Tasting- Cotes du Rhone Sol 'Acantalys

Date of Tasting: Saturday, January 28, 2012

Variety: Grenache, Carignan, Syrah Blend

Region: Rhone

Country: France

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95

Shop Preview: Bright and juicy Côtes du Rhône with hints of spice and pepper. This young and fresh Côtes du Rhône from Les Vignerons de Tavel shows superb notes of red berry fruits and spice, particularly pepper. Enjoy with a traditional shepard's pie.

My Review: This wine came off extremely plump and juicy. The red bursts with ripe red and black fruits was evident from beginning to the end of the tasting. It was palate pleasing and smooth.
With or Without Food: Bread

Tasting- Casa Bianca Spumante Rosato

Date of Tasting: Saturday, January 28, 2012

Variety: Prosecco (Pinot Nero)

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $11.95

Shop Preview: Prosecco is very popular in Italy. Often the wine is served as a festive aperitif but mild dry Prosecco Spumante is also very suitable as a companion of appetizers and entrees. Prosecco is a generic term and can be sold in many different qualities. The best have their own appellation, as Casa Bianca. The vineyards of Montello and the hills of Asoli located in northern Italy. This rosato spumante is made from white grape pinot nero prosecco and red. By fermenting them together creates the pale pink color and a flavor that is more powerful than the white variety. Spicy rosato spumante with a fine, persistent mousse, juicy fresh red fruit in the aroma and a rich, smooth and lasting flavor.

My Review: The Rosato was so enjoyable to try. The initial bubbly taste was followed by a persistent juicy fruit taste. It was extremely rich and smooth, and had a lasting flavor.

With or Without Food: Bread

Tasting- Nykteri Santorini Yannis

Date of Tasting: Saturday, January 28, 2012

Variety: Assyrtiko (80%), Blend of Athiri and Aidani (20%)

Region: Santorini

Country: Greece

Year: 2010

Price: $13.95

Shop Preview: "Nykteri"- dry white wine. The formula to instant wine making on the night of the same day that the grapes were harvested solved the problem of the variety's sensitive aroma. In this way the wine's contact with barrel's wood gives the Nykteri a special finesse. Characteristics crystal-clear, semi0yellow wine. Dominated by the aromas of jasmine, citrus fruits, flowers and pear, all these enhanced with gentle vanilla sense. A strong body with warm personality and a long lasting taste.

My Review: The aromas of barrels, vanilla and citrus fruits are extremely dominant in this wine. It is rich in flavor, and has a spicy intense taste that lingers long after. After following with wine tasting with a piece of bread, I feel it would have paired well with additional bread and cheese appetizers.
With or Without Food: Bread

Tasting- Doural Tinto

Date of Tasting: Saturday, January 28, 2012

Variety: Touriga Nacional (Red Blend)

Region: Dai

Country: Portugal

Year: 2009

Price: $8.95

Shop Preview: This Portuguese tinto (red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues. The nose is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure. Pairs well with red or game meat, cheeses and fish.

My Review: The flavor of this wine was nicely balanced, rich, and smooth. The finish is much drier than I am used to and as a result was not one of my favorites from the days tastings. Although it was not a wine of choice for me, I feel it would have gone well with that of a red meat.

With or Without Food: Bread

Tasting- Boas Vinhas Tinto

Date of Tasting: Saturday, January 28, 2012

Variety: Touriga Nacional (100%)

Region: Dao

Country: Portugal

Year: 2009

Price: $9.95

Shop Preview: Deep bright violet and red color. Rich in aromas of red fruits as plums and strawberries. Its intense yet docile and fleshy taste fills the palate without roughness, leaving a pleasant sensation.

My Review: I found this red wine to be exceptionally smooth and ripe. The after taste of red wine is normally not enjoyable for me, which is why I tend to stay away from them. But the Boas Vinhas Tinto left an elegant taste of berries, herbs, and spice, a taste I found extremely refreshing.
With or Without Food: Bread

Geography of Wine

A Sip of Class is intended to be my liaison between the casual college drinker and the classy wine connoisseur. 


My name is Alex DiMattina and I am a senior at Virginia Tech! When I was listening to Steve Jobs commnecement speech at Stanford, he made a distinct  connection between the calligraphy course he took for fun and his interests in life. As my last semester in college approached faster than expected, I thought to myself what course would I regret leaving school without taking... WINE. 


I am in now way shape or form a wine professional, but I do love the beverage and find myself more interested in the terms and meanings behind the drink and not just the taste and result that ones from a great night out on the town :) By no means are my "reviews" and opinions professional, but hence why I am taking this course.

A Sip of Class (class referring to not only the classy demeanor wine portrays, but also the Geography of wine course itself) will consist of a compilation of different wine tastings, winery visits, and more! 

Drink On!