly Review: I was unable to find any article on the Wine Folly website or section of the Wine Folly book that covered any part of this wine. I even attempted to research the region, and that also did not work.

Personal Wine Review: The feel of this wine was light. It was as if the glass that the wine was being carried in was ten times the weight and presence of the wine. Providing a strong sense of sour, asphalt, and burnt rubber; This wine did not set itself up for victory. Clearly, the main aroma and flavor of the wine was going to be apple. Although, the "varietal" of apple was yet to be determined. Upon tasting the wine, I would it to be extremely sweet and smooth. It was a very pleasant experience. I would say that the wine was made of the Golden Delicious apple varietal. Overall, I enjoyed this wine and would have it again.

References:

[1] https://www.rockytopwinetrail.com/product/apple-barn-white/

Tasting #16 - Rocca della Macie Chianti Classico

   

Name: Rocca della Macie

Varietal: Chianti

Region: Chianti

Country: Italy

Year: 2018

Price: $32.99

Professional Wine Review: Ruby red tending towards garnet. Rich, intense and complex notes of cherry, plum, and spice. Dry, soft, gently tannic with good structure.

This wine pairs well with red meat, roasts and game. Decant one hour before serving. [1]

Wine Folly Review: Listed as bone-dry and full of tannins, this Italian wine from Tuscany has the opportunity to provide many flavors. Chianti, based on the grape known as Sangiovese, provides flavors and aromas of cherry, plum, tomato leaf, leather, and clay pot. Meant to be served warmed or at room temperature and decanted for 30 minutes, this wine is a staple in the wine world. [2]

Personal Wine Review: I have had chianti once before tasting this wine and I really wanted to be taken aback with this one. Prior to tasting the wine, I found the wine to be medium bodied with aromas of spice, plum, and a light hue of acidity. Upon pouring the wine onto my tongue, I found the wine to be quite unbalanced. It was flabby, extremely tannic with a hidden throat punch of acidic nature. It seemed that the wine "expired" in a sense. I did not enjoy the wine, and therefore have yet to have a good experience with Chianti. 

References:

[1] https://www.wine.com/product/rocca-delle-macie-chianti-classico-riserva-2018/777833?state=CA&s=GoogleBase_CSE_777833_HELLOSPRING15_type_Wine_RedWine_Sangiovese&promo=HELLOSPRING15&region_id=000030#closePromoModal

[2] https://winefolly.com/wines/chianti/

Tasting #14 - Truth and Valor Cabernet Sauvignon

   

Name: Truth and Valor Reserve

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, California

Country: United States of America

Year: 2021

Price: $29.99

Professional Wine Review: The Cabernet Sauvignon presents deep aromas of black cherry and cranberry with hints of tobacco and toasted oak. Smooth, integrated flavors of plum, pomegranate, and cassis reveal hints of black olive with earthy undercurrents. Lifted acidity adds length to a soft, supple finish. [1]

Wine Folly Review: A full body, tannic and dry wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is not a stranger in the world of wine. One of the most consumed varietals, you are able to find passionate flavors of black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices, and graphite in the wine. [2]

Personal Wine Review: What an AMAZING wine. Probably one of the best wines I have had during the duration of this course. From an outward view, the wine felt dense and full. It smelled heavy of jam, strawberry, and just DARK fruit. Upon placing this wine in my mouth, I was immersed in the most smooth, dry, and wonderfully balanced wine I have ever had. The flavors lingered so beautifully with its slightly tannic and sugary nature. I can't say much more than just positive things about this wine. Just wow! Again, this was not consumed with anything else because this wine is capable of holding its ground all by itself!

References:

[1] https://www.truthandvalorwinery.com/

[2] https://winefolly.com/grapes/cabernet-sauvignon/