Wine Tasting 17 - LaMarca Prosecco

Name: LaMarca Prosecco - Sparkling Wine
Variety: Prosecco, Brut
Region/Country:  Veneto, Italy
Vintage Year: Not listed
Price: $5.99 (Mini bottle - 187mL)

Website Review: "Enjoy the refreshing, aromatic style and delicate palate of La Marca Prosecco. The liquid sparkles with lively bubbles and features a pale, gold color. Aromas of citrus and honeysuckle blossoms and a crisp, clean palate bring notes of green apple, juicy peach, and ripe lemon, framed by hints of minerality. The end result? A light and refreshing finish with a delectable hint of sweetness."

Wine Folly Text: Italy's most popular sparkling wine is created with Glera grapes grown in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Common flavor notes include green apple, honeydew, pear, lager, and cream [pg 155]. Produced in the northeast region of Italy, Prosecco uses the tank method to produce a fruity sparkling wine meant to be drunk in its youth [pg. 256]. 

My Review:  🍷🍷🍷🍷(out of 5)

I really enjoyed this wine, it was the perfect light refreshing beverage to round out the night with a pal. My friend Gino came over to spill some tea and watch the last episode of Reacher, so of course I pulled out some wine to go with. On the nose, green apple, citrus, and pear notes could be pulled out. Once I tasted the wine, I could taste flavors of white peach and honeysuckle, in addition to the acidic green apple. This prosecco was fruity with a pleasant acidity. I enjoyed the light, crispiness of the wine, while Gino mentioned he found the big pops of apple to be delightful.

Wine Tasting 16 - Hearth Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Josh Cellars Hearth - Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region/Country:  Hopland, California (U.S.)
Vintage Year: 2022
Price: $12.99

Shop Review: The bottle mentions that this is a big, rich and velvety wine bursting with flavors of blackberry, chocolate, and toasted hazelnut and has a long, lingering finish. Their website adds that it has notes of baked plums, black cherries, and blackberries that are complemented by a luxurious, rich mouth feel and a long finish to create a warm, satisfying experience.

Wine Folly Text: The world's most popular wine is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc that originated in Bordeaux. Wines are concentrated and age-worthy. Often contains notes of black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices, and graphite. It is often served in an oversized glass, between 60-68 degrees F, decanted 60+ minutes, and should be in the cellar for 5-25 years. This is a full-bodied and highly tannic red wine with medium alcohol and acidity levels, with little to no sweetness. [pg. 88] Cabernet Sauvignon is the most important variety on the North Coast, showing rich fruit and dusty minerality when grown in volcanic clay soils. [pg. 292]

My Review:  🍷🍷🍷(out of 5)

Before I tried this wine, I would like to note that my roommate Sydney had purchased it. She drank some of it the day before I did this tasting. She accidentally left it out overnight (extra decanting time I guess) and then put it in the fridge when she realized the next morning. After a long day's work, I noticed it was back out on the counter and she had just poured herself a glass, so of course I had to hop in and try it before it was all gone. From the smell alone, I was able to pick out tannic, blackberry, and jammy notes, with potential spiciness. Once I tasted it, I sensed blackberry and plum, with slight tannic notes. The aftertaste was buttery and slightly peppery, with a weird taste that is kinda like bacon? Sydney said it didn't taste like that the night before so it must be a result of sitting out overnight. Overall a classic cab sav, and probably would've been better the first night.

Engagement Cheers: Wine and Cheese Pairings

This was a special weekend for my family, as my brother Jonathan was proposing to his girlfriend Kate. It has been amazing to see them grow and support one another in life, and I am very excited for them to be starting this new chapter. After my brother proposed, he brought Kate over to Gauthier Vineyard, in which she was surprised to be surrounded by all her family and friends. While I was helping set up the last bit of decorations before the party began, I noticed that there were three wines being served and a huge spread of cheeses. I figured, why not do a wine and cheese pairing blog while celebrating the happy couple!

 

Here are the details on the party refreshments I ate:

     The Alcohol
-        Wine 1 = Sauvignon Blanc
-        Wine 2 = Chardonnay
-        Wine 3 = Cabernet Sauvignon

    The Cheese
-          Cheese 1 = Sharp Cheddar
-          Cheese 2 = Havarti
-          Cheese 3 = Brie

Now that I’ve covered the spread, let’s jump into how the wine and cheese truly paired together.

 

Wine #1: Sauvignon Blanc

Variety of Grape = Sauvignon Blanc
Region & Country of Origin = Mt. Jackson, Virginia (U.S.)
Vintage Year = 2022
Price = $26/Bottle
Specific Flavors = Winery mentions green and herbaceous flavors with distinctive notes of apple and pear with a light finish
Wine Folly Pairing Recs = Chevre, crottin, morbier, and goat cheese

 
My Review = By itself, this wine was bright and crips, with notes of green apple and citrus. I liked how this wine was light and acidic, a perfect drink for a spring/summer evening. [3/ 5]

-        Pairing w/ Cheese 1 = The tangy creaminess of the cheddar cut the crisp acidity of the      wine, creating a balanced and yummy pairing
-        Pairing w/ Cheese 2 = The soft mild flavors of the havarti did not mix well, causing the two flavors to clash, making the wine taste tannic and even more acidic
-        Pairing w/ Cheese 3 = The wine’s acidity provided a good contrast between the rich, buttery texture of the brie, creating a good pair

Pairing Summary (best to worst) = Sharp Cheddar (1) > Brie (3) > Havarti (2)

Wine #2: Chardonnay

Variety of Grape = Chardonnay
Region & Country of Origin = Mt. Jackson, Virginia (U.S.)
Vintage Year = 2022
Price = $32/Bottle
Specific Flavors = Winery mentions this is a brut style sparkler with notes of green apple and pear
Wine Folly Pairing Recs = Brie, epoisses, gruyere, and triple cream cheeses

My Review = On it’s own, this wine was super bubbly and dry, making it difficult to pull out flavor notes. I was able to pick out lemon and potentially green apple, but overall it just tasted like a seltzer instead of a wine [1/5]

-         -       Pairing w/ Cheese 1 = The wine contrasted greatly with the tangy notes from the cheddar, leaving the mouth feeling gross and full of acidic, bold flavors

-        -       Pairing w/ Cheese 2 = The smooth, creamy texture of the havarti were lifted by the crisp acidity of the wine, while the fruity notes were complemented by the mild, buttery flavors coming from the cheese

-        -       Pairing w/ Cheese 3 = The extreme creaminess of the brie worked best with the dry, bubbliness of the wine, with the buttery brie being a great counterpoint for the citrus and pear notes

Pairing Summary = Brie (3) > Havarti (2) > Sharp Cheddar (1)

 

Wine #3: Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety of Grape = Chardonnay
Region & Country of Origin = Mt. Jackson, Virginia (U.S.)
Vintage Year = 2019
Price = $30/Bottle
Specific Flavors = Winery notes flavors of black currant and green bell pepper with a very structured tannin finish
Wine Folly Pairing Recs = Cheddar, gouda, and aged cow cheeses

My Review = On it’s own, this wine tasted deep and complex. It had notes of dark fruits including blackberries and plum, with high tannin levels leading to a lingering vanilla finish [3/ 5]

-        -        Pairing w/ Cheese 1 = Cheddar’s sharpness proved to be a rich pairing with the wine, as the sharpness was able to round out the tannins while the dark fruit flavors enhanced the savory notes from the cheese

-        -       Pairing w/ Cheese 2 = The tannins in the wine were again smoothed out by the creaminess of the havarti, however, the mildness of the cheese did not change or improve the flavor profile with the addition of the wine

-        -       Pairing w/ Cheese 3 = The more earth, spicy notes of the wine became more noticeable with the mild, tangy profile of the brie, while it’s creaminess was able to lessen the tannic structure

Pairing Summary = Sharp Cheddar (1) > Brie (3) -> Havarti (2)

I enjoyed being able to do this activity while being surrounded by so many friends and family. It was a little more difficult to pay attention and take notes than I expected when I was constantly socializing, but I am grateful that I was able to write enough down to do the assignment! At the end of the day, couldn’t be more happy to be gaining a sister (welcome to the Wangler family Kate!!!)

Wine Tasting 15 - TJs Zinfandel

Name: Trader Joe’s Reserve Paso Robles Adelaida District Zinfandel
Variety: Zinfandel
Region/Country:  Pasa Robles, California (U.S.)
Vintage Year: 2023
Price: $9.99

Shop Review: The bottle references notes of dark berries and red currants with hints of cranberries and spice on the finish. Reverse Wine Snob adds that this wine opens with an attractive aroma of dark berry fruit, that is a bit brambly, plus spice and a little vanilla.  This smooth and balanced wine is simple but pleasing, ending in a dry, long finish.
 
Wine Folly Text: Zinfandel is a fruit-forward yet bold red that's loved for its jammy fruit and smoky, exotic spice notes. Common flavors include blackberry, strawberry, peach preserves, cinnamon, and sweet tobacco. It pairs well with Turkish, Moroccan, and Arabic cuisine, as well as Asian barbecue [pg. 189]. In the Central Coast region, Zinfandel is best from Paso Robles, where it is hot enough to ripen this variety. Wines take on a much juicier and typically lighter style (with less tannin) than in the North Coast [pg. 294]. 
 

My Review:  (out of 5)
I really enjoyed this wine, which was my first zin. I had the opportunity to sample this while shopping around TJs, and I am so glad I did. Once I had a sip I knew I needed to buy the bottle, and chose to enjoy this with my friend Gino while watching the newest release of the TV series Reacher. This was a bold, flavorful wine, with notes of dark fruit and spice. The wine had a balanced acidity with a smooth finish. Gino also mentioned that the wine tasted better over time, as the finish brought out the fruity and vanilla flavors. 

                                       

Good Things Come in Threes - Reds, dishes, and friends :)

Introduction

The gang (Sydney, Nate, Tyler, and I) rallied up again for another evening of dining like kings. Nate hosted this event, and he prepared an exquisite main course. Sydney and I supplied the appetizer, while Tyler pulled up with the dessert. We brought a variety of red wines and, once the table was prepped, we were ready to feast.

 

The Wines

1. Moon X

Variety = Black Pinot Noir

Region & Country = Manteca, California (U.S.)

Vintage Year = 2023

Price = $6.99

Specific Flavors = Lush aromas of cherry, black plum, and gently toasted oak are followed by jammy dark fruit flavors lending richness and depth, with just a hint of spice.

Pairs Well With = Light foods, mild cheeses, herb roasted/grilled meats

-        Hoped it would taste good with cheese and crackers, as well as herb roasted nuts

My Review = From smell alone, this wine had strong notes of black cherry, plum, and pomegranate, with a slight smokey scent. This is a super smooth wine, surprisingly not tannic in the slightest, that has notes of blackberry, plum, and jam, with a peppery finish.

                                     

2. Josh Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel

Variety = Zinfandel

Region & Country = Hopland, California (U.S.)

Vintage Year = 2020

Price = $19.99

Specific Flavors = Aged in charred bourbon barrels for months to impart a bolder richer flavor, this wine is vibrant and spicy with flavors of cracked black pepper and licorice, complimented by notes of vanilla and blackberry. The palate is full-bodied with velvety tannins and a long, smooth finish.

Pairs Well With = Grilled sausages, BBQ chicken, or smoked eggplant

-        Hoped it would taste good with steak and potatoes

My Review = This wine contained strong notes of black currant, strawberry/raspberry jam, and menthol. Once I sniffed and swirled it, I was able to taste sweet and smokey flavors with bourbon aged tannins on the finish. This was a more complex tasting wine, so it was more difficult to pull out specific flavors, however, it was easy to note the wine’s oakiness from being barrel aged for quite some time.

                                   

3. Cooper’s Hawk Vin Chocolat Almond

Variety = Red blend

Region & Country = Woodridge, Illinois (U.S.)

Vintage Year = NA

Price = $16.99

Specific Flavors = Balanced and intriguing, this red wine offers a smooth palate of cherry and berry fruit flavors, elevated with delectable notes of rich, flowing chocolate. A tantalizing hint of fresh almond on the alluring finish completes this mesmerizing and sophisticated indulgence.

Pairs Well With = Rich desserts such as chocolate cake

-        Hoped it would taste good with dark chocolate and raspberries

My Review = From smell alone, I was able to pick out the notes of maraschino cherry, berry, and almond, along with a hint of chocolate. This wine had the most surprising flavor personally, tasting almost as sweet as syrup. I picked out the cherry almond flavors almost immediately, while I was also able to pick out praline and chocolate over time.

                                   

The Dishes

1. Charcuterie Board

We paired cotija with buttery crackers (mine were gluten free), along with a selection of roasted olive oil and seasoned mixed nuts. The saltiness of the cheese balanced well with the wines, while the olive oil and rosemary flavors of the nuts provided a nice savory addition.

2. Steak and Potatoes

Nate made a mouth-watering dish consisting of a chuck roast that was seasoned and dry aged, with a flavorful marinade containing flavors of rosemary and some of the black pinot noir. Additionally, he made diced potatoes that were heavily seasoned to perfection.

3. Chocolate and Raspberries

We finished with sweet, ripe raspberries and decadent dark chocolate. The chocolate was gifted to me, coming from Open Book Chocolates. Named “Pride and Prejudice”, this dark chocolate contained flavors of blackcurrant and cinnamon.

How Each Course Paired with the Wines

Charcuterie Pairings

• Moon X: Strong, complimentary pairing. The saltiness of the cheese paired well with the fruity flavors of the wine. Also, the cheese diluted the small amount of tannins that were present in the wine, making this black pinot noir taste even more smooth like a jammy fruit juice.
• Josh Zinfandel: Decent pairing, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Somehow the cotija made this wine taste more tannic. It still tasted alright, but I don’t think the food did anything for the wine (or vice versa).

Steak and Potato Pairing

• Josh Zinfandel: Good pairing, but it made me wonder if this would pair better with a different cut/style of meat. The steak and wine both tasted wonderful individually, but again they didn’t do anything for one another. The potatoes tasted great after drinking the wine, with the tannins in the wine making the potatoes taste sweeter and more flavorful.

Raspberries and Chocolate Pairing

• Chocolate Almond Wine: Wonderful pairing! The flavored dark chocolate was able to pull out the berry/cherry flavors, making the wine easily drinkable. The raspberries tasted even sweeter after drinking the wine. Overall a beautiful dessert to end the evening. Tyler also brought chocolate cake, which I couldn't eat, and he mentioned they also paired well (which you can see in his face below).

Final Thoughts

This was an upgrade from our previous wine dinner. I live for evenings like this, eating quality food and appreciating wine surrounded by people that I love. We had a great time discussing wine, enjoying food, and joking around with one another. Looking forward to the next one already!

Wine Tasting 14 - Nemea

 

Name: Nemea Dry Red Wine
Variety: Agiorgitiko
Region/Country: Aivalis Winery, Nemea, Greece
Vintage Year: 2022
Price: $9.99 (for a glass)

Shop Review: The bottle mentions that this is an unstabilized, unfiltered wine that is 12 months matured in French oak barrels. The website mentions that it has aromas of plum, cherry, ripe strawberry, violet, nuts, green tea, black pepper, cloves, vanilla, oak, damp earth, smoke, ink, and bitter chocolate. 

Wine Folly Text: 

Hot climates produce fruity reds, perfumed whites, and rich dessert wines. Nemean Agiorgitiko can be likened to a fruity Cabernet (pg 240). Agiorgitiko is Greece's most planted red and famous from the region of Nemea in Peloponnese, where the best wines are said to grow in the hills close to the commune of Koutsi. This is a medium red with notes of raspberry, black currant, plum sauce, nutmeg, and oregano (pg 242). With subtle flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon, this wine pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, tomato sauces, and spiced cuisines (pg 71). 

My Review: 🍷🍷🍷🍷 (out of 5)
For spring break, I went with a couple of friends to Athens, Greece. At one of the restaurants, I did a little wine tasting and tried to pair it with my meal. I asked the waiter if I could take a picture of the wine bottle, and he was extremely hesitant but allowed it. From smell alone, this wine seemed dry and tannic, with strong notes of plum. When I tasted it, I immediately noticed strong flavors of sour cherry, strawberry, and green tea. The finish included notes of smoky black pepper, vanilla, and nutmeg. I ordered a steak meal, and drinking the wine with this food made the wine taste smoother, bringing out the buttery finish. The food cut the tannins and made the cherry taste more pronounced. Overall, I really enjoyed this wine and was glad to have tasted it during my time in Greece!

Wine Tasting 13 - Louis Eschenauer Sauternes

Name: Sauternes
Variety: 80% Sémillon, 15% Sauvignon and 5% Muscadelle
Region/Country: Landiras (Southwestern) France
Vintage Year: 2022
Price: $14.99

Shop Review: The shop describes this wine as a straw yellow color with a rich fragrance of white orchard flowers, apricots, and honey. They describe the taste by stating that this sweet wine is accompanied by an explosion of aromas such as crystallized tangerine, apricot jam, or citrus fruits, with an excellent balance between acidity and rich natural sugars. They suggest that this wine becomes even richer with age and is famous for being the ideal drink to serve with foie gras. It will nevertheless go very well with ordinary dishes like Roquefort cheese, white meats, and dessert.

Critic Notes: Nose: The fungal, apricot, and honey botrytis notes are very faint. I get more varietal aromas of grapefruit peel, pineapple, and lemon rind. A bit of vanilla sugar from the barrel. Palate: Much like the smell, I don’t feel like these grapes have seen a lot of botrytis. The more forward flavors are citrus oils, pineapple, and vanilla. Apricot is quite far in the back. Not all THAT sweet for a Sauternes. Feels between demi-sec and sweet, but that could be because of the punchy acidity. Much lighter in body and less cloying than typical Sauternes. 

Wine Folly Text: Also spelled as Sauternais, this is a dessert wine made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes infected with a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. It should be served in a dessert glass, cold, and often spends 10-30 years in a cellar. Lower in alcohol, this wine has a strong body, is very sweet, and has a medium level of acidity. It has flavors of lemon curd, apricot, quince, honey, and ginger, and is often paired best with soft cheeses in which the sweetness of the wine counteracts the "funk" of the cheese (pg 164). 

My Review: 🍷🍷🍷 (out of 5)
This was yet another free wine (shout out to my mom for all the freebies) bc it was too sweet for my mom's liking. Upon pouring it into a glass, this wine has strong scents of honey and apricot. Once I tasted it, I immediately understood why my mom didn't like it. The honey flavor was so strong it tasted like I was drinking straight syrup, followed by an apricot aftertaste. This was my first sauternes, and it was very interesting. I low-key liked how light and sweet it was, and believe it would be better in the future with something to balance it out. Definitely not a wine I could drink a lot of... I couldn't imagine the hangover I would get due to it's high sugar levels. A little bit goes a long way in this wine's case.