Week 6 Wine Tasting

For whatever reason, I'm not in a super blog-y mood right now, so this post will probably be even more boring than usual. Sorry to the TA who has to read this! Well, here goes...

Wine #1: Coreto

Coreto, Tinto, Lisboa Region, Portugal, 2008, $6.95

Smell: Black cherry, plum, brandy, and the fruit in fruit cakes, whatever that is called.

Taste: Some cherry, some plum, and it was a little bitter for my taste.

Established Review: "This red from the Coreto range has loads of dark berry fruit with a hint of new oak creating a soft, velvet structure that makes it very

easy to drink. Red currant and juicy acidity." Vintage Cellar

Wine #2: Charles Thomas

Charles Thomas, Cotes-du-Rhone, Rhone, France, 2009, $8.95

Smell: Lighter than I was anticipating based on the color and reputation of a Cotes-du-Rhone. I smelled some caramel and strawberry.

Taste: Soft but very dry and tannic. A little pepper-y at the end.

Established Review: "A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre. Well made, with loads of berry fruit and a heady, meaty, peppery nose with a hint of Provencal herbs, the wine is fresh, lively, and best drunk over the next 2 years." Wine Advocate

Wine #3: Lost Vineyards

Lost Vineyards, Spumante, Italy, no vintage, $4.95

Smell: Peaches, melon, and jasmine

Taste: Very bubbly and light, zingy, not as syrup-y sweet as I imagined, though still sweet. Green apple flavors, very delicious!

Established Review: "Pale silvery straw color. Floral aromas of apples, peaches, and potpourri follow through on a round, frothy entry to a fruity medium bodied sweet wine with good depth and tangy peach fruit and a breezy, harmonious green apple kissed finish." Vintage Cellar

Wine #4: Santola

Santola, Vinho Verde, Portugal, 2009, $7.95

Smell: Pear and lemongrass. Interesting combination.

Taste: Very light, a little grapefruit and other citrus.

Established Review: "Soft and creamy, although with just the right Vinho Verde bite, this is a crisp and clean wine, boasting light pear and pink grapefruit flavors. Off dry and very fresh." Vintage Cellar

Wine #5: Protocolo

Protocolo, Blanc, Spain, 2010, $6.95

Smell: Sweeter, lemon-y scent. I got a hint of what I thought was watermelon at one point in time, but I wasn't able to get it again. Does this work like science? Is it only valid if it's repeatable?

Taste: Stronger and more tart than I was anticipating based on the scent. Also tasted a tiny bit grassy.

Established Review: "Greenish gold. Subtle aromas of mint, lemon and orange, with a hint of honeysuckle. Dry, understated and focused, offering clean citrus and melon flavors and slow-building sweetness. Finishes dry and brisk, with an echo of lemon." Stephan Tanzer