Tasting Boas Vinhas Tinto

Name Boas Vinhas Tinto
Variety Touriga Nacional, Alforcheiro, Tinto Roriz
Region Dao
Country Portugal
Year 2009
Price $9.95 


Critic's Review Deep bright violet and red color. Rich in aromas of red fruits as plums and strawberries. Its intense yet docile and fleshy taste fills the palate without roughness, leaving a pleasant sensation.


My Thoughts This red wine had a deep, dark color.  My first impression was that this wine had a strong smell.  It was rich in aromas, but had a much more muted taste.  The fruity taste did not pack nearly the punch of the initial smell.  It lacked power, and left me more interested in its intense color than in its taste.  I could not find any real depth or complexity in this rather tasteless red.


This wine was not paired with any food.

Tasting Beauvert Cotes du Rhone

Name Beauvert Cotes du Rhone
Variety Grenache and Syrah
Region Cotes du Rhone
Country France
Year 2007
Price $11.95 

Critic's Review A beautiful ruby red wine.  Very fragrant, with aromas of red fruit (currant, strawberry and cherry) with hints of black pepper and cinnamon.  Medium-bodied and silky in the mouth with mature, round tannins.  Enjoy with meats, grilled vegetables or cheese.

My Thoughts This wine has a rich, deep ruby red coloring.  This fragrant wine hits hard with a sweet smell.  Its taste is far less powerful than its heavy aromas of dark red fruits and spices.  It is silky and finishes smooth.

This wine was not paired with any food.

Tasting Doural Tinto

Name Doural Tinto

Variety Tinto Cao, Touriga Nacional
Region Douro
Country Portugal
Year --
Price $8.95 


Critic's Review This Portuguese tinto (red) blend exhibits a deep red color with violet hues. The nose is vibrant and fruity. The palate offers notes of spice, cherry, and dark berry supported by good structure. Paris well with re or game meat, cheeses, and fish.

My Thoughts This red wine was well balanced with a deep rich, red coloring.  My first impression of this wine was that the initial smells of spice were overwhelming.  However, the aromas were much stronger than the taste.  The body was fruity and smooth and offered hints of vanilla.  The wines' spicy aromas contradicted its fruity tastes, confusing me at first.

This wine was not paired with any food.

Tasting Nykteri Santorini Yannis

Name Nykteri Santorini Yannis
Variety Nykteri
Region Santorini
Country Greece
Year 2010
Price $13.95 


Critic's Review I fell first for the compelling story of this 'night work' wine, and then for the aroma and taste, and can't think of a wine to compare it to. Nykteri- Dry White Wine Appelation of Origin Santorini of superior quality. Since 3,500 years ago, the Nykteri is synonymous to Santorini's famous white wines.The famous 'instant wine making' on the night of the same day that the grapes were harvested solved the problem of the variety's sensitive aroma deterioration. The wine is matured for 3 months at least in barrels. In this way, the wine's contact with the barrel's wood gives the Nykteri a special finesse. Characteristics- crystal-clear, semi-yellow wine. Dominated by the aroma of jasmine, citrus fruits, flowers and pear, all these enhanced with a gentle vanilla sense. A strong body with warm personality and a long lasting taste. Serve with grilled anything as well as with local Greek dishes such as tomato meatballs and fava dip.

My Thoughts This white wine was powerful.  It had strong aromas and a strong body.  My first impression was that this wine smelled more like a red than a white.  Its clarity was remarkable.  The first taste seemed flowery and it dried out the mouth.  The jasmine dominated the wine in both aroma and taste. This white was warm and smooth.  Hints of wood enhance the flavor and balance the fruit.  This wine lingers on the palate.

This wine was not paired with any food.

Tasting Casa Bianca Spumante Rosato

Name Casa Bianca Spumante Rosato
Variety White Grape Pinot Nero Prosecco and Red
Region Veneto
Country Italy
Year --
Price $11.95 


Critic's Review Prosecco is very popular in Italy. The wine is often served as a festive aperitif but mild dry Prosecco Spumante is also very suitable as a companion of appetizers and entrees. Prosecco is a generic term and can be sold in many different qualities. The best have their own appellation, as Casa Bianca. The vineyards of Montello and the hills of Asoli located in northern Italy. This rosato spumante is made from white grape pinot nero prosecco and red. By fermenting them together creates the pale pink color and a flavor that is more powerful than the white variety. Spicy rosato spumante with fine, persistent mousse, juicy fresh red fruit in the aroma and a rich, smooth and lasting flavor.


My Thoughts This sparkling wine has an overpowering carbonation.  It sizzles.  My first impression of this wine was that it had a dry, crisp taste that contrasted its sweet, floral aromas.  The carbonation packs a punch that makes it difficult to distinguish the complexities at first sip.  Upon further examination, hints of fresh fruit flavors like that of peach can be detected.  The fruity flavor is cut by a woody finish, making this wine less sweet than I was anticipating.


This wine was not paired with any food.