Dinner - Homemade (Germany)

Last week three of my friends and I decided to do another homemade wine dinner and the country we chose this time around was Germany.  This country has some amazing meats, vegetables, and wines so we figured why not try our luck with some possible exceptional wine/food pairings.  It was a fun experience once again getting to sit down with some friends and expand our taste horizons with great foods and wines.  We had 3 wines along with one course consisting of three sides to pair with.  All of the items included in the tasting can be seen below.

The first wine that was paired with the foods was the Oh Be Joyful Doinfelder Sweet Red 2014.  It had a grape and cranberry smell along with a semi-dry/semi-sweet grape taste on the tongue before pairing with the food.  The brat made the wine a lot smoother and added more of a finish to it.  The cheesy potatoes seemed to cut the acid in it out a bit.  The spinach side seemed to cause a stronger aftertaste in the palate.  Overall it appeared that this wine went extremely well with the food choices and actually improved the wine tasting than when it was taken on its own.

The second wine was a Dr. Riesling Loosen Bros 2014 of Mosel.  Alone it lacked a strong scent of aroma just only giving off a sweet floral smell.  The taste was carbonated with earthy elements and lime.  After being paired with the dishes the wine nothing changed in the wine or the food meaning they didn't add anything special to each other like the first wine did.  I was not a fan of this wine/food pairing unfortunately and would not recommend it.

The final wine was an Erben Riesling 2013.  Alone it had a similar smell to the Loosen Bros wine, but slightly more aromatic and some citrus added to it.  The taste was also similar to the previous wine, but was much smoother and sweeter.  It was also less dry and had hints of pear, citrus, and cantaloupe on the palate.  The brat side caused the wine to present stronger citrus taste when drinking the wine while also eliminating the aftertaste.  This was also the case for the other two sides.  Therefore I would definitely say that the foods made this wine much better than it was by itself, but still not as exceptional as the first wine did because that Oh Be Joyful was on another level.

This is about all I have for you guys.  I really enjoyed the German food/wine pairing just like I had fun with the Italian one and would definitely recommend wines 1 and 3 to go with the same kind of dishes that were personally prepared for our course!

Dinner - Homemade (Italy)

Last week four of my friends and I decided to take part in one of these homemade wine dinners for some extra points and we went with Italy for our location of choice because, well, why not we all know Italy makes some amazingly dank dishes as well as some exceptional wines.  Italy produces the most wine in the world so the amount of food pairings with wines is almost endless to an extent so the options are definitely not slim.  Overall it was a very fun experience where I got to sit down with some friends, enjoy a nice 3 course dinner, and analyze how the wines of choice paired with the food. The final friend in the picture below is the one with the camera by the way and I'm the guy all the way to the left.

The first pairing consisted of a spinach parmesan cortini appetizer and a Cortenova Pinot Grigio 2014 Delle Venezie wine.  First the wine was analyzed without tasting any food with its light green color.  Its smell brought about pleasant characteristics of floral, citrus, apricot, and melon while its taste had features such as honeydew, melon, citrus, and tangerine as well as being enjoyably smooth on the pallet.  Next the wine was tasted while consuming the appetizer.  As an athlete this reminded me of tasting water after having gatorade right before it.  It actually made the wine taste worse in my opinion and added a more bitter aspect to it which I do not enjoy.

The second pairing involved an entree of spaghetti with meat sauce and a Chianti Classico 2013 Gabbiano wine.  This wine was a dark red wine that is also sometimes used in spaghetti sauces from time to time.  When analyzed without the food the wine presented a very strong effect on the nose.  It almost burned the eyes in a way with its heavy blackberry, raspberry,  and pepper aromas, which I was not a fan of.  It had a pepper, spicy, and blackberry taste while actually going well with the cheese that slightly carried over from the appetizer.  While tasting with the spaghetti entree the wine presented more of its berry flavors to the pallet, but the finish is a lot hotter.  I think the food actually made it a lot better.

The third and final pairing consisted of a chocolate Tiramisu dessert and a Canei Vino Italiano Rose no vintage wine.  The first thought that came to my mind when looking at this wine was "wow this looks like apple juice."  It primarily had a smell of fruity pear and bubbles when tested without any food.  It tasted like pop rocks, apricot, and peachy pear while going down easily (which always makes it get major bonus points in my opinion).  I enjoyed this wine the best of the three.  The dessert actually made this wine taste worse since it did not pair well with the chocolate flavors.  The wine would most likely go better with a fruity dessert of some sort.  

This was my experience and I hope you enjoy learning about it!

             

Tasting-Dona Sol

Name: Dona Sol
Variety: Shiraz, Petite Syrah & Symphony 
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 
Price: $6.95 

Winery review: Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in the Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair well with cheeses and desserts.

My review: This fifth wine had a rather sweet aroma in which I could smell and taste the strawberries when it went through the palate.  This was my favorite of the 5 wines this week.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Velvet Crush

Name: Velvet Crush
Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $18 regular, $6.95 sale

Winery review: Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture.

My review: The texture of this wine is what stood out the most to me since it was very soft and smooth on the pallet along with its very dark fruit complex which led to a unique taste experience.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Grand Cru Pinot Noir

Name: Grand Cru
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95 

Winery review: This ruby-colored wine has aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of cherry and plum lead to a soft velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed by itself. It is also an excellent accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite
main dishes to pair with this wine

My review: This red wine was an enjoyable wine to taste by itself with no food.  I definitely caught the scents of raspberry and tastes of cherry that were within it and it was rather soft on my palette leading to a smooth flow. 

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Prime Brume

Name: Prime Brume
Variety: Garganega
Region: Soave
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $11 regular, $6.95 sale

Winery review: Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes.

My review: This wine also like the first had hints of citrus in the aroma and gave off a tropical impression to me.  It was definitely more complex than the first wine and even confusing when trying to analyze the various ingredients within it.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Quintas Melgaco Blue

Name: Quintas Melgaco Blue
Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10 regular, $5.95 sale

Winery review: Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads. 

My review: I personally found this wine rather enjoyable for a white wine and I enjoyed the tropical pineapple aromas followed by the hints of citrus.  Overall, it was a relaxing and smooth experience.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Vina Galana

Name: Vina Galana
Variety: Alicante Bouchet
Region: Spain
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $15 regular, $9.95 sale

Winery review: From the rare Alicante Bouchet, one of the few grapes in the world with red flesh  this wine has a plush texture carring flavors of brandied cherry and chocolate ganache in this round red. Light tannins and gentle acidity impart a lovely, balanced structure

My review: This was the worst wine of the 5 in my opinion this week.  I was not at all a fan of the strong burny wood taste and dry effect on the pallet.  It also had a mild smell and the taste stuck in my mouth so much that the 5th wine was difficult to take in. 

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Tonnino Syrah

Name: Tonnino
Variety: Syrah
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $14 regular, $7.95 sale

Winery review: An intense red color. Aromas of violet and blackcurrant enriched by hints of liquorice and black pepper. In the mouth it is full, round, slightly tannic and with a spicy note on the finish.

My review: This was my 4th favorite wine of the 5 this week.  It has a raspberry smell which I quite enjoyed but the taste was just not for me.  It has a very strong aftertaste and was very dry on the pallete which i do not enjoy.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Dom Michel Thomas

Name: Dom Michel Thomas
Variety: Sancerre Rose
Region: Loire
Country: France
Year: 2013
Price: $32 regular, $8.95 sale

Winery review: Bright orange-pink. Lively, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh red berries, orange peel and honeysuckle, with a hint of anise building in the glass. Dry and nervy in the mouth, offering vibrant strawberry and orange pith flavors and a suggestion of rose pastille. The floral element comes back on the finish, which lingers with very good spicy persistence

My review: This was my third favorite wine of the 5 this week.  It was rather bitter, sweet, then bitter again when it cycled through my palette.  It tasted similar to wine that I would sip on in Church on Sundays.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Riebeek Cellars Viognier

Name: Riebeek Cellars
Variety: Viognier
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $12 regular, $7.95 sale

Winery review: This is a luscious viognier, featuring a deep yellow color, that explodes with juicy peach and honeysuckle flavors. Viognier can easily become flabby, but this one manages to keep its figure within bounds. I recommend this for immediate, lip-smacking enjoyment. 

My review: This was my second favorite wine of the 5 this week.  It was very light with a mild smell.  It has a similar taste profile as the first wine Dom Michael Thomas but a little better and smoother.  

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Crane Lake White Zinfandel

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Whire Zinfandel
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $5.95 

Winery review: Light pink wine with floral and tropical aromas: flavors of strawberry, peach and raspberry with a touch of sweetness. This wine is an easy sipping wine that also pairs well with a wide variety of foods ranging from crab cakes or pâté to spicy Asian dishes, glazed ham, and grilled sea bass.

My review: This wine had a light red color with strawberry smell. It was rather smooth as well as wet on the palette and definitely my favorite of the 5 wines this week barely edging out the Riebeek Cellars Viognier.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Yellow Tail Red Moscato Bubbles

Name: Yellow Tail
Variety: Red Moscato Bubbles
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: NA
Price: $10 regular; $5.95 sale

Winery review: With a gorgeous deep pink hue, this is a wine that offers scrumptious aromas of lifted tropical fruits, ripe fresh strawberries with black currant and raspberry texture. Its flavor is a vibrant Moscato, with fresh forest fruits and strawberries and a nice dose of sweetness.

My review: This was definitely my favorite wine of the week.  It was the most enjoyable in taste as well as texture.  It seemed carbonated like a soda since you could feel the tang of acid when it hit your mouth.  It was a red wine that was very sweet and enjoyable in every sense and I would recommend this wine for basically any sort of setting unless you don't like strong soda-like berverages.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Beringer Smooth Red Blend 2012

Name: Beringer
Variety: Smooth Red Blend
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $15 regular; $5.95 sale

Winery review: A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Without a doubt, very smooth and uniquely balanced. Not too dry but not too sweet. Has a foundation of raspberry and blackberry that lingers in the finish. A slight hint at vanilla and some spice when it touches your tongue.

My review: This was a sweet smelling red wine that tasted rather bitter when compared to the first red wine this week but also maintained a darker taste.  This was definitely better than the Yellow Tail Cabernet Merlot in my opinion and would go great in party settings.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Yellow Tail Cabernet-Merlot 2014

Name: Yellow Tail
Variety: Cabernet-Merlot
Region: Australia
Country: Australia
Year: 2014
Price: $10 regular; $4.95 sale

Winery review: A classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied and very approachable with soft tannins. Fruit-forward flavors of plum, cherry and blackberry are accented by notes of spice with more juicy berries on the finish

My review: This was a grape smelling red wine.  It was smoothly bitter with a little bit of spice when it hit the taste buds.  It was easy to get down the throat and I would recommend it for a casual drinking experience.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Be Bright Pinot Grigio 2013

Name: Be Bright
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2013
Price: $10 regular; $5.95 sale

Winery review: This effortless Pinot Grigio keeps things light, with sun-ripened citrus flavors and a crisp, fresh finish. An instant taste of optimism, perfect for setting a carefree mood at any occasion. Serve chilled for total deliciousness. 

My review: I enjoyed this wine more than the first bright wine that I tasted.  It had a rather sweet smell along with a less strong aftertaste than the Dynamite did.  I would definitely recommend  this wine over the Dynamite.

I tasted this on its own with no food

Tasting-Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Dynamite Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Melon, Apple, and Citrus Flavors
Region: Lake County,California
Country: USA
Year: 2012
Price: $13 regular; $5.95 sale

Winery review: Beautifully balanced, our 2012 Sauvignon Blanc opens with lofty tropical fruit aromas, combining passion fruit, guava and pineapple. A small amount of Muscat leaves a lovely floral imprint on the nose. The palate is lush and round, escorting bright varietal flavors with a supple texture. Citrus picks up on the palate, punctuating the finish with vibrant lime zest and a mouthwatering acidity that begs another sip. “Varietally expressive, this wine has a refreshing zing that makes it perfect for pairing with food,” comments Winemaker David Nakaji. “Try a seafood cioppino, grilled swordfish or light, summer pasta.”

My review: This was probably my least favorite of the 5 wines that I tasted this week.  It  was a very bright wine in color and had a very strong aftertaste that I was not a fan of.  It was also a quite spicy when it first hit the tongue.

I tasted this on its own with no food

My First Introductory Entry

Hey everyone! I have personally not had an immense amount of experiences with wine in my life.  I have drank it at church quite a lot of weekends for Eucharist and have had a few glasses at nicer restaurants or family parties every now and then over the years.  It has a unique and satisfying taste, but it is not my go-to drink that's for sure.

It would be great if I could better understand the different types of wine by the end of this course because there are so many various options when I walk into a grocery store that I have no idea what to even consider purchasing.  I have mostly only tasted red wine in my life with only one or two white wine samplings.

Interestingly enough I have had a few wines that I found terrible, but have also had some that taste great and I really enjoy.  I wonder what causes this since I am not exactly familiar with the precise ingredients that go into each bottle of wine.  Anyways, I would say that I prefer red wine over white wine and that it is definitely an enjoyable drink in many classy settings with relaxed people.  Hope you guys like my overview!