New Wines to Try. RIGHT NOW.

Ya'll, it's time to drink! The blogging has been super sucky, I know. But I'm always drinking. Here are a few of my new favorites, and just in time for the holidays. Hell. Yes.

Name Rubus, Deen De Bortoli, Maipe

Variety Old Vine Zin, Pinot Noir, Malbec (respectively)
Region Cali, Australia, Argentina (respectively)
Country --
Year 2013, 2009, 2012 (respectively)
Price --

My Thoughts DRINK THESE NOW! Rubus is the lightest, least full-bodied of the three. It's easy to drink alone (don't judge, sometimes that's the best way to drink). It can also be paired with foods - BBQ on a summer night, MmmMMmmMmm! 

The Deen is good. I actually really enjoy this wine. I first tasted it at a private wine tasting with a group of friends - we met to sample wines for an upcoming wedding! I highly recommend doing this sometime with a group of your buddies. It was super fun times. Also, we were highly intoxicated well before lunch. Success. Anyway, back on track. It's light and fresh and is great for sitting and sipping. However, it doesn't last very long once it's been opened. My suggestion: if you open it, drink the whole bottle.

The Maipe is by far the most full-bodied, complex of the three. It's got strong notes of berry and grape. It's chocolatey and dirty. I drank it sans food but my suggestion is to drink it with food. Pair this with a nice filet and you'll be in heaven.

   

Villa Jolanda

Name Villa Jolanda
Variety Prosecco
Region --
Country Italy
Year --
Price --

Critic's Review This sparkling white wine is pale in color. It is light and fruity, both on the nose and palate. This prosecco is crisp and light, with a hint of sweetness. It is not a delicate or dainty wine, but it is not over-powering either. 

My Thoughts This crisp, fresh sparkling wine was fruity and light on the nose. Subtle hints of pear and mango on the nose with a mixture of spice and a dirty quality came through on the mid palate. Refreshing and sweet with a touch of dryness. Perfect for a warm summer night.

A Red and White to start things right

Name L'oca Ciuca

Variety Red Blend
Region Toscana
Country Italy
Year --
Price --

Critic's Review (40% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 30% Syrah) Oca Ciuca is a soft, caressing wine, perfect for informal drinking. Floral red fruits, spices and flowers emerge from this mid-weight offering.

My Thoughts Notes of blackberry and cherry mix with chocolate aromas. Hints of spice, mainly pepper, add a little zest. This red blend has a medium body with good fruit and a medium finish. Perfect for casual drinking.

Name Conundrum

Variety White Wine
Region --
Country California
Year 2011
Price --

Critic's Review From the second you pour the first glass, you are invited in with intriguing aromas of green apple, tangerine and honeysuckle blossoms. The taste is best described as exotic, with layers of peach, apricot nectar, green melon and pear, overlaid with subtle notes of citrus zest and spicy vanilla. A rich, round mouth feel supported by fresh acidity, brings the complexity of this wine into balance.

Wonderful as an aperitif, served on a warm summer's day with family and friends, or pair it with a wide array of flavorful dishes and cuisines.

My Thoughts I LOVE THIS WINE! It is delicious and flavorful and fresh and fruity. It's complex layers of fruit and flowers mix beautifully on the nose and follow through into the body. The critic's review of this wine is spot on. I am especially fond of the notes of peach and apple that come through on the mid palate. A PERFECT WHITE!

Oh Just Kidding.

Oh just kidding about the hiatus being over back in September. Clearly I didn't get my shit together until now. So, here we gooooo. Up next, a few of my most recent wine choices.

Hiatus Over

After a longgggg hiatus, summer is officially over and the wine blogging will return. Check back soon for updates on my favorite summer wines.

Tasting Morada Sangria

Name Morada
Variety Sangria
Region --
Country Spain
Year --
Price $4.95 (1L)

Critic's Review A traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.

My Thoughts This Sangria is fruity and sweet! It was rich in fruity aromas of peach, banana, apple and raspberries. It also had a spicy component. On the palate, it's more of the same. Fruity and sweet! A vanilla component could be detected on the mid palate with a leafy quality. The wine finished fruity and smooth. Sangria is not my thing.

This wine was not paired with any food.

Tasting Cortenova Primitivo

Name Cortenova
Variety Primitivo (Zinfandel)
Region --
Country Italy
Year 2010
Price $7.95

Critic's Review Dark, ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palate. Great balance and structure. Excellent with grilled or roasted meats, game and cheeses.

My Thoughts This Pinot Noir was super dark red in color with purple hues. It had a gorgeous deep color, almost black. On the nose, it was slightly spicy with notes of dark red and black fruits mixed with black pepper. This wine was dry and smokey on the palate with notes of dark red fruit. It had a silky but dry finish.

This wine was not paired with any food.