Wine Dinner - Boudreaux's and Home cooked

Pedro and I had a somewhat scattered wine dinner experience, but a great one nonetheless! Our first wine with dinner was at Boudreaux's on a Wednesday, so it was wine night. We didn't even know it was wine night until we got there and realized everyone- and I mean everyone- had a bottle of wine at their table. We just happened to get there right before 9 as well, so the special was still going on. 

Being broke college students, we ordered the cheapest wine on the menu: a Beringer White Zinfandel. Because the Beringer was very sweet, it did not pair well with any of the food we actually had, so maybe that was a bad decision... although maybe Pedro will say otherwise. On the nose there was rose petals, strawberries and cream, sugar, and honeysuckle. I was getting these same notes on the palate with added peach and a smooth, mineral component. For dinner, we ordered a shrimp dip as an appetizer. It was a spicy and very flavorful dip but clashed with the sweetness of the White Zinfandel. I personally ordered the Gumbo Ya Ya, a delicious cup of soup filled with chicken, green pepper, sausage, celery, and rice. I loved this soup, as it was creamy with a bold variety of flavors that boasted of Chipotle seasoning, beef stew, and garlic and herbs. As much as I enjoyed the soup and the wine separately, I did not enjoy them together. Again, the spicy classic taste of Cajun spices clashed with the fruity and floral bouquet of the wine. It should be paired with desserts such as pastries, fresh fruits, and cake. We only had a small glass each, so we corked the wine and took it home with us for another time!

Name: Beringer White Zinfandel

Variety: White Zinfandel

Region: California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2012

Price: ~$9 because it was half off for wine night

The second wine we had with dinner was on a separate occasion; we made homemade marinated chicken and macaroni and cheese (a college delicacy, of course!). The chicken was marinated with lemon pepper and korean barbeque sauce and was quite savory. This wine paired very well with the chicken. On the nose there was bell peppers, beans, and some plum notes. This was a well-bodied wine with supple tannins driving a long finish. There were tones of jam, red apple, and oak with a distinct spicy component. It paired very well with the korean barbeque, notably because of the peppery spicy flavors of the wine that complemented the sauce. It did not, in my opinion, pair as well with the macaroni and cheese. Although savory, the macaroni fell flat compared to the very flavorful chicken wings, so the wine and pasta pairing also did not impress. However, it was not horrible, and this was a very versatile wine that I think could go with many other different foods; most notably spicy asian food like pad thai or drunken noodles. Overall, a great wine and dine experience!

Name: Schmitt Sohne Liebfraumilch

Variety: Blend of Riesling, Silvaner, Muller-Thurgau, and Kerner

Region: Rhine

Country: Germany

Year: 2012

Price: ~$9.99

The last wine-food pairing was done with a Choya plum wine. We ate this with pan-fried sardines, and although this was primarily a dessert wine, I was surprised at how well this paired with the salty sardine flavor. There was prunes, pear, and red apple on the nose. The palate boasted of these same tones, with an added sweetness factor and I could tell why this was a dessert wine. Primarily it should be paired with pastries, cakes, or fruit, but honestly I thought it went great with our sardines! There was an interesting complement of sweet and sour tones due to the way the fish was marinated that really worked. It was my first plum wine, and I will definitely be seeking this one out again for later food pairings.

Tasting - Rosemount Estate

Name: Rosemount Estate Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Region: not provided

Country: Australia

Year: 2012

Price: Sale $3.95

Winery Review: " Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours.  Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses."

My Review: A very sweet Moscato overall on the nose as well as on the palate. The nose had aromas of soda- mostly sprite- and there were hints of lemon juice, citrus fruits, and Asian pear. On the palate, there was fresh strawberries, green apple, and peaches. It was not paired with food, but it would go well with pastries, light appetizers, and a fruit salad. Although it was a little sweet for my palate, I bought a bottle because it was honestly too cheap to turn down!

Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego

Name: Garnacha de Fuego

Variety: Old Vine Grenache

Region: Aragon

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "The Garnacha de Fuego, a 100% Grenache cuvee, was aged in both stainless steel and neutral French oak. There are 10,000 cases for the United States. This amazing wine boasts a dark ruby/purple color along with a sweet kiss of jammy black cherries intertwined with crushed rock notes that give the wine an undeniable minerality. As it hits the palate, a full-bodied, voluptuous texture takes hold and the flavor profile moves towards blacker fruits (ripe raspberries and black currants) intermixed with camphor and forest floor. This full-bodied, rich, glycerin-filled effort should drink well for 4-5 years, perhaps longer."

My Review: On the nose there was blackberry and plum with hits of pepper. The tannins were smooth on the palate, with a predominant and interesting flavor of tequila. There was that salty, lime component that a tequila has that I was definitely getting from this wine. The finish was long and filled with bitter raspberries and again, that tequila component. It was certainly an interesting spin on this Grenache variety. I thoroughly enjoyed the Garnacha de Fuego, and it should be paired with spicy Asian food and spices.

Tasting - Librandi Ciro

Name: Librandi Ciro Rosso

Variety: Ciro Rosso Still Wine

Region: not provided

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Don’t let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken."

My Review: This was a dull brown-red color that made me skeptical about this Librandi. There was strawberry jam, pomegranates and black peppercorn on the nose> I was also getting the wine's tannic character on the nose as well. Again, strong tannins on the palate and very dominant notes of soy sauce. There was a smooth surface texture with a little spice coming out on the finish. This should be paired with spicy Asian food- maybe drunken noodles or pad thai- or dumplings.  

Tasting - Angove Viognier

Name: Angove Viognier

Variety: Still Wine

Region: South Australia

Country: Australia

Year: 2009

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chilli and garlic or roast pork."

My Review: The nose was filled with citrus, pineapple, salt and vinegar with a distrinct mineral component. The acidity was quite distinct and a little overpowering, but I still got notes of tangerine, garlic, and vinaigrette dressing. As previously mentioned, the malic acid came a little strong and was enough to deem this less enjoyable than the previous white. Maybe it would be better paired with food, and I'd be willing to try this with an eggplant salad or anything with zucchini.

Tasting - Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Seaview Vineyard

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2008

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops."

My Review: On the nose there was a distinct seafood, fishy aroma mixed in with green peppers. The palate was medium-bodied with a gritty, sandy surface texture. The palate revealed notes of lime, garlic and herb, and creamy mushroom soup. I was a little disappointed with the finish, and as well-balanced as all the flavors were I think there could have been a longer finish to conclude the tasting. I would pair this with salmon, cod, or shrimp to complement the seafood, fishy nose.

Tasting - Heinz Eifel Shine

Name: Heinz Eifel Shine

Variety: Riesling

Region: Pfalz

Country: Germany

Year: 2011

Price: $9.95

Winery Review: "This drier-styled Riesling is bright, fruity and floral with crisp acidity and clean flavors of apple, pear and peach that compliment its stony minerality and earthy complexity. It serves well as an aperitif and matches a wide variety of foods, like lighter salad dishes, shellfish, cream sauces and also anything with a touch of spice."

My Review: A delightful Riesling! Refreshing and young, this would pair very well with seafood or salad. On the nose there was freshly cut grass, hay, and cold tangerines. The palate had green apple, green grapes, and strawberry banana. There was a mineral component, that gave this tones of cold and steely metal. The surface texture was smooth and cool, with a medium-long finish. I will keep a look out for this Riesling, because I did enjoy it. 

Tasting - Atlas Cumbres

Name: Atlas Cumbres

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Cuyo

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: Sale $6.95

Winery Review: "Intense red color with violet highlights, with clean, fresh and complex aromas of berries, plums, figs and pepper. Strong personality is in perfect balance with a medium body and pleasant 

tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses and strong sauces."

My Review: There was apricot, prunes, and black cherry on the nose. On the palate there was a spicy, peppery finish with licorice, pomegranates, and red berries. Tannins were not overwhelming and complemented the fruit and pepper notes very well. The surface texture was grainy and had a bite to it. I did not pair this with food, but I think it would pair well with dark meat or korean bbq meat. 

Tasting - Georges DuBoeuf

Name: Georges Duboeuf

Variety: Gamay

Region: Beaujolais

Country: France

Year: 2013

Price: On sale $3.95

Winery Review: "Balanced and lightly creamy, offering pretty flavors of plum sauce and raspberry coulis threaded with hints of ground spice. Elegant, with a floral finish. Drink now."

My Review: I think we tried this wine before in a VC wine tasting. I was getting the same nose with definite tones of strawberry-banana. The mid-palate had a chewy texture and the finish was only a couple seconds with licorice, black currant, red cherries, and raspberries. It would be a good wine for a first-time wine drinker to ease into, as it was a light, tasteful red that I would enjoy for easy drinking. It was not paired with food, but I could definitely picture myself eating this with a cobbler or pastry.

Tasting - Bricco dei Tati

Name: Bricco dei Tati

Variety: Still Rose Wine

Winery Review: "Fresh with aromas of strawberries, cherries and rose petals. This is ideal with shellfish, salads, chicken, and with appetizers."

My Review: On the nose there was a floral bouquet with fruity notions of raspberries, strawberry jam, and honeydew. The palate spoke of these same tones with an added likeness to gummy candy. I've only had one other rose wine before but I actually liked this one better, because it seemed more full bodied and well-balanced flavors. I did not take this with food, but I can imagine it would go well with fruit tart, creme brulee, and pastries.

Tasting - Frascati

Name: Frascati Volpetti

Variety: Blend of Malvasia, Trebbiano, Greco

Region: Frascati

Country: Italy

Year: 2009

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Straw yellow in color with a soft, delicate perfume, fruitful flavor, dry
and harmonious taste. Perfect with appetizers, soups, fish."

My Review: The nose had subtle, sweet tones of mangoes, citrus, light acidity, and chalk. This was a full-bodied wine on the palate with a chewy and textured component. This was certainly a dry white and even though it had a full body, the finish was short. I did not pair this with food, but I think it would go well with salmon or crabcakes. Overall, a generic but tasteful wine but it was not especially impressionable on me.

Tasting - Toso Moscato

Name: Toso 

Variety: Moscato

Region: Not Provided

Country: Italy

Year: n/a

Price: $9.95

Winery Review: "This Moscato is reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose petal. The quality is equivalent to a top level Asti Spumante DOCG. Sweet sparkling wine obtained from a careful selection of the Moscato grapes. It has a pale straw yellow color with fine foam and bubbles. Tropical fruit flavors, refreshing.

Excellent to match desserts, fruit and dried pastries."

My Review: A distinct nose of perfume and strong floral bouquet. A sweet, lively Moscato with molasses,  honey, sweetened green tea, and strawberry icing on the palate. Like most Moscatos, this is made for casual drinking and desserts. It was sweet but not overwhelmingly so; thus it was a very enjoyable tasting. I would pair this with any type of light pastries, strawberry or vanilla ice cream, or a fruit tart. 

Tasting - El Sierro

Name: El Sierro

Variety: Blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Not Provided

Country: Spain

Year: 2011

Price: $7.95

Winery Review: "Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices. It is a real knock-out with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla all perfectly integrated. The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with the beautiful use of oak."

My Review: The El Sierro was a gorgeous, deep burgundy color with black cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate on the nose. The palate was complex- plenty of grape jam, raisins, and cranberries. The blend with undertones of minerals and wood. There were also notions of herbs and spice, with some cloves and parsley flakes. The surface texture was dusty which gave this wine a rustic feel. It was not taken with food, but I would pair it with a steak or beef cuts marinated with red wine.

Tasting - Omo Ze Bel Merlot

Name: Omo Ze Bel 

Variety: Merlot

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "This bright, soft Merlot comes from a hilly vineyard on the Alcesti family estate in beautiful Sicily. It has hints of red cherries and freshly cut hay.  Exceptional value."

My Review: The Omo Ze Bel was a more subtle Merlot than the ones I've had previously. It had cinnamon, grapes, and red berries on the nose. On the palate again I was getting predominantly red fruits with raspberry, tomato juice, grass, and a bit of salt. The surface texture was of suede with gripping, well-balanced tannins and a short finish. The Merlot would taste great with a salt and pepper chicken or sun-dried tomato pasta.

Tasting - Atlas Cumbres

Name: Atlas Cumbres

Variety: Torrontes

Region: 

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Winery Review: "Yellow colour with greenish nuances. Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches. Fresh in the mouth. Light and easy to drink. Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food."

My Review: A great value wine for ~$6. This Torrontes had lime and Asian pear on the nose. The palate had a garlic butter component, as well as a predominant flavors of green grapes and apple. I also got subtle hints of olive oil and freshly-cut grass, so there was that earthy and mineral part as well. I did not enjoy this wine as much as the previous Chardonnay, but it was still made for casual drinking. I think this would pair very well with an herbed salmon and tossed salad.

Tasting - Avery Quinn Chardonnay

Name: Avery Quinn

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: Napa Valley, California

Country: U.S.A

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Winery Review: "The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay.  The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter and a touch of vanilla.  Then rich, ripe, flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!)."

My Review: This was a full-bodied and complex white with a nose of caramel, peaches and cream, and apricot. It had a tropical notes to it and well-balanced, solid flavors of mango, red apples, honeydew, and lemon. Along with this fruit component, there was also notions of oak and buttercream. There was a smooth surface texture and a medium finish. It had well-balanced acidity that made for a refreshing, cool, and sprightly. It was not taken with food, but I think this would be great with a lemon tart or a soufflee.

Tasting - Bellafina Moscato

Name: Bellafina Pink Moscato

Variety: Blend of Moscato and Rabosos

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: n/a

Price: $9.95

Winery Review: "A blend of Moscato and Rabosos grapes it has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry), with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape."

My Review: This was a delightful Moscato perfect for easy drinking and casual get-togethers. On the nose there was a wonderful floral bouquet with tones of watermelon and rose. The palate exposed flavors of strawberry gummy candy, vanilla creme, and pink cotton candy. This Moscato had an uplifting, yet soft surface texture. This was not paired with food, but it would be great with vanilla or strawberry ice cream, jam-filled pastries, or funfetti cupcakes!

Tasting - Weinert Carascal

Name: Weinert Carascal

Variety: Blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot

Region: Argentina

Country: Argentina

Year: 2008

Price: $13.95

Winery Review: "Aged for two years in cask, the 2008 Carrascal is a blend of 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather-scented bouquet with touches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish. Drink now - 2016" 

My Review: This red had a nose that hinted of wood chips, pumpkin, apricot, and leaves. The palate, like the nose, had distinct, earthy tones of top soil and oak. There was also a fruit component of prunes, black cherry, and a touch of blueberries. The surface texture was of suede and had a short finish with complex tannins. It was a solid red that would pair nicely with beef and broccoli, blackberry pie, or chocolate covered raisins. 

Tasting - Santa Julia Malbec

Name: Santa Julia Malbec

Variety: Malbec

Region: Argentina

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, while the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink, with coffee and mocha notes on the finish."

My Review: There was plum jam, strawberries ice cream, and hints of cinnamon on the nose. On the mid palate, there was a velvety, rich, and solid surface texture with plenty of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. There was also subtle tones of almond milk. Full tannins complemented the strong finish, with again hints of cinnamon and coffee beans. I did not pair this with food, but I think it would do well with a tiramisu, cinnamon rolls, or dark chocolate.

Tasting - Gougenheim Torrontes

Name: Gougenheim Torrontes

Variety: Torrontes

Region: Chilecito, La Rioja

Country: Argentina

Year: 2012

Price: $9.95

Winery Review: "The 2012 Torrontes comes from Chilecito in La Rioja. It has a light floral nose with touches of lemon peel and nectarine. The palate is crisp and taut, showing far more vivacity and fruit that the nose implied, finishing with a flourish of apricot and white peach. Drink now."

My Review: The nose was subtle with tones of mango, pineapple, and cilantro. The palate had less of a floral bouquet, and this reminded me of a Japanese Matcha bubble tea drink. This was a full-bodied white with a medium finish that had asian pears, peaches, and honeysuckle. An overall bright, slightly acidic, and well-balanced Torrontes that I very much enjoyed. This would pair great with white chocolate, peach pie, and a fruit tart.

Tasting - Santa Julia Pinot Grigio

Name: Santa Julia

Variety: Pinot Gris

Region: Argentina

Country: Argentina

Year: 2011

Price: $8.95

Winery Review: "Light and clean, which compared to other Argentine Pinot Grigios is not something to dismiss. Feels solid and punchy, with orange and mango flavors. Has nice overall clarity and balance, with a citrusy finish."

My Review: This was a crisp, enjoyable white with a distinctly citrus nose. There was lemon juice, honeydew, and tangerines in aroma. The palate was smooth and cool, with most notably melons. I was also getting some pineapple and peach. The surface texture was smooth with a cold, metallic component and a long finish with notes of persimmon. This should be enjoyed with garlic and peppered chicken or salmon, or a light vinaigrette salad.