Tasting- Gouguenheim

Name:  Gouguenheim

Variety:  Malbec

Region:  Mendoza

Country:  Argentina

Year:  2011

Price:  $8.99

Review:  Moderately saturated dark red. Spicy dark berries and a hint of chocolate on the nose. Juicy, bright and vinous, with a penetrating quality to the dark fruit flavors. Not fat or fleshy but elegant, intense and sharply delineated. The laid-back finish features sweet, fine-grained tannins and sneaky length.

My notes:  The bouquet is jammy with scents of berries and currant.  It stings the nostrils with its acidity.  The first thing I taste is the extreme acidity, which was very off-putting the first couple of tastings.  But after a glass or so, my friend in the class and I really tried hard to examine it.  The acidity let up a bit and we were able to get a bit of warm spice and blackberry on the midpalate.  This wine is very "prevalent" (copyright Chris Fucking Evans) and just very much there.  

Food:  Nope, just purely drinking this one.  

Tasting- Broadbent

Name:  Broadbent Vinho Verde

Variety:  50% Loureiro, 40% Trajadura, 10% Arinto

Region:  Minho

Country:  Portugal

Year:  2011

Price:  $9.99

Review:  This particular Vinho Verde from Broadbent showcases plenty of citrus, with ultra zesty acidity and a fun, effervescence - it is light, refreshing and just perfect for pairing with seafood.

My notes:  This Vinho Verde is a light greenish color with a nice amount of bubbles.  The wine smells like green apples.  It is tart, with notes of apple and watermelon, which is very refreshing and crisp.  

Food:  I ate the Sonoma sandwich at Gillies which is basically sauteed vegetables, tapenade, and coarse mustard on french bread.  And its awesome.  With the sandwich, the vinho verde tastes a little earthier and was a welcome change from the acid.  

Tasting- Gabriella

Name:  Gabriella

Variety:  Chianti

Region:  Tuscany

Country:  Italy

Year:  2008

Price:  $7.95

VC Review:  This beautiful wine has the very deep red, almost purple, color that you would expect in a Chianti. The first thing you notice is the fruit, balanced by a bit of spice. It’s a good dry wine with a bold flavor.  Even with it’s boldness, this Chianti is velvety smooth. 

My notes:  The color is a deep red, almost maroon color.  I could smell this wine all day.  It smells of blackberry and luscious cherry pie.  This Chianti tastes of juicy berries with a light acidity that leaves my mouth slightly puckered.  Overall, a smooth Chianti that I would drink again, but then again I would drink all Chiantis again.  

Food:  n/a

Tasting- Lavarini Valpolicella

Name:  Lavarini Valpolicella

Variety:  65% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 10% Molinara

Region:  Verona

Country:  Italy

Year:  2010

Price:  $6.95

VC Review:  The red ruby color and the dry taste give this wine joviality and cordiality. It is fresh and fruity, with lovely strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, with nice spice and a silky texture.

My notes:  The nose offers aromas of berry and sweet currants, but the taste is mostly spice.  It is not too acidic and is nicely balanced.  I would drink this blend again.  

Food:  n/a

Tasting- Dom de Mirail

Name:  Domaine de Mirail
Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Rose
Region:  Cotes de Gascogne
Country:  France
Year:  2011
Price:  $5.95
VC review:  There is a fresh, crisp character to this light rosé. It is eye-watering in its refreshing character, with balancing acidity, smoothing out the edges with a touch of caramel.
My notes:  The wine has a coral color and a sugary and peachy bouquet.  I was unable to detect much taste or body in this wine.  It was not sweet like most roses that I have tasted, but not dry either.  I was not going bananas over this one.
Food:  n/a

Tasting- Norton

Name:  Norton

Variety:  Torrontes

Region:  Mendoza

Country:  Argentina

Year:  2011

Price:  $5.95

VC review:  Greenish yellow with hints of gold, this Torrontés has intense aromas of white peach, rose petal, and jasmine. Norton Torrontés 2011 is pleasant and well balanced on the palate. 

My notes:  This Torrontes is a beautiful white gold color.  It has a highly floral nose, but the taste is not as sweet.  It is dry and slightly acidic.  It is a nice white wine that I would definitely drink again.  

Food:  n/a

Tasting- Dibon

Name:  Dibon

Variety:  Cava 

Region:  Catalonia

Country:  Spain

Year:  NV

Price:  $9.95

VC Review:  Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo, The nose offers regal yeast and richness, while the palate has complexity to prop up apple, citrus and grapefruit flavors. Solid from front to back, with health and freshness.

My notes:  The wine is sparkling and has a white color.  I have never had Cava before, but I definitely enjoyed Spain's answer to champagne.  It was dry but light with hints of apple.  I will definitely look out for more Cavas. 

Food: n/a