Name: Old Westminster Winery - Old Westminster Vineyards - Seeds & Skins Pinot Gris 'Orange Wine'
Variety: 100% Pinot Gris
Region: Westminster, Maryland
Country: USA
Year: 2018
Price: $4.50
Vivino Tasting Notes: Silky, smooth, with a firm acidity, and complex body with great depth. Reviewers pointed out an aroma of white flowers, sweet herbs, and crushed gravel, with tasting notes of juicy tangerine, peaches, minerality, and salty unripe citrus fruits, along side a 'crunchy' mouthfeel. - Vivino Comments and Taste Characteristics
Wine Folly: pg 149 Pinot Gris - Low body, mild alcohol, middle to high acidity, with varying levels of sweetness, along side notes of white peach, lemon zest, cantalope, raw almonds, and crushed gravel are characteristic of this style.
pg 49 Orange Wines - This descriptive terminology describes a subset of natural wines made with white grapes. The wines themselves are fermented with with the skins, much like red wines. The result of this process brings out an orange hue, derived from the lignin in the seeds. Such wines have tannin and body similar to red wines.
My review: Purchased based off recommendation from one of the individuals working at Vintage Cellar - great guy, really knows his craft beer, and apparently also his wine! I can easily say that this is the first 'Orange Wine' that I've ever sipped on... and it's a natural wine too?! Of the few naturals I've had the pleasure to drink, I would definitely say this is more on the funky side, though for someone like me - who really enjoy his wild fermented craft ales and belgian lambics - it's a walk in the park! It's acidic forward, but oddly easy drinking, dried lemon peel, apricot drinking vinegar, with a good dose of clementines. Oh, did I mention that this ended up being a sparkling Orange Wine? Because, oh baby, is it ever, the yeast really didn't want to be forgotten and just continued to eat away at all the remaining sugars after canning, it was almost kind of startling to hear that soda can 'SSSSTTtttsss' as the CO2 escaped the seal. I really hope this is a year-rounder, because I'd be delighted to bring a six pack of this down to the beach in the warmer months, I already know a few people who would really enjoy this refreshingly funky wine!
No food was had, while tasting this wine - just a glass, and a good netflix series.
Name: David James - David James Vinyards - Columbia Valley Rosé
Variety: Not known, given the region, I would assume Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.
Region: Walla Walla, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2017
Price: $6.95
Wine Critic Notes: This pale salmon-colored wine offers melon, watermelon, strawberry and cherry aromas and light, dry kiwi and other tropical fruit flavors. With its tart finish, it brings a lot of appeal. - Sean P. Sullivan; Wine Enthusiast; 89pts
Wine Folly: pg 298 Washington Syrah - This particular grape has taken many of the wine region's sloping views by storm. It particularly performs well in Yakima, Horse Heaven Hills, and the likes of Walla Walla. The varietal found in this region tends to be smoky, rich, and tart at the same time with tasting notes of plum, black olive, bacon fat, cocoa powder, and white pepper.
pg 298 Washington Sauvignon Blanc - When you find good Cabernet and Merlot in this region, you more than likely see Sauvignon Blanc. Wineries of this state will occasionally blend this grape with the likes of Sémillon and then oak-age them to produce a rich, creamy white wine, with distinct notes of lemon balm and tarragon. Other notes that stand out from this grape, grown within this region, is the likes of white peach, green melon, lemon balm, tarragon, and grass.
My review: Surprisingly dry, compared to other bottles of Rosé I've had, not so much a complaint, as it is unexpected. Dried apricots, citrus peel, passionfruit, cherry skins, and ripe strawberries dominate. It's aroma is surprisingly mute, almost as if it's teasing you and attempting to catch you off guard - watermelon rinds, white florals, and a bit of that smell you get from a whole lemon/lime before sliding the knife through. Was an interesting experience, but not my favorite, I think I like my reds to be reds and my Rosés to be at least semi-sweet at most.
No food was had, while tasting this wine.
Name: Lobetia - Dominio De Punctum Vineyards - Bubbles Sparkling Wine
Variety: 100% Viura
Region: Las Pedroñeras, Cuenca
Country: Spain
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $9.95
Wine Critic Notes: Vanilla, apple juice and banana aromas comprise the nose on this flat feeling, sugary tasting Cava that claims to be “dry” but tastes anything but. Flavors of ripe banana, vanilla and papaya taste like powdered sugar on the finish. - Michael Schachner; Wine Enthusiast; 90pts
Wine Folly: pg 187 Viura - This varietal is a primary grape in Spanish Rioja Blanco and Cava sparkling wines, the longer wines of this varietal are aged, the more rich and nutty characteristics emerge. Typically containing low alcoholic presence, medium body, low tannin and sugar content, while retaining a mid to low acidity, it pairs quite well with asian cuisine. This varietal typically has notes of honeydew, lime peel, lemon verbana, tarragon, and hazelnut.
My review: Oh, now this, this I love. Refreshing, huge citrus zest, and tropical fruity notes! An acidic characteristic that really gets the mouth salivating for more - or for a bite to eat! Being an organic/natural wine, the yeast really ran off with the show, bringing out a lot of interesting flavors - ripe apple peel, pear, lychee, tangy lemon meat, with almost a pleasant drinking vinegar characteristic in the aftertaste. The nose really sets you up, though more subdued, with the aroma of orange blossoms, orchids, and a hint of citrus forward kombucha. If you want to celebrate the summer solstice, this is what you should be sabering!
No food was had, while tasting this wine.
Name: Uvaggio - L'Uvaggio Di Giacomo Vineyards - Vermentino
Variety: 100% Vermentino
Region: Napa, California
Country: USA
Year: 2016
Price: $9.95
Wine Critic Notes: Herbaceous aromas and bright citrus flavors give an almost-electric charge to this light-bodied, crisp and appetizing wine. Aromas of snap peas, parsley and fresh-cut grass lead to lemon and grapefruit flavors and a tingly mouthfeel. It's a perfect summer-to-fall drink. - Jim Gordon; Wine Enthusiast; 90pts
Wine Folly: pg 183 Vermentino - With a low body, low to mid alcoholic taste, low sweetness, low tannin property, and mid to high acidity, this wine does wonders with grilled light meats, fish, and dishes that highlight green and herbal flavors. This varietal typically has notes of lime, grapefruit, green apple, almonds, and daffodil.
My review: The nose is mildly aromatic, dried lime peel, crushed gravel, pear, and lemon grass, with a light alcoholic tickle to the sinuses. Notes of citrus zest and meat, with a plant matter characteristic similar to walking through the woods on a spring day - you know, fresh blooming flowers, grass and tree pollen in the air! It's light bodied, mostly dry, but with a satisfying acidic tickle along the sides... someone bring me some cheese, please!
No food was had, while tasting this wine.
Name: Ava - Grace Vinyards - Pinot Grigio
Variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Livermore, California
Country: USA
Year: 2018
Price: $4.50 - $3.50 on sale
Wine Critic Notes: A lightly tropical nose also shows vivid flavors of Bartlett pear, green tea, honeydew melon, and wildflowers. On tasting, powerful orchard fruits dominate and lacy notes of citrus and cherry blossoms complement the soft finish. - Ultimate Wine Challenge; 86pts; Very Good, Strong Recommendation
Wine Folly: pg 149 Pinot Gris - Low body, mild alcohol, middle to high acidity, with varying levels of sweetness, along side notes of white peach, lemon zest, cantalope, raw almonds, and crushed gravel are characteristic of this style.
My review: I believe this is the third Pinot Gris I've had thus far, since starting this blog - and truth be told, it was not on purpose, the price just happened to be far too enticing to ignore! Little did I know that this colorfully patterned can attracted such praise from online critics. The nose is full of lychee, passionfruit, white peaches, and crushed gravel, while the light body makes this quite an easy sipper. The mildly alcohol is noticeable on the palate, but not in a way that is offensive, nor off putting. With every sip the acidity tingles and dances along the sides of the tongue, setting you up for a lovely cheese or charcuterie pairing. Notes of lemonzest, melon, and white flowers, intermingle with orange blossom, finishing with ease - leaving you wanting more!
No food was had, while tasting this wine - just a glass, and a good netflix series.
Name: Ava - Grace Vinyards - Rosé
Variety: Not known, mention of Malbec & Petite Sirah on their FAQ page, but don't directly state either is used.
Region: Livermore, California
Country: USA
Year: 2018
Price: $4.50 - $3.50 on sale
Wine Critic Notes: This medium-bodied wine finds an enjoyable point of balance between fruit flavors and crisp refreshment. Strawberry and raspberry aromas meet tangy light flavors that nevertheless have good depth and length. - Jim Gordon; Wine Enthusiast; 90pts; #20 Top 100 Best Buy 2019
Wine Folly: pg 147 Petite Sirah - full body, high alcohol, low to mid acidity, with low levels of sweetness, along side notes of sugar plum, blueberry, black pepper, black tea, and dark chocolate.
pg 125 Malbec - full body, mid to high alcohol, low to mid acidity, with low to mid sweetness, and mild tannin, along side notes of red plum, blueberry, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and cocoa.
My review: The can prominently displays "Fruity, Crisp, and Delicate" all descriptors that I wouldn't at all dispute, after having finished half the can. This mildly red Rosé has fruity notes in spades, the likes of red cherries, acidic raspberries, juicy ripe strawberries, and even a light tannin level reminiscent of blueberry skins. The nose tingles the sinuses, exuding similar fruit aromas to those that are present on the palate. Combine such descriptors with a medium body, balanced sweet to dry ratio, low acidity, with a crisp finish, and I full-heartedly see why Wine Enthusiast would grant this pink patterned can a 90, and place it on their yearly list of 'Best Buys!'
No food was had, while tasting this wine - just a glass, and a good netflix series.
Name: Underwood - Union Wine Co. Vineyards - 'The Bubbles' Sparkling Wine
Variety: blend of 40% Pinot Gris, 32% Pinot Noir and 28% Chardonnay
Region: Tualatin, Oregon
Country: USA
Year: 2018
Price: $4.50
Wine Critic Notes: From the Union Wine Company, this value bubbly is 40% Pinot Gris, 32% Pinot Noir and 28% Chardonnay. Aromas of bubblegum, cherry and lemon drop candy carry the nose, with fruit-driven flavors on the palate that are crisp and balanced. For an inexpensive, mass-produced bottle of fizz, it raises the bar for the entire region. - Paul Gregutt; Wine Enthusiast; 90pts
Wine Folly: pg 289 Oregon Pinot Gris - Pinot Gris is Oregon's most important white wine grape, as it grows quite well in the southern parts of the Willamette Valley. The Pinot Gris from this region have a focus on peach and pear flavors, as well as emparting an oily mid-palate, and a tingly, citrus-driven finish. They typically contain notes of nectarine, ripe pear, citrus bolossom, lemon oil, and almond cream.
pg 289 Oregon Pinot Noir - Roughly 50% of Oregon's vinyards are planted to grow Pinot Noir, growing with great ease within the Willamette Valley. The Pinot Noir of this region offer rich, red berry aromas, a light body, juicy acidity, and spice flavors drawn from the oak staves that make up it's aging vessel. They tend to typically have notes of pomegranate, red plum, allspice, vanilla, and black tea.
pg 296 Oregon Chardonnay - A grape that is hardly grown outside of the state, but draws much attention due to it's likeness to white Burgundy. The climate here runs cooler than other areas, giving the wines a much lighter body that's light on fruit, more mineral forward, and with high acidity. The grape from this region typically has notes of yellow apple, meyer lemon, preserved lemon, buttered toast, and sour cream.
My review: The name does not lie, there are bubbles, and there are a lot of them! Highly aromatic aroma of white floral notes and peaches, with an effervescent mouthfeel paired with notes of oak, lemon zest, unripe pear, and a minerality akin to some dark herbal teas. The body is light, with a mouth watering acidity, and crisp, lightly dry, finish. The plentiful bubbles really place the citrus, fruity, notes on center stage, making for quite a delightful and tasty sparkling wine! Now if only I still had some cheese...
No food was had, while tasting this wine - just a glass, and a good netflix series.
Name: Underwood - Union Wine Co. Vineyards - Pinot Gris
Variety: 100% Pinot Gris
Region: Tualatin, Oregon
Country: USA
Year: 2018
Price: $4.50
Wine Critic Notes: Another can't-miss effort from the Union Wine Company, this light and versatile dry white wine offers crisp pear, apple and cucumber flavors, nicely annotated by an accent of thyme. It's an elegant, immaculately fresh wine, widely available at a good price. - Paul Gregutt; Wine Enthusiast; 89pts
Wine Folly: pg 149 Pinot Gris - Low body, mild alcohol, middle to high acidity, with varying levels of sweetness, along side notes of white peach, lemon zest, cantalope, raw almonds, and crushed gravel are characteristic of this style.
pg 289 Oregon Pinot Gris - Pinot Gris is Oregon's most important white wine grape, as it grows quite well in the southern parts of the Willamette Valley. The Pinot Gris from this region have a focus on peach and pear flavors, as well as emparting an oily mid-palate, and a tingly, citrus-driven finish. They typically contain notes of nectarine, ripe pear, citrus bolossom, lemon oil, and almond cream.
My review: Quite dry on the palate, with bit of tingly acidity, flavors of ripe red apples, lemon zest, crisp pear, and lychee, with an aroma heavily influenced by it's citrus notes. The alcohol is present, but not overbearing, nor heavily prominent in the nose, leading to a refreshingly light white sipper. While I'd love to go out and take this on a picnic in the woods, alas it is far too chilly this time of year.
No food was had, while tasting this wine - just a glass, and a good netflix series.
