Tasting- Poysdorfer Saurussel Grüner Veltliner

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Grüner Veltliner

Region: Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)

Country: Austria

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Crisp lime flavors, white pepper and lentils, followed by a mouthful of mineral notes and gooseberry. A long lingering finish. A great accompaniment to any Asian or fresh seafood dishes.

My Review: I am a huge fan of fruity wines and this one did not let me down. Great lime taste, with a smooth ending. 

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Oak Vineyards Chardonnay 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Chardonnay (100%)

Region: Central Coast

Country: United States (California)

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95 (750mL) $10.95 (1.5 Liter)

Shop Preview: This light straw-colored Oak Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay expresses smokey aromatics with nuances of apple and lemon zest that continue onto the palate where they flourish into citrus, orange blossom, and smoked oak flavors until meeting a crisp, medium finish.

My Review: On the nose and palate, tart lime, Green Apple Jolly Ranchers, and musty passion fruit, along with a strong note of vanilla.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Canyon Road Pinot Noir 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Shop Preview: This Pinot Noir expresses tantalizing flavors of ripe cherry and wild raspberry, and finishes with brown, vanilla spices and a smooth finish.

My Review:  Although this wine doesn't have much Pinot character, it's a good-drinking wine for the very low retail price. Not my favorite, but would probably purchase in the future.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Cortenova Primitivo 2010

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Primitivo

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: Dark ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palat. Great balance and structure. Excellent with grilled or roasted meats, game and cheeses.

My Review: Well balanced, good fruit, not the longest though. Well worth the price.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Morada Sangria

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 19, 2012

Variety: Spanish Red Blend

Region: Valdepenas

Country: Spain

Year: ?

Price: $4.95 (1 Liter)

Shop Preview: A traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.

My Review: If you like a lightly sweet, fruity, light-bodied wine, you will probably like this. I love it!

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Varas Vinho Tinto

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 5, 2012

Variety: Castelao (45%) Tinta Rorlz (25%) Tinta Barroca (20%) Pinot Noir (10%)

Region: Lisboa

Country: Portugal

Year: 2011

Price: $5.49

Shop Preview: This smooth Portuguese red is a blend of Castelao, Tinta Rorlz, Tinta Barroca, and Pinot Noir. The vineyards are located near Lisbon, planted in sunny gentle slopes of clay and limestone soils. The wine was aged in oak barrels. 

My Review: I am a huge fan of the famous Franzia box white, so I am a little partial to this one. It was good for the price I guess, but not something I would buy again.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- Cantina di Casteggio Moscato di Pavia

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 5, 2012

Variety: Muscat (100%)

Region: Oltrepo Pavese

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Shop Preview: 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 acidity and medium finish with layers of sweet and citrus fruit. 

My Review: I am a huge fan of Moscato and this came as no surprise that I enjoyed it. It's light, sweet and comes down easy. The bubbly effect makes for a fun drink. For the price, I'll definitely keep a bottle handy in the fridge.

With or Without Food: Without Food

Tasting- gPG Garganega Pinot Grigio

Date of Tasting: Thursday, April 5, 2012

Variety: Garganega (100%)

Region: Venezie

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $8.95

Shop Preview: gPG is from the delle Venezle 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 was a very delicate white wine. I could taste minimal signs of peach, pear and the apple that was already mentioned. Extremely clean finish.

With or Without Food: Without Food