Week 2 Wine Tasting

Week number 2 of wine tasting. Hopefully we will have learned something in the intervening days to improve the tasting experience and vocabulary, but we'll see...


Wine #1: Arido

Arido, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2010, $8.60

First Impression: Hot, peppery, slightly rubbery smell, and a hot, peppery taste.

After time, with food: Smells slightly sweeter, but still peppery. With cheese, it tasted bitter and still peppery, but had a hint of cherry on the end.

Established review: "Intense ruby color. Delicate red fruit and violet aromas interact with classic Malbec spiciness. Soft and round in the mouth with balanced acidity and sweet tannins." Delavin.com

Wine #2: Fish Eye

 Fish Eye, Cabernet Sauvignon, Southeastern Australia, 2010, $6.90

First Impression: Smelled light, slightly rubbery, and a bit of blueberry. Tasted dry but fruity, with a slightly buttery aftertaste.

After time, with food: Smelled the same, tasted hotter with a stronger berry flavor, and the aftertaste was more buttery.

Established review: “Aromas of eucalyptus leaf, sweet pickle relish and raspberry-blueberry jelly with a silky fruity-yet-dry medium body and juicy, cedar and peppery spice accented finish.” Tastings.com

Wine #3: Dellatorri

Dellatorri, Chianti, Italy, 2010, $8.69

First Impression: Smells a little fruity, slightly rubbery, but not hot. Tasted hot initially, but then more tangy and acidic.

After time, with food: Smelled sweeter and fruitier, tasted lighter and still tangy, but with a fruity aftertaste.

Established review: "This rich Chianti offers hints of violet, cherry and spice. It is soft, fresh and pleasantly balanced." Dellatorri website

Wine #4: Funf

Funf, Moscato, Longuich, Germany, no year listed, $8.00

First Impression: Smells of peaches, melon, pear, and apple. Tastes like apple and pear with a zingy aftertaste.

After time, with food: Still smelled fruity, but more tart. Tasted more fruity, less tangy, and a bit citrus-y.

Established review: "Funf Moscato has a peach and honeysuckle aromas with fresh, sweet flavors of juicy tropical fruit, honeydew melon, Fuji apple, and ripe citrus. Refreshingly sweet but not cloying, this wine is well balanced with a clean, mouth watering finish." Funf website




Biggest lesson learned this week: Pasta tastes good with garlic bread. Wine does not.