Tasting - Candoni Moscato

Name: Candoni Moscato d'Italia
Variety: 100% Moscato
Region: Apulia
Country: Italy
Year: N/A
Price: $14.95

Winery Review: Low in alcohol, semi-sparkling, but remarkably fruity and fragrant, it has an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Excellent with pastries, cakes, desserts, fruit, sushi, sashimi, and spicy dishes.

My Review: I agree with the winery review in that this is a excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. If I had to picked which dominated I would say the acidity, but only by a hair. One flavor that came through for me was apple. I enjoy the bit of fizz in this Moscato and I would purchase this for a nice desert wine.

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - L De Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: L De Lyeth Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: A little aggressive in an edgy texture, but for the price, this Cab offers plenty of richness and is a solid value. It's sweet and jammy in cherries, blueberries, and cocoa.

My Review: This wine smells a lot sweeter and fruitier than I am used to for a Cabernet Sauvignon, but once I tasted it I found that strong finish that I look forward to. There is a lot of blueberry jam flavor, as stated in the winery review. Of the ten wines I tasted that day, this was the one I chose to buy.

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Crios Malbec

 

Name: Crios Malbec

Variety: 95% Malbec, 5% Bonarda

Region: Mendoza

Country: Argentina

Year: 2010

Price: $14.95

Winery Review: 5% Bonarda in its blend. It spent 9 months in 50% new French and American oak. Notes of balsam wood, smoke, black cherry, and spice box lead to a similarly styled wine that comes off as just a bit too lean. Again, the flavors are pleasant, but it should be drunk over the next several years while it retains its fruit.

My Review: This is a deep, dark spicy red, my favorite kind! The oak flavor is present along with tobacco, black cherry, and a hint of spice (maybe black pepper?). I would probably have a case of sandpaper tongue after having a glass of this Malbec, and that's the way I like it!

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Four Bears Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Four Bears Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Sonoma County, California
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Price: $12.95

Winery Review: Rich and complex with aromas of ruby grapefruit, citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate, the combined flavors of fresh melon, fig and lime are balanced perfectly to form a crisp, mouthwatering texture and lingering finish.

My Review: Very tropical and citrus. I tasted flavors of mango, pineapple and lemon. This wine was refreshing and sweet. Something I'd love to enjoy outside on a summer day.

I did not try this with food.

Tasting - Neirano Barbera d'Asti

Name: Neirano Barbera d'Asti Denominazione di Origine Controllata
Variety: 100% Barbera
Region: Piedmont Region
Country: Italy
Year: 2005
Price: $8

Label Description: Deep ruby red with a purple tint when aged. Slightly tannic, dry, full-bodied, is excellent with good red meat.

My Review: Spicy aromas suggest the wine is drier than it actually tastes. It has a smooth finish, mild tannins with a hint of berries. Not much depth to this wine, but still enjoyable and easy to drink. I think this would pair well with red sauce: pizza or spaghetti.

I did not try this wine with any food.