Name: Maison Fortant - Fortant Vinyards - Rosé de Provence
Variety: Blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah; percentages not disclosed.
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2016
Price: $16 - $7.95 on sale
Vivino Tasting Notes: Medium lightness to boldness, very dry, mostly acidic, with tasting notes of strawberry, oil, banana, melon, rose water, and minerals. Comments also described notes of kiwi, white pepper, boysenberry, butter, lavender, and watermelon. Of 139 reviews, it was given a 3.8 out of 5.
Wine Folly: pg 100 Cinsault - This grape is light, but pairs well with well-spiced vegetarian indian fare, but all around is a versatile food-pairing red wine due to it's low tannins. Notes of raspberry, red currant, tart cherry, violet, and black tea are typical of this varietal.
pg 117 Grenache - A high-intensity flavored grape, matching roasted meats and vegetables that include exotic spices like cumin, all spice, and asian five-spice. Typically has notes of stewed strawberry, grilled plum, leather, dried herbs, and blood oranges.
pg 172 Syrah - full body, mid to high acidity, mid to high tannins, mid to high alcohol, and minimal sweetness, along side notes of blueberry, plum, milk chocolate, tobacco, and green peppercorn.
My review: As the person tasting along side me would say "a Rosé to start the day with," and I might have to agree. It was flavorful, light, dry, and acidic, lending itself well to a typical american breakfast. The nose had hints of florals, minerals, and light citrus fruits, while the palate was rich in lychee, stone fruit, strawberry, and red currants; with a delightfully tingling acidity.
No food was had, while tasting this wine.
Name: Kenwood - Kenwood Vineyards - Yulupa Cuvée Brut Sparkling Wine
Variety: Blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir; percentages not disclosed
Region: Lodi, California
Country: USA
Year: Non-Vintage
Price: $15 - $8.95 on sale
Vivino Tasting Notes: Bold, middle of the road between soft and acidic, with high amounts of fizzy carbonation. Tasting notes of peach, pear, tangerines, vanilla, butter, minerals, and mushrooms. Individuals also pointed out lots of apple, bright tangerines, mild florals, low acidity, crisp and smooth, along side a soft minerality. Of 655 ratings, the community gave this wine a 3.6 out of 5.
Wine Folly: pg 98 Chenin Blanc - This varietal is made into an immense amount of styles from dry, sparkling, sweet, and even still. Notes of pear, quince, yellow apple, chamomile, and honey are typical of this grape.
pg 150 Pinot Noir - A versatile red wine for food pairing, given the higher acidity and lower tannin content.They tend to typically have notes of cherry, raspberry, clove, mushroom, and vanilla.
pg 96 Chardonnay - A grape that pairs best with subtle spices and flavors, with the potential to mingle with buttery, soft, creamy flavors and textures, pairing best with lobster. This grape typically has notes of yellow apple, starfruit, pineapple, vanilla, and butter.
My review: An absolutely lovely sipper to celebrate with, bold, mildly acidic, and fizzy as all get out; loads of effervescence. The nose was carried notes of ripe pear, overly ripe peaches, vanilla, minerals, and a touch of red apples. The palate was tingly, from start to finish, carrying with it loads of citrus zest, peaches, peach skins, crushed gravel, pear, and a tiny touch of lychee. A very enjoyable sparkling wine - over this past year, I've truly come to enjoy cuvée brut sparkling wines, over the likes of champagne.
No food was had, while tasting this wine.
Name: Tiza - Tiza Vineyards - Mendoza Malbec
Variety: 100% Malbec
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2014
Price: $20 - $9.95 on sale
Wine Critic Notes: Horsey, slightly oxidized berry aromas and superficial oak are bettered by flavors of berry fruits, brown sugar and spice. After a lightly herbal finish dries out, this feels a bit raw and choppy. - Michael Schachner; Wine Enthusiast; 86pts
Wine Folly: pg 125 Malbec - Unlike Cabernet, Malbec doesn't have a long finish, making it a great choice with leaner red meats. Typically has tasting notes of red plum, blackberry, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and cocoa.
My review: Pours a bit on the light side, the person at the store mentioned that it might be due to the age of the bottle. The body was a bit thin, mouthfeel dry, little to no acidity that I could pick out, leaving the wine to be quite soft. The nose carried blackberries, black currant, baking spices, caramel, and oak, with tasting notes of oak, plum, baking spices, dried red berries, and grape skins.
No food was had, while tasting this wine.
Name: Montsant - Montsant Vinyards - Bula
Variety: 40% Mazuelo, 40% Grenache, and 20% Syrah
Region: Montsant
Country: Spain
Year: 2016
Price: $18 - $8.95 on sale
Wine Critic Notes: Smoky, charred aromas are rugged and center around black fruits. This is a blend of Mazuelo (Carignan), Garnacha and Syrah, and it's decidedly ripe. Loamy flavors of blackberry and plum are earthy, while the finish is toasty and ends with a bitter espresso note. - Michael Schachner; Wine Enthusiast; 89pts
Wine Folly: pg 90 Carignan (Mazuelo) - Works well with cinnamon-spiced dishes, berry-based sauces, and smoky meats. An amazing choice for thanksgiving dinner. Notes of dried cranberry, raspberry, tobacco leaf, baking spices, and cured meats are typical.
pg 117 Grenache - A high-intensity flavored grape, matching roasted meats and vegetables that include exotic spices like cumin, all spice, and asian five-spice. Typically has notes of stewed strawberry, grilled plum, leather, dried herbs, and blood oranges.
pg 172 Syrah - full body, mid to high acidity, mid to high tannins, mid to high alcohol, and minimal sweetness, along side notes of blueberry, plum, milk chocolate, tobacco, and green peppercorn.
My review: Pours dark maroon with an intoxicating aroma, rich with dried fruits, specifically figs and blackberries, paired with tasting notes of plum, tobacco, cocoa, an earthiness I can't quite put my finger on, and even dark black coffee. I was surprised how much I actually enjoyed this, I typically enjoy reds, but there was something about this blend of varietals that really worked well together.
No food was had, while tasting this wine.
