Tasting - Jam Jar

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White

Variety: Moscato

Region: South Africa

Country: South Africa

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "100 % Muscat. Soft floral hints add depth to the otherwise straightforward ripe peach and nectarine aromas. There’s a good balance in the mouth, with a nice acidic lift and slightly lime edge to cut the sweetness on the finish and close with the faintest hint of honeydew melons."

My Review: Per every Moscato I've blogged about, I enjoyed this casual Moscato made for easy-drinking. There was honesuckle, rose petals, mango, and peaches on the nose. This was not the sweetest Moscato, which I actually liked, but plenty of watermelon and white peach on the palate to savor. There was also a citrus component- sweet clementines- that made uplifted this Moscato in my book. Next time, I will look for this wine and enjoy with any dessert, but especially fruit tart or cobbler. 

Tasting - Entrada Malbec

Name: Entrada

Variety: Malbec

Region: Chile

Country: Chile

Year: 2013

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "Firm and structured, this is a solid wine, laced with mineral acidity and tight tannins. It has a juicy, blackberry fruit component cutting through the texture."

My Review: This red had plenty of berry and spices on the nose and palate. It was well-balanced on the tannins and had a medium finish that rounded nicely with prunes, strawberry jams, and a mineral component

 The Entrada Malbec was had a metallic texture that reminded me of stainless steel. It was an enjoyable, but also forgettable red. However, I would like to try this with blackberry cobbler or dark chocolate  drizzled strawberries.

Tasting - Vina Borgia

Name: Vina Borgia Borsao

Variety: Grenache

Region: Campo de Borja

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "86 Points – Robert Parker. Also made from 100% Grenache, the 2012 Vina Borgia was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Its medium dark ruby color is followed by abundant notes of strawberries and black cherries offered in a straightforward, medium-bodied, soft, hedonistic, round style. It is hard to believe a wine this good can sell for $7 a bottle. Enjoy it over the next 1-2 years."

My Review: This red had a metallic, cold quality in aroma and on the palate. There were plenty of dark fruits and licorice, most notably black cherries and plums. The Vina Borgia had a chewy texture with a bold, strong finish and full-bodied tannins. It was a very generic red that I feel like I've tasted before- but it is not to say I did not enjoy it. I did not pair this with food, but like I've said so many times with reds like these, I would have this with roast beef dishes, beef stew, or dark barbequed chicken.

Tasting - Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Name: Peter Lehmann Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2010

Price: $9.95 Sale

Winery Review: "The 2010 Chardonnay presents subtle notes of spiced apple slices and ripe peaches with hints of freshly baked bread and melon. Light bodied, clean and refreshingly crisp in the mouth, it offers just enough apple and pear flavor concentration, finishing with medium-long persistence. Drink it now to 2014."

My Review: This was a lighter pale green-yellow color than the previous Protocolo. There was honeydew, pears, and white grape on the nose with subtle hints of pineapple. This was a delicious embodiment of green apple, watermelon, and mango on the palate. It was refreshing and made for easy drinking, with less of a "dry" quality than the previous white. There was a long and bold finish of pear skins. I did not pair this with food, but I think it would taste great with a lemon bar or a meringue pie. 

Tasting - Protocolo

Name: Protocolo Vino de la Tierra de Castilla

Variety: Blend of Airen with Macabeo

Region: Spain

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "Mostly Airen with a little bit of Macabeo .Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon. As usual, this is an outstanding value."

My Review: This white was a pretty golden lime color. There was lemongrass and citrus fruits on the nose. On the palate there were tones of metallic, cool mint chocolate chip ice cream mixed in with the citrus flavors. It reminded me somewhat of a mint julep. The surface texture was smooth and crisp, with a carbonated feel to the finish. For the price, this was a great and clean choice. Like with all whites, this should be enjoyed with light appetizers, salad, and seafood (particularly herbed salmon).

Tasting - Eco Love

Name: R Wines Eco Love

Variety: Riesling

Region: South Island

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Our South Island Riesling has a range and combination of flavors unlike any other. These flavors span citrus, root ginger, white peach, spices and florals. eco.love Riesling is made in balance to an off-dry style. Food Pairing: Asian Fusion, Seafood, Curry, and anything spicy"

My Review: This was an interesting Riesling compared to the tones I've had before. This definitely had an exotic, Asian flavor feel to it and I especially was sensitive to these flavors growing up in a Vietnamese household with plenty of Vietnamese cuisine. There was lemongrass, lime juice, and apricot on the nose. On the palate, there was these distinct spices that my mother usually uses to cook her Pho, a traditional Vietnamese soup dish. Along with these spices, I was getting coconut, almond butter, and hints of floral bouquet in the form of violet. It was not paired with food, but I can 100% agree with the winery review's suggestion of taking this with Asian food. 

Tasting - Toschi

Name: Toschi Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2013

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "Well-balanced flavors of dark berries and plums. Spicy fruit finish."

My Review: On the nose there was blackberry jam, licorice, and dark ground pepper. I was getting these same tones on the palate, with added prunes and dark chocolate as well. I wish I could get another sip of this, because I could not decipher all of the flavors from just these sips- I know there was more to the peppery component. At any rate, there was a leathery surface texture, well-balanced tannins, and a medium-brief finish. I think this would taste great with peppered steak or a black shrimp pasta.

Tasting - Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "Rich, fruit forward cherry flavors, soft tannins, a medium body and a smooth velvety finish. Pairs well with creamy soups, salmon, and savory pork dishes."

My Review: On the nose there was red fruits such as cherries, strawberries, and raspberries with hints of bitter dark chocolate. There was a creamy, chewy texture on the palate and tomato bisque-like tones to add to the red fruit flavors. The tannins were subtle, and there was a short, not extraordinary finish. Overall, not my favorite Pinot Noir but for ~$7 it would not make a bad choice for a casual dinner. This was not paired with food, but I think it would go well with a roma pasta or pizza.

Tasting - Wine Men of Gotham

Name: Wine Men of Gotham Chardonnay Semillion

Variety: Blend of Chardonnay and Semillion

Region: Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Chardonnay Semillon is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Semillon. It gives a 

moderate intensity of melon, guava, apricot and butterscotch aromas. The medium bodied palate provides attractive acidity along with plenty of tropical fruit flavors and a medium-long finish."

My Review: This blend was a heavier wine than the previous Sauvignon Blanc that I tried. On the nose there was an interesting collection of caramel and cayenne pepper. There was these same caramel and pepper flavors on the palate, with additional components of sweet red apples, cassava, and papaya. There was definitely a mix between cooking spices and exotic fruit going on. The texture was chewy, with a long finish and shy tannins. I would like to pair this with some biscuits and apple butter to complement the buttery flavors that I was also getting from this wine.

Tasting - Indwe

Name: Indwe Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: South Africa

Country: South Africa

Year: n/a

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Grapes are meticulously sourced from our grape producers along the Coastal region of the Western Cape ensuring complexity and freshness in the wine. Indwe Sauvignon Blanc is full of layers, balance and persistence. The wine is imbued with tropical and citrus notes, with hints of melon and gooseberry flavors"

My Review: This white was a subtle, pale yellow color. On the nose there were spruces, passionfruit, lemon juice, and floral undertones of African violet. The palate revealed exotic fruit such as cherimoya, mango, pineapple, hints of lemonade and was full-bodied. There was a velvety smooth surface texture that brought out the many flavors on the palate. It was not enjoyed with food, but I would definitely like to try this with fresh fruits such as watermelon cuts or strawberries and yogurt.

Tasting - Beringer Red Moscato

Name: Beringer Red Moscato

Variety: Blend of Moscato, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2010

Price: $7.00

Wine Review: "This innovative blend is the perfect harmony of Moscato, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. It brings together the vivid aromas and flavors of the Moscato grape with the classic red berry characteristics of Zinfandel and ripe black cherry flavors of Petite Sirah."

My Review: This Red Moscato had a flavor profile bursting of fruits like strawberry, raspberry, and plums. On the nose there was almost a sweet, cinnamon component that accented the fruity aroma. The palate echoed the aromas, with plenty of berry jam and candy - almost like a Swedish fish or strawberry Poptart taste. This was definitely a heavier Moscato than the previous ones I tasted. It was interesting to experience a blend of all three grape varieties, and this was not paired with food but I think a peach or cherry cobbler would go well with it. 

Tasting - Rex Goliath Merlot

Name: Rex Goliath Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2013

Price: $6.99

Wine Review: "I really love this wine. Soft, supple and complex. There is a certain elegance that fits my vision of the perfect Merlot: pretty and seductive with a decidedly spicy nose of black cherry, cassis and cedar. Very ripe and round, almost like a Jolly Rancher candy. Mouth-filling flavors of plums, cherries and wild red berries dominate from start to finish. The burst of juicy acidity paired with soft tannins make this 

a perfect match for game fowl, such as pheasant or duck. My preference is Rock Cornish game hen, if you can catch one!"

My Review: This was a full-bodied Merlot, with plenty of plums, blackberry jam, oak, and peppers on the nose and on the palate. There was a suede- leathery surface texture with tannins that accented the red-fruit components, most notably cherry. It had a grippy midpalate with a finish that was strong and smooth. I did not enjoy this with food, but this would pair very well with a roasted chicken topped with some cayenne peppers and thyme leaves. It was an enjoyable, inexpensive wine, but I don't know if it is one that I would buy again and again- Merlot is not my favorite.

Tasting - Belmondo Moscato

Name: Belmondo Moscato

Variety: Muscat Blanc A Petits

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $7.99

Wine Review: "Soft golden hues of honey sparkle in this classic Italian Moscato. Notes of lavender, orange and hibiscus are highlighted by a tantalizing frizzante tingle on the pallet. Perfect by itself as an aperitif or with desserts."

My Review: This was a refreshing and subtly sweet Moscato enriched with exotic passionfruit, vanilla creme, honeydew, and tones of citrus fruits. The nose, filled with passionfruit and a floral bouquet,  foreshadowed the previously mentioned flavors on the palate. Like most other Moscatos I have come across, this makes for easy drinking and should be served chilled and with good company. I liked this better than the First Light Moscato that I had purchased a few weeks ago because the sweetness is not as overpowering. An inexpensive and good buy. It was enjoyed with herbed bruchetta, which actually worked well but I would like to try this with a fruit tart or apple pie as more of a dessert wine.

Tasting - Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Santa Ema Cabernet Sauvignon

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Maipo Valley

Country: Chile

Year: 2009

Price: $17.99

Wine Review: "Dark and rather toasty, with firm coffee and black licorice notes around the core of roasted fig and black currant fruit. A firm, toasty edge holds sway on the finish. For fans of the style. 88 Points Wine Spectator"

My Review: This red was a deep violet to ruby color. There were aromas of black berry, plums, and mocha on the nose. These same flavors as well as hints of cherry, tobacco, and oak were present on the palate as well. It was a textured, complex red with smooth and ripe tannins. A strong finish to round out the tasting experience was the highlight of this wine. I enjoyed this red very much, but it was wrongly paired with a pomegranate-acai Greek yogurt. It was a little overpowering for this light yogurt, but I think it would complement a blackberry pie, fruit tart- anything with fruit jam. 

Tasting - Yellow Tail Shiraz

Name: Yellow Tail Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Region: Australia

Country: United States

Year: 2008

Price: $7.99

Wine Review: "Fruity but not overly sweet, balanced well by spice at the finish. Not as big and rich as a Syrah should be; poorly concealed alcohol leads to a regrettably thin mouthfeel. Not complex or well-crafted by any means, but still very tasty and approachable. This may be one of my new affordable, weekday-dinner kind of wines. An excellent bargain wine, but definitely a bargain wine."

My Review: On the nose there was blackberry, licorice, caramel, and a hint of black pepper. Despite what the review said, I thought there was plenty of flavors that had spices, herbs, black cherries, blackberry jam, and even hints of mocha. Perhaps not one of the most "voluptuous" Shirazes out there, but there was plenty to work with. A full-bodied mid-palate with an average, 5-7 second finish. There was a grainy surface texture and a decent balance of tannins. Overall, it was an inexpensive wine that should be paired with something like a lobster bisque or charbroiled beef.  

Wine Dinner - Spring Break '14

During this Spring Break, I took advantage of the fact that I was home (as well as my parent's money) to have a wine dinner! Only my dad and I ate, as my little sister and mother, although pictured above, had already eaten dinner at this point. My dad and I had just spent the day in Bethesda and we were tired, so it was a nice father-daughter dinner. Plus, my mother does not drink wine and of course my little sister is underage.

The three wines we had with dinner were a Sauvignon Blanc by the Crossings, an Estancia Pinot Noir, and a Cascina Fonda Moscato. I picked out the wines based on what we were going to have for dinner since my parents really don't know anything about wine! It was fun to teach my dad how to get the most out of a wine tasting experience. I taught him how to "sniff and swirl" and the importance of the aroma of the wine in the overall taste.

We had a light salad to start, which I thought might go well with a crisp white wine. This is why I chose a Sauvignon Blanc. It was called "The Crossings" Sauvignon Blanc 2013 from the Marlborough Region of New Zealand. On the nose, there was zesty lime, a good acidic balance, and hints of oregano. On the palate this was a smooth, refreshing white that made for casual, easy drinking. There was citrus fruits, mango, and even peach. This paired perfectly with the salad we were having that was topped with a lightly grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. My dad is not very picky, so he said he enjoyed the white wine with the salad as well. However, I wish instead of a Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing I wish it had citrus fruits such as tangerines or clementines, with squeezed lemon juice on the top. I think that would greatly complement the Blanc.

The next dish was the main course of home-marinated steak and eggrolls paired with an Estancia 2012 Pinot Noir crafted from Monterey County. On the nose, there was strawberry jam, blueberries, and other ripe fruits that I could not quite put my finger on. Overall, the taste was like the nose- heavily emphasized on fruit and herbs. The underlying herbal component paired well with the steak we had, but I thought the Pinot Noir variety as a whole might have been the wrong choice for this hearty meat. There was a little too much emphasis on the fruity component of the wine that I think the steak would have been paired better with an peppery and smokey-flavored Cabernet Sauvignon. The Pinot Noir was bold, but in the fruity way. I would have liked a more peppery or spicey taste to go with meat. Surprisingly, the Pinot paired better with the egg rolls in my opinion. The more bland, vegetable-based egg rolls did a better job of bringing out the herbs in the Estancia Pinot Noir than the meat did. Perhaps the sauce on the meat was too strong and clashed with the Pinot. My dad, on the other hand, did not like the Pinot Noir with the egg rolls and thought it was decent with the steak. I have a feeling that he would have liked to drink the Pinot Noir alone without any food pairings. I told him that maybe we haven't found the right food yet and not to give up!

We are not usually big on dessert in my family for dinner, but we did happen to have a tiny bit of vanilla ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for my little sister's birthday (she just turned 10). The moscato, a Cascina Fonda Moscato D'asti from 2011, paired quite well with the vanilla ice cream. There was plenty of apricot, sweet apple, and peaches on the nose. There were the same flavors on the palate, but I was also getting a floral component with honeysuckle, strawberries and cream, and asian pears. I think the ice cream went so well with the Moscato because of the vanilla flavor's fairly neutral flavor profile- anything tastes good with vanilla flavor. The chocolate cookies, however, did not pair as well with the Moscato. The fruity tones with the cookie did not work as well, and I think my dad and I both agreed that we should just stick with milk and chocolate chip cookies!

This wine dinner was a fantastic experience, especially because I had never really had wine with my parents before. Neither parent is a big wine drinker, and although my mom did not want to participate, it was a nice bonding experience with my father. He is very easy-going and always up to trying new things. I was happy to share my love of wine with the people I am close to, so hopefully they can develop the same appreciation for this fantastic and versatile drink as well! 

Tasting - Apothic Red

Name: Apothic Red

Variety: Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah)

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2010

Price: $11.99

Wine Review: "The 2010 Apothic Red is bold and enchanting, as it captures the dark fruit characteristics of Syrah and Zinfandel. These jammy flavors blend well with the elegant blackberry and black cherry characteristics of the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine is further enhanced by undertones of mocha and vanilla."

My Review: There was a lot going on in the Apothic Red, as noted by the blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Syrah. The many flavors did seem to overlap and clash, as if to be competing for the most prominent part of the palate. On the nose there was black currant as well as berry jam. As for the taste, I was getting a smokey component, perhaps from the Syrah as well as pomegranate, prunes, and licorice. There was almost an underlying peppery component to the tasting that I thought was bizarre when beside the other dark berry flavors. This was a bold red, and it did not work for me. It was not paired with food, but maybe I could try it with some potatoes, seasoned rice, and dark meat. 

Tasting - Chateau Ste Michelle Syrah

Name: Chateau Ste Michelle Syrah

Variety: Syrah

Region: Canoe Ridge, Washington

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2009

Price: $16.00

Wine Review: "This dark, ripe and unctuous Syrah displays earthy aromas with flavors of chocolate and cherries. The wine finishes with silky tannins and would make a great pairing for short ribs.” - Bob Bertheau

My Review: The Chateau Ste Michelle Syrah was a gorgeously deep, ruby color. On the nose there was dark chocolate, pomegranate juice, blueberries, and a somewhat oaky aroma. There was licorice, blackberry jam, and a smokey feel on the tongue with a grippy mid-palate. I was also getting a little bit of heat from this red, but after a few more swirls it was not as prominent. This had well-balanced tannins and complemented the beef stew that I had with it very nicely. I would not mind also trying this with a cherry or raspberry-filled dark chocolate candy.

Tasting - Home-brewed Beer

Name: My uncle's home-brewed beer!

Region: Virginia

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2013

Price: Free, compliments to my uncle

Critic Review: N/A

My Review: This was a fun tasting, because it was from the unique batch of my uncle's home brew! I did not have a chance to talk to him about the process too much since he just dropped it off at my house, but I did get a chance to try it. He has been brewing his own beer for a year or so, and it has become a hobby of his, so I was excited to have a taste. On the nose there was an earthy aroma of topsoil and grains, and it was almost as if I could smell the barley or wheat he used to make it. There was a woody and oaky taste on the palate and it was quite heavy- almost like a dark ale. I was also getting a variety of nutty flavors such as almonds, cashews, and a hint of chick peas. The complex and earthy flavors made this a very organic, enjoyable beer that I thought was even better since it was home-made by my family! It was not paired with food, but I bet it would go great with spicy BBQ drumsticks. Hopefully I will get a chance to try another one of my uncle's home-brew masterpieces soon! 

Tasting - Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Marlborough

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2013

Price: $14.99

Wine Review: "Stunningly aromatic with tropical and citrus notes - a thread of lingering fresh ripe lemon and elegant minerality."

My Review: I had a glass of this during a dinner out at Coastal Flats with my family. It was paired with a Mango Chicken salad, which I thought complemented the fruity tones of the salad well. On the nose there was lemon zest, tangerine, and a slightly silvery-metallic aroma. By itself, there were hints of lemonade, grapefruit, and hints of grass. It was a light wine and paired well with the salad, that had cuts of chicken and pecan in it. The citrus flavors on the palate accented the salad topped with grapes, cranberries, pecans, and ginger vinaigrette. A successful food pairing!

Tasting - Sutter Home Moscato

Name: Sutter Home Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2013

Price: $7.99

Wine Review: "Pretty in pink, this flirty, bubbly wine exudes sweet creamy melon, mango, and honey flavors, leaving you refreshed and giddy with delight. Enjoy chilled as an aperitif or alongside soft, mild cheeses, fresh fruit, or freshly baked rhubarb pie."

My Review: Just as the pink color hinted, a few of my girlfriends and I sipped on this wine before we all went out. On the nose there was sweet tones of candy, strawberries and cream, lychee, and sugar. There was fresh, sweet fruit on the nose such as strawberries and passion fruit as well as a distinctly floral component reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose. This was a youthful, fun wine for easy drinking with some good friends. I enjoyed it without food, but it would be great with a fruit tart. 

Tasting - Loredona

Name: Loredona

Variety: Riesling

Region: Monterey, CA

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95 Sale

Winery Review: "If you like your Rieslings on the sweet side, this pretty wine is for you. It's brisk in Central Coast acidity, with citrus, peach, honeysuckle, and spice flavors that finish clean and long."

My Review: I loved this Riesling! On the nose there were peaches and cream, and most notably lychee. There was the same lychee taste on the palate, as well as sweeter tones. I got strawberry jam, hibiscus, honeysuckle, and canteloupe. It's made for casual, easy drinking - perfect for the warming weather. The texture was chewy and reminiscent of mochi. Keep an eye out for this wine, and I definitely regret not purchasing it! It wasn't pared with anything, but maybe strawberry and vanilla ice cream would complement the sweet tones. 

Tasting - Malbec

Name: Maipe

Variety: Malbec

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "Deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices, and floral aromas: rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character. Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza."

My Review: This Malbec was a dark brownish red. On the nose there was pomegranate and tomato juice. There was a nice tannic balance with red fruits, raspberries, and the pineapple with a strong finish. The mid palate was chewy with just a little heat, but the variety of flavors compensated for any unpleasantness. I liked this Malbec a lot, and was close to purchasing a bottle myself. It wasn't paired with food, but it would be good with cherry pie, a strawberry parfait, or dark chocolate.

Tasting - Villa d'Rosso Toscano

Name: Villa d'Rosso Toscano

Variety: Sangiovese

Region: Montepulciano

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: 100% Sangiovese grapes and is a wonderful rendition of a velvety Tuscan red.

My Review: Dark chocolate was predominant on the nose, but I also got licorice and dark red fruits like strawberry and pomegranate. On the palate there were spices, red peppers, and strong tannins. The mid-palate was chewy and bitter and had a gritty surface texture. This was a pretty standard red for me, and although it was enjoyable I don't know that I would go out of my way to purchase this. It was not paired with food, but I can imagine red meat or beef brisket would go well with this Villa.

Tasting - Arnold Palmer

Name: Arnold Palmer

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: California

Country: United States

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "A vibrant Chardonnay from vineyards in cooler climates of California. Chardonnay is well known for its characteristic fresh apple fruit aromas and rounded, rich flavors. Weather during the 2011 harvest provided ideal growing conditions of lush, yet perfectly balanced fruit."

My Review: The Arnold Palmer was a softer yellow instead of a lime green like the previous El Sierro was. The aromas were pleasant and had fruity green apple- nothing deviant from classic Chardonnay nose. It was not nearly as pleasant on the palate than on the nose, and I definitely did not enjoy this white. It was tart, grippy and had a bizarre mixture of pear skins and butter, which might have worked if not for the overpowering butter. If it was toned down, the creamy notions of butter would have been good. The pear acidity did not complement this butter cream taste. I did not pair this with food, but I probably would not try this wine again.

Tasting - El Sierro

Name: El Sierro 

Variety: Macabeo/Chardonnay

Region: n/a

Country: Spain

Year: 2012

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "In the glass, there is a bright and shiny white wine with an incredibly welcoming, fresh appetizing aroma reminiscent of ripe tropical fruits. The flavor is rich, balanced and extremely comfortable. The near-perfect all-purpose white wine. As an additional benefit, and good evidence that El Sierro reflect the new Spain, the bottle is sealed with the technical viewed perfect screw cap that at once eliminates any risk of cork flavor and keeps the fruit and the wine fresher for longer time."

My Review: On the nose there were mangoes mixed in with floral tones. There was also an earthy, top soil component that gave this a rustic feel to complement its freshness. The surface texture was smooth with a strong finish. I was getting honey suckle, lime, tangerines, and the same floral notions I got from the nose. I enjoyed this fresh white and it should be paired with anything light- herbed salmon or a fruit salad. It is a very versatile white.