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.