Drink This Now! - Lesson 8 Activity

On Friday, March 23, my sister, her boyfriend, and I decided to try our hand at the DTN Lesson 8 activity. This lesson was The Big Whites, which had us sniff and swirl and taste wines at room temperature and chilled. This was a pretty neat lesson. I hadn't realized how much of a difference chilling a wine could do to the flavor and aromas.

The wines used for this lesson were:

Name:	Simi Sauvignon Blanc	Alamos Chardonnay	Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling
Variety:	Sauvignon Blanc	Chardonnay	Sweet Riesling
Region:	Geyserville, California	Mendoza, Argentina	Columbia Valley, Washington
Vintage:	2016	2016	2016

Alamos, Pacific Rim, Simi

~ The Thoughts ~

Wine #1: 2016 Simi Sauvignon Blanc

• Room Temperature: At first glance, this wine looked almost like a light white or clear color. But when I held it up to the light, I realized that it was more a greenish yellow color. The bouquet of the wine was apples, like sour green apples. There was also a really strong crispness in the aroma. The taste of the wine was really acidic and critius, both in feel and taste. There wasn't much of a flavor since the acidic component was strong. The body of the wine was light.
• Chilled: The color of the wine was pretty much the same as room temperature. I did find that the bouquet was more pronounced in other flavors. When I smelled it, I was reminded of a crisp fall morning. The aromas of the wine were stronger and there was more of a herb scent. The wine was lighter in its acidic component, but there were nice critius flavors present too. I could detect more of a herb undertone. There was also a lime or citrus fruit flavor too. The body of the wine seemed lighter. 
• Comparison: The Sauvignon Blanc was more acidic and bitter compare to the other two wines. The flavors of the wine also reflected the bitter and acidic aromas. Though the body of this wine was lighter. This wine was the lightest in color of the three wines. 
• Conclusion: This wine I was not a fan of. I found this wine to be too much for a white wine and it had too much bitterness and acidity for me to enjoy.   

Wine #2: 2016 Alamos Chardonnay

• Room Temperature: The wine had a pale golden color. It was also  darker than the Sauvignon Blanc, but lighter than the Sweet Riesling. The bouquet of the wine was like a typical Chardonnay. Though, there was an oaky and buttery smell. I did detect an apple undertone. When tasting this wine, I thought it was a bit acidic for a Chardonnay. There was a strong taste of ripe apple and oak. The body seemed heavy, but not full of sugar heavy. 
• Chilled: The color of the wine actually seemed lighter then when it was at room temperature. But that might have been because of light difference. The aromas of the wine were more clear in the chilled state, but the aromas themselves were pretty much the same. The only difference would be that there was more of a crispness to the wine. The tasting of the wine showed more of a difference. The wine definite had more of an apple taste, as well as a peach or apricot flavor. The body of this wine seemed lighter in its chilled form than the room temperature. 
• Comparison: The Chardonnay was the most mild of the three wines. This wine was a good representation of the middle of bitter and dry vs. sweet and sweeter. The color of the Chardonnay was also in the middle compared to the three wines. 
• Conclusion: This wine was pretty decent to me. It was definitely better than the Sauvignon Blanc, but still was a bit too acidic for what I'd prefer. 

Wine #3: 2016 Pacific Rim Sweet Riesling

• Room Temperature: This wine was a deep gold color and was the darkest of all the wines. I will say that the color reminded me of white grape juice or a really watered down version of apple juice. The bouquet of the wine had more of subtle smell, you really had a hard time detecting the aroma of the wine. What I did pick up was a berry smell, like peach or apricot. When tasting this wine, I found it to be a lot sweeter than I had been anticipating. It reminded me of apple juice or pineapple  juice. You could only really taste the sugar in the wine because it was so overwhelming sugary. The body of the wine was really heavy. 
• Chilled: The color was the same as room temperature. I did get more in the bouquet of this wine when chilled. The same smells that was in room temperature was present. Additionally, there was a honeysuckle and floral smell that really went well with the peach aroma. This wine definitely is better chilled. The sweetness of the wine is much more muted and doesn't take over the wine. I really enjoyed the tingly sensation I got when drinking this wine. The body of this wine was lighter when chilled. 
• Comparison: The Sweet Riesling was on the complete opposite spectrum from the Sauvignon Blanc. This wine had a nice smooth finish, sweet in flavor and aroma, and heavier in body. Additionally, it was the darkest in color of the three wines. 
• Conclusion: This wine is definitely a new favorite of mine. It had everything in it that I really like. I would definitely get this wine again.

My sister, her boyfriend, and I enjoying the snow and wine (not featured).

Conclusion
This was a really awesome lesson to do. I hadn't realized how much chilling your wine could affect the flavors and aromas. I thoroughly enjoyed smelling and tasting all the wines in the different temperatures. And now, I have a new favorite wine to add to my collection.

Tasting - Villa Pozzi Moscato

Name: Villa Pozzi Moscato
Variety: Moscato
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2016
Price: $11, on sale for $6.95

Shop Review: This Moscato features aromas of fresh figs, apricot and orange blossoms. This crisp and refreshing wine is slightly effervescent, with a gentle sweetness that invites another glass.           
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: This wine had a nice crisp and tart aroma. There was also a fruity summer smell. When tasting this wine, I was surprise by the fizz in the wine. I had not anticipated that. The wine tasted like apricots and sugar. There was a nice tingly feel on the edge of my tongue and a light finish.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Elsa Bianchi Malbec

Name: Elsa Bianchi Malbec
Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendozza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2015
Price: $16, on sale for $9.95

Shop Review: This Malbec is red-violet in color, with aromas of plums and black cherries and a subtle, smoky scent. The beauty of Malbec in Argentina is its ability to combine a rich, weighty mouth-feel with a soft silkiness normally associated with lighter wines. Elsa Malbec takes the promise of the nose through to the palate, with dark fruits that mimics the aroma. The soft, supple palate and smooth tannins lead to a round and harmonious finish.              
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: This wine had a really nice berry aroma. There was a nice crispness in the initial smell. After smelling this wine some more, I was being reminded of alcohol wipes. I did find that the wine had a nutty taste, almost like an almond taste. There was a plum flavor and the finish of this wine was heavier than I had been anticipating.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Skyfall Red Blend

Name: Skyfall Red Blend
Variety: Red Blend, 55% Merlot, 22% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Mourvedre, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Grenache
Region: Columbia Valley
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $20, on sale for $9.95

Shop Review: A blend of 55% Merlot, 22% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Mourvedre, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Grenache. Wonderful berry fruit on the nose with integrated oak notes woven throughout. On the palate black cherry and blackberries mingle with spice and oak notes. A broad and rich wine with a long elegant finish.               
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: When I first smelt this wine, I had immediately thought of burnt wood, particularly burnt oak wood. There was also a blackberry or cherry aroma. When tasting this wine, I was surprise to find it more on the bland side of reds. I was thinking this wine would be bold in taste, but it wasn't. The finished was also muted.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Clara Benegas Chardonnay

Name: Clara Benegas Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Mendozza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $14, on sale for $8.95

Shop Review: A crisp, unoaked chardonnay with a hint of Sauvignon Blanc coming form the cold region of Mendoza in the Uco Valley. Clear and bright with greenish hues. On the nose it is fragrant and elegant with fresh citrus aromas as well as fruit such as passion fruit, pineapple and white pear. Soft on the mouth with gentle acidity and a marked, pleasant aftertaste. Enjoy with seafood dishes, white meats or simply as an aperitif.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: I really liked the smell of this wine. There was definitely a buttery aroma. Additionally, I did detect a fruit smell, almost like lychee or apple. When tasting this wine, I immediately thought of pears. This wine had a lighter body and was different from the previous Chardonnay I had tried.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Acronym Chardonnay

Name: Acronym Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $15, on sale for $6.95

Shop Review: Simple and soft, this Chard is a juicy, forward with hints of tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla. A nice acidity balances the rich fruit flavors.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: This wine reminded me of a late spring day. I found it to be really floral in the aroma. The wine was a bit more acidic than I had been anticipating. I did not get the fruit flavors that others around me had noted. Most of the flavors I had been getting was floral or honeysuckle. I did enjoy a nice smooth vanilla finish though.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Relax Cool Red Blend

Name: Relax Cool Red Blend
Variety: Red Blend
Region: Rheinhessen
Country: Germany
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $16, on sale for $7.95

Shop Review: A pleasant alternative to traditional reds, RELAX Cool Red Blend is an approachable sweeter style red wine with flavors of black cherries and plums, complemented by soft tannins and a touch of velvety sweetness. Serve chilled.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: This wine also reminded me of alcoholic wipes. There was a bit of a berry undertone, particularly a plum aroma. I found that when tasting it, this wine was heavier in body than I was originally expecting. There was also a bit of a cedar taste. I did find that this was a bit tannic. I thought this wine was a bit bitter for what I believe a dessert wine should be. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Terre dei Savoia Nebbiolo d’Alba

Name: Terre dei Savoia Nebbiolo d’Alba
Variety: Nebbiolo d’Alba
Region: Alba
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $20, on sale for $6.95

Shop Review: Its perfume is quite complex, with spicy notes of cinnamon and vanilla, pleasant and characteristic; at the same time it is also fruity, with cherry and strawberry notes, and at the end we find dried fruit and a pleasant toasted almond aroma. The palate has an interesting structure, characterized by soft tannins, which together with alcohol and acidity create harmonic and elegant sensations.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: This wine reminded me of alcoholic wipes. After a bit more smelling, I could detect a slight cinnamon and peanut or almond aroma. When tasting, I was surprised that it actually really light in tannin structure I thought. I did find it to be a bit acidic since the tannin structure was lighter. There was a cherry aftertaste too.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Eikeboom Pinotage

Name: Eikeboom Pinotage
Variety: Pinotage
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $15, on sale for $8.95

Shop Review: This dark-colored 2015 possesses cranberry and cherry richness intermixed with some spice box, earth and herbs. It is fresh, medium-bodied and could be served chilled if readers desire, given its Beaujolais-like weight and texture.
~ 88, Wine & Spirits

My Review: This had a nice berry aroma with a tint of cherry mixed in. This reminded me of a lovely chocolate factory with berries and also a deep burnt cidar. When tasting this wine, you could definitely detect the cherry richness. But, I did find that it had a bit too much spice in it. There was a bit too much of everything in this wine. The tannin component was a bit stronger than I would have preferred.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Wildlife Chardonnay

Name: Wildlife Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $12, on sale for $4.95

Shop Review: This unoaked Chardonnay is an accessible wine with the body of the Chardonnay grape but without the oak and buttery flavors often associated with this cultivar. The wine displays notes of orange rind, apple skin, crisp pear and melony fruit in a medium-bodied naked style.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: I didn't get much of an aroma with this wine. It seemed to be 'airy'. The only scent that I could possibly detect was the pear. When tasting this wine, I thought it was too crisp or acidic or citrusy. It had a weird aftertaste, like grass or asparagus. I am finding that I do not like the Wildlife wines. 

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Skyfall Pinot Gris

Name: Skyfall Pinot Gris
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: Columbia Valley
Country: USA
Year: 2014
Price: $20, on sale for $9.95

Shop Review: Pale straw in color with notes of mango, citrus blossom and tangerines on the nose. On the palate a medley of tropical fruit unfolds into mango, grapefruit and tangerine flavors. These tropical notes continue throughout the long and lingering finish.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: I found this wine have a light springy and fruity aromas. There also seemed to be a bit of a freshly mowed grass undertone. When tasting this wine, I found it really acidic. The acidic wine contradicted the aromas that I had gotten. Surprisingly, I tasted apricot or lycee. There was also a bit of a kick in the finish.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - BIN #101

Name: BIN #101
Variety: White Apple blend
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $19.00

Shop Review: BIN #101 (Attimo Sudden Downpour) sweet apple wine. Rich, brilliant color and vibrant aromatic flavors. Soft undertones of bourbon. Excellent for dessert or mulling with spices. 12.5% alcohol. 4.0% residual sugar.
~ Whitebarrel

My Review: his wine smelled and tasted like freshed picked apples. I found this wine to actually be like hot cider. It started out with a crisp apple and ended with a sugary acidic finish. I like this wine a lot!

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - BIN #997

Name: BIN #997
Variety: White blend
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $19.50

Shop Review: BIN #997 (Attimo Just Kissed) this wine has raspberry undertones and a sweet fruity flavor. 12.5% alcohol. 3.0% residual sugar.
~ Whitebarrel

My Review: You can definitely smell the raspberry aroma. There was some other berry smell, but I could not distinguish them from the raspberry. The raspberry was also in the taste, though there was also a honey or herbal undertone too it. This wine was sweet on the palate and also had a heavier body.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - BIN #704

Name: BIN #704
Variety: Blend, Chardonnay and Riesling
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $19.50

Shop Review: BIN #704 (Attimo Off the Cuff) a blend of white wines. Mellow, slightly sweet, and bright. Mineral and citrus characteristics. 12.5% alcohol. 1.75% residual sugar.
~ Whitebarrel

My Review: This wine reminded me of a fresh spring. A spring that is full of floral and fresh dew aromas. There was also a honey scent. The crispness of the wine on the palate gave a tingling feeling. This had a medium body that also brought a pear taste.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - BIN #260

Name: BIN #260
Variety: Blend, Cabernet Franc and Merlot
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $21

Shop Review: BIN #260 (Attimo After Midnight) deep, mellow red blend. A sweet start, with a dry finish and velvety texture. 12.5% alcohol. 2.25% residual sugar.
~ Whitebarrel

My Review: There was a pleasant fruity smell, fruits like raspberries and cherries came to mind. The raspberry flavor was most prevalent on the palate. This had a slight vanilla aftertaste. This had a smoother finish than the BIN #214 and coated the throat.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - BIN #214

Name: BIN #214
Variety: Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot
Region: Virginia
Country: USA
Year: 2016
Price: $21

Shop Review: BIN #214 a blend of red grapes. Smooth, fruity, dark jam flavors with smoky, peppery flavors on the finish. 12.5% alcohol. 0% residual sugar.
~ Whitebarrel

My Review: This wine was really pungent of fruity aromas. There was a strong scent of cherry or sour grape. The smoky and peppery flavors really lit up your tongue in an unpleasant way. The wine ended on a muted finish that I thought did not go well with the flavors and aromas.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Villa Jolanda Moscato The Blue

Name: Villa Jolanda Moscato The Blue
Variety: Moscato
Region: Piedmont
Country: Italy
Year: Non-vintage
Price: $14, on sale for $10.95

Shop Review: The nose has the scent of ripe peaches. It is sweet with peach apricot and floral notes on the palate.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: This wine reminded me of a late afternoon spring day. There was a strong sugary and fruity aroma. The wine I had been sitting for a while, so the carbonated wine was fizz out. The lack of carbonation really helped emphasized the sugary body and sugary taste. The wine reminded of sugary soda or hard candy covered in sugar. I got an nice raspberry aftertaste.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington
Country: USA
Year: 2015
Price: $20, on sale for $9.95

Shop Review: Inviting aromas of boysenberry, vanilla and dark chocolate swirl in the glass. Rich flavors of ripe black cherry coupled with hints of crème brulee sugar crust and butterscotch weave through the palate. Balanced acidity and polished tannins on the finish.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review: This had an interesting refreshing berry aroma. It reminded me of a fall apple harvest. There was a bit of an air like feel to the smell. There was a strong peppery taste and a hint of butter afterwards. The wine was strongly acidic and tannic. This wine would have been better with food than by itself.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Garnacha
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $10, on sale for $6.95

Shop Review: Bright purple. Blackberry, plum and peppery spice aromas exhibit good vibrancy and power. Firm cherry and dark berry flavors are subtly accented by a peppery nuance, picking up a hint of licorice with air. A candied plum note lingers on the warm finish, which is firmed by gentle tannins.
~ 87, Stephen Tanzer

My Review: I was reminded of blackberries and pepper when smelling this wine. It was hard to distinguish any of the other smells in this wine. When tasting it, there was a strong tart and oaky flavor. The pepper was also very strong and gave a unpleasant finish. I could taste a licorice aftertaste, which I was not a fan of.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Château Montauriol Rigaud Corbieres Rose

Name: Château Montauriol Rigaud Corbieres Rose
Variety: Blend, 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache
Region: Corbieres
Country: France
Year: 2016
Price: $15, on sale for $7.95

Shop Review: The white raspberry and peach notes have a creamy but fresh profile in this rosé. Hints of spice and apricot meld together on the lingering finish.
~ Vintage Cellar

My Review:  This wine was very refreshing aroma. I was reminded of a spring morning breeze. The flavor of the wine was rather bland compared to the smell. I was reminded of a fall taste with an fresh apple, which contradicted the aromas I smelt.

I tasted this on its own with no food.

Tasting - Maipe Torrontés

Name: Maipe Torrontés
Variety: Torrontés
Region: Argentina
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $13, on sale for $7.95

Shop Review: This is an aromatic floral Torrontés with hints of air freshener and bath oil on the nose. A palate with zesty acidity frames crisp flavors of citrus pulp and peel. A racy finish tastes of lime before showing patented varietal bitterness.
~ 87, Wine Enthusiast

My Review: This wine had a nice refreshing spring dew aroma. There was a hint of fruit aroma underneath the dew smell. When I tasted the wine, I was surprise to taste an apricot and apple taste. There was a crisp and warm finish to it. The crispness left a nice tingling feel, while the warm buzz trickled down the throat.

I tasted this on its own with no food.