Tasting- Encostas do Lima Vinho Verde

Name: Encostas do Lima Vinho Verde 
Variety: Vinho Verde 
Region: Minho 
Country: Portugal 
Year: 2010 
Price: $4.95 
Vintage Cellar Review: Pale golden silver color. Bright floral aromas of peaches, raspberry and honeysuckle with a soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a crisp, tart citrus and talc accented finish. A delightful sipper that is sure to please. 
My Review: This wine was crisp, smooth and fruity. It was an easy drinking wine. I liked it. 
Food: Not tasted with food
 

Tasting- Maipe Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Maipe Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95
Vintage Cellar Review: Yellow color with green hints. Expressive wine, fresh, very aromatic. This Sauvignon Blanc displays grapefruit flavors, with  hints of melon and honey. It finishes with bracing acidity and fresh mouth feels that make it a terrific aperitif and an excellent accompaniment to virtually all seafood, especially shellfish. 
My Review: This wine was dry and acidic, but it lacked dimension. I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Coreto Tinto

Name: Coreto Tinto
Variety: Blended (Caladoc, Alicante Bouschet, Castelao, Pinot Noir, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional)
Region: Estremadura 
Country: Portugal
Year: 2010
Price: $6.95
Vintage Cellar Review: Despite its light touch, this is fruity and full, with its blackberry fruit dominating the warm spice note and acidity. Soft tannins keep the wine together.
My Review: This wine tasted woody and bitter. The spices overwhelmed the fruity taste. I did not like it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Montes Alpha Syrah

Name: Montes Alpha Syrah
Variety: Syrah or Shiraz (90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Viognier)
Region: Apalata
Country: Chile
Year: 2009
Price: $7.95
Vintage Cellar Review: Blackberry and cola aromas are cool and collected. The palate has weight and texture to accompany berry, mint, herb and peppery flavors. Turns more herbal and roasted as it unwinds. Pepper and spice lead the finish.
My Review: This wine was spicy and tart. It reminded me of shiraz, which I later learned is the same thing as syrah. I did not like it.
Food: Not tasted with food

Tasting- Opera Prima Sweet Red

Name: Opera Prima Sweet Red
Variety: Blended (50% Tempranillo, 50% Cabernet
Sauvignon)
Region: Castile-La Mancha
Country: Spain
Year: 2010
Price: $4.95
Vintage Cellar Review: Doesn’t try to hide its warm-climate terroir, with a soft texture framing jammy-sweet black raspberry, cherry, red currant, root beer and sweet tea. Drink now.
My Review: This wine was sweet and a little tangy. I tasted raspberries. It was an easy drinking wine. I liked it.
Food: Not tasted with food

What do I know about wine?

I first tried wine in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa during my semester abroad. I preferred the white wines over the red wines. The white wines just tasted better. Since I was studying in the Cape Winelands of South Africa, I had the opportunity to sample a variety of wines produced locally. I went wine tasting in Stellenbosch, Lyndoch, and Franschhoek. My favorites were sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.  

Since I've been back in the US, I drink wine on occasion. This probably amounts to once or twice a month. When I am shopping for wine, I always look at the South African wine first. I know I prefer light, crisp  smooth and fruity wines. I typically enjoy my wine with cheese and crackers. 

I hope to learn what makes a wine good or not so good.  I want to expand my palate and try new wines. I already know I like white wines, but I would like to try some more red ones. I would like to gain a better understanding of what foods pair well with what wines. Overall, I hope to learn enough from this course to wow my friends and family my wine connoisseur status.