Wine Dinner Extravaganza

On a windy Thursday night, five wine enthusiasts gathered to drink some wine, eat some food, and be merry. These are notes of one particularly beautiful wine enthusiast. 

Buttons the cat wants to join the wine enthusiasts. 

The Appetizer

For the first course, we had a crescent roll wrapped baked apple brie and chose to pair it with a white wine blend, the Frascati shown in the picture below. 

Crescent Roll Baked Apple Brie

Frascati Volpetti

Name: Frascati DOC

Variety: Malvasia, Trebbiano, Greco 

Region: Frascati

Country: Italy

Year: 2012

Price: $7.95

Food: Crescent Roll Baked Apple Brie

http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/crescent-wrapped-baked-apple-brie/2dd12626-35e3-451e-ba1d-14465f8537b8

The Frascati smelt like lemon, grapefruit, and all around varying citrus notes. The taste however was very different than the smell. It had a plant and vegetable taste, similar to a mix between grass and broccoli. I didn't like the taste so much, as I don't prefer very vegetable aromas and tastes. The crescent roll baked apple brie was fantastic on it's own (and the chef was particularly beautiful). The dish took away the vegetable taste from the wine, and left behind the citrus notes. It also cut the acidity of the wine and made it much smoother.

The Main Course

Thankfully, I have a really great friend who cooks amazingly tasty and healthy foods. She prepared the main course which included basil balsamic chicken, spiraled zucchini Pasta with red sauce, caprese salad, and garlic bread. We paired the food with a Pinot Noir from Oregon. 

Dinner made by my wonderful friend Sara and eaten by me (and her and three others).

The wine we paired with the main course.

Name: Ponga.

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Marlborough

Country: New Zealand

Year: 2013

Price: $12.00

Food: Basil Balsamic Chicken, Spiraled Zucchini Pasta with Red Sauce, Garlic Wheat Bread 

When I took a sniff of this wine I sensed blackberry, black cherry, and black peppercorn. The taste, without trying the main course, was spicy, acidic, and full of black pepper. It had a heavy body and a long finish. I did not enjoy how spicy the wine was on its own. The wine brought out the sweetness of the red sauce when trying the zucchini pasta and the basil in the chicken. However, it was still extremely spicy, which I felt overpowered the wine and the food sometimes. It was such a spicy wine that didn't even want to finish it. 

The Dessert

The lovely Shanel made a very simple and yummy dessert for us all, taking advantage of the season by using strawberries. She made a Strawberry Icebox cake, which we paired with a rose wine. 

Strawberry Icebox Cake

Bellafina Rose Wine

Name: Bellafina Pink Moscato

Variety: Muscat

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Year: 2013

Price: $8.95

Food: No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake

http://www.thekitchn.com/summer-recipe-nobake-strawberry-icebox-cake-117900

The Bellafina smelt like grapefruit and honeysuckle. It also had a grapefruit taste, but did not have much acidity like most citrus tasting wines. It was sweet and bubbly, but the sweetness was not overpowering. There was nice balance between the sweet and bubbly. There were more floral notes in the taste as well. With the cake, neither of the flavors really transformed, it just highlighted the best within one another. The cream in the cake helped to smooth out the wine and give it a creamier mouth feel. 
                                                                                  

Wine & Cheese Night #2

On a rainy Thursday night, three wine enthusiasts gathered to taste wine and cheese pairings. There are the notes of one particularly beautiful wine enthusiast.

The wines are mentioned from right to left across the picture.

Name: Belle Ambiance

Variety: Chardonnay

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2012

Price: $7.99

Cheese Paired: Brie

The wine was a beautiful golden color and had very fruity and crisp aromas. I smelled notes of pear and nuts. It had a light body and was sweet, refreshing, and had a tart finish. There were again notes of pear and apples in the taste, which added to the crisp taste. 

The addition of the Brie added a beautiful nutty taste to the wine, while also sweetening it. It also made the wine much smoother, perhaps due to the texture of the cheese itself. It was overall a good pairing, but not my favorite. The taste of cheese ended up overpowering the wine completely, so instead of complimenting one another the wine got lost.

Name: Tilia

Variety: Merlot

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2013

Price: $10.99

Cheese Paired: Monterey Jack

Initially we tried the wine straight after opening the bottle, which turned out to be not the best idea. The flavors were extremely aggressive and tannic with notes of spice and wood. After decanting the wine it was much more mellow. It still had a strong spicy aroma, and when tasting it I was able to identify notes of black pepper. While it was less harsh than before, it was still spicy and very complex. 

The addition of the Monterey again added a nice creaminess and smooth texture to the wine. It also took away some of the harsh spiciness and bitterness of the wine. Because the Monterey is so mild by itself, it really accentuated the flavors of the wine. The wine and cheese did pair well together.

Name: Little Black Dress

Variety: Cabarnet Sauvignon

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2012

Price: $8.99

Cheese Paired: Romano

The aroma of this wine was woody, like oak, and also smelt of dark berries, specifically black cherry. The taste was slightly dry and had notes of dark berry once again, this time I could taste a mix of cherry and blackberry. 

Like the two previous wine and cheese pairings, the wine became much smoother when paired with the cheese. It also dulls the acidity of the wine. It also brings out nutty flavors in the wine and cheese. Overall, this pairing went well together because they brought out interesting flavors in one another without one overpowering the other. 

Tasting - Jam Jar Sweet White

Name: Jam Jar Sweet White
Variety: Muscat
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2014
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh and fruity. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day, our bright cheerful sweet wines are sure to capture your heart. 

My Review: 
The aroma from this wine reminded me of raspberry jam. I'm not sure if the name of the wine itself was influencing my thought process, but oh well. The taste was very light and had notes of tropical fruit, like maybe mango or pineapple. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Rare Red

Name: Rare Red
Variety: Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Petite Verdot, Merlot
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: --
Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
A multi-vintage blend of Zinfandel, Petite Verdot, Petite Syrah, and Merlot that is full-bodied and fruit forward with a spicy and complex finish. This wine has been partially barrel aged for eight months in American and French oak. 

My Review: 
I did not like the nose on this wine at all. It smelt of a combination of capers and salmon. The taste was also initially full of capers and bitter, but it ended sweet. Overall, I did not particularly enjoy this wine. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Breca Tovana

Name: Breca Tovana
Variety: Old Vine Garnacha
Region: Munebrega
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
Gnarled vines, grown without irrigation, are a mainstay of Spain's winemaking tradition and produce small clusters of perfectly ripe Garnacha grapes. Aromas of blackberries, plums, and cherries fill the glass and develop into luscious flavors of black stone fruit. Long, supple tannins complete this extraordinary wine. 

My Review: 
Immediately, when first initially smelling the wine, I felt like I had walked into a bakery that had just put out some cherry danishes. There was also a slight spice on the nose. The taste of this wine starts of dry and then ends in a pleasant sweet note. It had notes of cherries and spice. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Marques de Caceres

Name: Marques de Caceres
Variety: Verdejo
Region: Rueda
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
Vivid straw colour. Fresh, clean and intense bouquet enlivened by notes of citrus fruit with a depth of pears and apples. Deliciously fresh and full in the mouth where racy, focused flavours deliver notes of minerals, lemon rind and green apples. Good length and refreshing finish. Has all the character of the best from its appellation. 

My Review: 
The nose of this wine was creamy and buttery, with slight notes of citrus. The wine was smooth with tastes of light lemon. It finished with slight heat, which I found a pleasant contrast to the sweet taste. 

I did not have any food while trying this wine. 

Tasting - Dibon Cava

Name: Dibon Cava 
Variety: 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada
Region: Catalonia
Country: Spain
Year: --
Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
88 points - Wine Enthusiast
Made from 45% Macabeo, 25% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada, the nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front ot back, with health and freshness. Cava, Catalan sparkling wine, is made mostly in the regions of Penedes, and the capital of cava is Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. Dibon is located in Vilafranca del Penedes, approximately 20 km from Sant Sadurni. The Dibon vineyard is in the process of becoming fully organic. It consists of 75 hectares of trellised vines 1000 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. 


My Review: 
This wine had a very light nose, with fragrances of citrus. The taste was sweet, but not so sweet to the point that it was overpowering, and slightly tart with notes of green apple and mango. It was a very crisp and fresh tasting wine. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Wine & Cheese Tasting

On a warm Thursday night, six wine enthusiasts gathered to taste delectable wines and cheeses. These are the notes of one particularly beautiful wine enthusiast. 

The wines and cheeses are mentioned from left to right across the picture.

Name: Nora

Variety: Albraino

Region: Galice

Country: Spain

Year: 2013

Price: $14.99

Cheese Paired: Drunken Goat Cheese

The wine had a strong lemon and floral aroma. The taste had notes of citrus, particularly lemon with hints of grapefruit. The wine was very smooth and was neither very sweet nor tart. 

The cheese brought out the sour, tart flavors in the wine. The cheese itself was very sour so it was not a surprise. The wine and cheese pair well together, the cheese adding an extra layer of smoothness to the wine.

Name: Santa Julia 

Variety: Torrontes 

Region: Mendoza 

Country: Argentina 

Year: --

Price: $8.95

Cheese Paired: Goat Brie

The wine had a light honeysuckle aroma. The taste was very light and, however it surprisingly finished with some heat and spice. My only complaint about this wine was that it was not very unique or memorable. 

Tasting the wine with the Goat Brie transformed the wine completely. The wine became heavier and the flavors of vanilla and oak became bolder. The two paired very well together. I enjoyed the wine much more when pairing it with the cheese.

Name: Joseph Carr 

Variety: Merlot

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2011

Price: $22.00

Cheese Paired: Gouda 

The wine had a very spicy aroma, with notes of cherry and blackberry. From the smell alone I could tell that the wine was going to be very bold. The taste was dry and spicy and finished with a sweet, berry note. It was extremely smooth and complex. 

This was my favorite cheese pairing of the whole night. The cheese and wine brought out the best features in one another. The Gouda cut the heavy spice of the wine and brought out much more of the berry notes, leaving the wine slightly sweeter. 

Tasting - Hahn Piesporter Michelsber Riesling

Name: Hahn Piesporter Michelsber Riesling
Variety: Riesling
Region: Piesporter
Country: Germany
Year: --
Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
This wine's light, airy mouthfeel belies its sweetness and intensity of flavor. Honeyed pineapple aromas; similar flavors on the palate, adding gentle citrus notes toward the long, sweet finish. 

My Review: 
I did not like this wine whatsoever period. The aroma was of urine. The taste starts nice, with notes of aged pear. However, the wine morphs and ends horribly on the mouth. Very tart, and almost moldy. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Garnacha
Variety: 85% Garnacha, 15% Tempranillo
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
"The 2012 Tres Ojos Garnacha contains 15% Tempranillo (I wonder why), and unoaked cuvee of 200,000 bottles that matures in vat for at least seven months before bottling. hat I tasted was a very honest, fresh and fruit-drived red with aromas of cherries, garrigue and thyme with a medium-bodied palate, some weight and tannins that would do better with food. This is a red that sells for a song." 88 points - Robert Parker

My Review: 
I enjoyed the Tres Ojos Garnacha less than the Torre Castillo Monastrell. It had a very mulchy, dirt aroma that I really did not enjoy or appreciate. However the taste was slightly spicey with vanilla and cherry notes. It was smooth and the finish was slightly buttery. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Torre Castillo Cosecha Monastrell

Name: Torre Castillo Cosecha Monastrell
Variety: Monastrell
Region: Jumilla
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
100% Monastrell, aged in American oak for four months. Bright ruby. Powerful, spicy aromas of dark berry preserves and lavender. Fleshy and round on the palate, offering spicy blackberry and bludeberry flavors and gaining sweetness with air. Finishes smooth, long and slightly warm. 89 points - Stephen Tanzer

My Review: 
The color was a rusty red. It had a sweet and nutty aroma, with a surprising taste. I could taste cranberries with spicy peppercorn. It was dry and had a long-lasting finish. It was extremely different, which I enjoyed. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Chateau Suau Bordeaux Rose

Name: Chateau Suau Bordeaux Rose
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
Light, lurid pink. Tangerine, raspberry and white pepper on the fragrant nose. Juicy and focused in the mouth, offering zesty red berry flavors with a refreshingly bitter edge. Closes clean and tight, with lingering spiciness and a touch of orange zest. 88 points - Stephen Tanzer

My Review: 
The first thing I noticed about the wine was the pretty pink, peach color. It had a strong strawberry aroma. The taste was extremely interesting. It tasted grainy, like toast almost, with a lime and tangy side to it. It was too acidic for my tastes. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Terre di Poggio Laude Pecorino

Name: Terre di Poggio Laude Pecorino
Variety: Pecorino
Region: Terre di Chieti
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price:  $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
Bright and savory, this floral scented Pecorino offers juicy tropical fruit and lemon drop sensations accented by notes of mint and thyme. The ripe fruit is balanced by brisk acidity that leaves the palate feeling cleansed and refreshed. 

My Review: 
This wine began with a very clean, crisp smell of apples and honeysuckle. The taste was tangy and acidic. The sourness reminded me of a very ripe tangerine or grapefruit. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Peter Mertes Riesling Platinum

Name: Peter Mertes Riesling Platinum
Variety: Riesling
Region: Rheinhessen
Country: Germany
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
This quality Riesling is crisp, clean and easy drinking. Floral and fruit aromas suggest sweet melon and honey with enough acidity to ensure a beautifully balanced and versatile wine. 

My Review: 
I smelled almost a grain, wheat component mixed with floral elements. The taste was very, very sweet with flavors of honey. I could also taste apple and mango components. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Charles Thomas Cotes du Rhone

Name: Charles Thomas Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
Region: Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre. 56 Ha grown organically since March 2009 (in conversation). Part of the vineyard is plowed with horses. Average age of the vines: 30 years old. Clear ruby wine with overtones of red berry fruits. Round and supple with smooth aftertaste. A good all round red wine for meat courses, poultry and light cheeses. Best drunk now while fresh with good keeping up to 4 years. 

My Review: 
The aroma was clearly full of vegetables and almost a muddy quality. The taste was composed of some spice, acidic, and was full-bodied. However, the finish was smooth and surprisingly a little sweet. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine.  

Tasting - Terre di Poggio d'Abruzzo Laude

Name: Terre di Poggio d'Abruzzo Laude
Variety: Montepulciano
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
This opens with dark aromas of leather, tobacco, cured meat, plum and prune. It shows soft tannins and loads of dark fruit on the finish. 

My Review: 
The aroma of this wine was of chocolate and dark cherries. The taste was dry, but smooth. I could also taste smokey components and wood. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Sean Minor Pinot Noir Rose

Name: Sean Minor Pinot Noir Rose
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California - Carneros
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
The Vin Gris is a bright and vibrant salmon color with cherry, strawberry, cranberry and ripe watermelon aromas on the nose. On entry, the wine displays bright strawberry flavors. Throughout the mid-palate and finish, raspberry and cherry fruit characters are balanced with spicy and crisp acidity that linger creating a refreshing and lengthy finish. 

My Review: 
This wine was a beautiful peach-pink color. It had a strong berry aroma filled with strawberries. The flavors were also distinctly reminiscent of strawberry. However, I was surprised that within its strawberry components there was noticeable acidity. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine. 

Tasting - Grande Reserve des Bastides

Name: Grande Reserve des Bastides
Variety: 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Loin de l'Oeil, 30% Mauzac
Region: Gaillac
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $9.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 
A crisp and fruity blend featuring 20% of the herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, 50% creamy Loin de l'Oeil and notes of fresh apple and crisp pear, plus a touch of herb from the 30% Mauzac. It has a bright feel, with a hint of mineral on the finish. 

My Review: 
I didn't find this wine to have much complexity, nor did it stand out from previous white wines I've had in the past. I sensed pear and apple aromas, although the aromas were very light and hard to detect. The taste was very light as well and comparatively it was not as sweet as other white wines. The finish of this wine was tart, and reminded me of lemons. 

I did not have any food while tasting this wine.