Name: Cortenova Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Variety: Montepulciano
Region: Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2013
Price: $7.95
Shop Review: "Wild berry, chopped mint, sun baked earth and violet aromas meld together on this solid savory red. The juicy straightforward palate doles out ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, anise and cinnamon alongside chewy tannins."
My Review: Well this wine is just fun to say - MONTEPULCIANO *said in Italian accent with Italian hand movement.* It was ok, not my fave. It's a lighter red. I got aromas of leather and wood. It was acidic and astringent.
Pairing: Not with this wine!
Cheers!
Natalie
Name: Rosemount Diamond Label
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Southeastern
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2014
Price: $15, on sale for $7.95
Shop Review: "On the nose fragrant red berry fruits; red cherries raspberries; supported by sweet earthy spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is bright and lively with flavors of cherry and raspberry are supported by a soft creamy texture, prividing a long and elegant finish."
My Review: HOLY AROMAS! I'm not usually a pinot noir kinda gal, but this wine brought me back to summer nights. I got huge aromas of bonfire, toasted marshmallows, and bbq sauce. Smokey and spicey. I feel like this would be good with a steak. I really enjoyed this by itself though - so much so that I bought a bottle!! What else is new?
Pairing: Not yet but since I bought it, I will be pairing it. What do you suggest? What do you pair with your favorite pinot noir? Let me know in the comments below!
Cheers!
Natalie
Name: Valminor
Variety: Albariño
Region: Rias Baixas
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2015
Price: $19, on sale for $9.95
Shop Review: "Gloriously aromatic with jasmine and flint notes; very scented. Full and sleshy palate, a mineral follow-through and intense, harmonious finish. A very lovely Albariño that is so pure."
My Review: This wine was very light in aromas, in my opinion. I did get a lot of floral notes. It was clear in color and smooth in texture but the aftertaste was acidic. Not my fave.
Pairing: Not with this wine!
Cheers!
Natalie
Name: Yellowtail
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: N/A
Country: New Zealand & Australia
Vintage: N/A
Price: $7, on sale for $4.95
Shop Review: "Wow, who would ever call Yellow Tail understated? But here it is. Nice but light aromas of orange, grapefruit, apple, earth and flowers, Lemon, grapefruit, apples, and a little lime on the light palate. Good acidity, pleasant finish, and decent minerality."
My Review: Don't judge a book by its cover! Even though this is a popular cheaper wine, it was definitely a favorite of the tastings for many today. Was it my favorite? Hmm definitely not, unfortunately. I got aromas of grapefruit and citrus. I just did not like the taste though.
Pairing: Not with this wine!
Cheers!
Natalie
Name: Jam Jar Sweet White
Variety: Moscato
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Vintage: 2015
Price: $15, on sale for $7.95
Shop Review: "This charming, easy-drinking Moscato offers flavors of peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom. A lively jolt of acidity keeps it fresh and fruity. Fancy enough for a special occasion toast, yet sweet-natured enough to enjoy every day."
My Review: This wine was light clear in color. I got aromas of grapefruit and apple. It was very smooth/creamy texture and very sweet. I definitely recommend this for people who like sweet white wines. It was a little too sweet for me, though!
Pairing: Not with this wine!
Cheers!
Natalie
Name: Fox Creek
Variety: Shiraz
Region: McLaren Vale
Country: Australia
Vintage: 2012
Price: $23, on sale for $9.95 (STEAL! Which is why I bought a bottle...)
Shop Review: "Bright purple. Exotic, expansive aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, vanilla and cola, along with a peppery overtone and a hint of violet pastille. Broad, fleshy, appealingly sweet boysenberry and cherry liquer flavors show excellent depth and a seamless texture. Finishes juicy and long, with building spiciness, an echo of blue fruit and round tannins."
My Review: This was a dark ruby color. I tasted cherry, oak, and spices. I really liked this wine. It had a GREAT balance. I ended up buying a bottle! YUMMMM
Pairing: OF COURSE! I asked someone who works at the store what he suggests I pair with it. He said he loves to pair Shiraz with bbq ribs. I went to the bbq place on campus and got pulled pork and beans and MY OH MY IT WAS A WONDERFUL PAIR. It really brought the smokiness out of the wine. This wine is so delicious and such a good value, it's hard to pass up! DEF recommend.
Comment below if you've tried this or are going to buy a bottle!!
Cheers!
Natalie
Name: Candoni Buongiorno
Variety: Organic Primitivo and Syrah
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Vintage: N/A
Price: $7.95
Shop Review: "Black ruby color. Mild, spicy, earthy aromas of spiced berries and plum with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk earth and cinnamon finish with dusty, coating tannins and moderate oak. A sturdy, earthy red for the table."
My Review: This wine had a dark brick red color. There was no vintage on this wine but it makes me wonder if it had been aged a little bit because of the orange/brick tint. I tasted oak, spices, raspberry, and plum. It almost reminded me of a plum brandy I tried in Romania (not as strong of course). It had a strong aroma of leather as well. This wine was really good and I think would be wonderful with cheese.
Pairing: Not with this wine!
Cheers!
Natalie
