Changing Blogs

Eventhough I haven't posted in almost a year, I have been enjoying wine and still do my weekly wine tastings.  I just haven't had anything exceptional that I felt I should post.  I'm not sure where this blog will go, but I just wanted to post that I've started a new blog at TFM Wine Lady (click to be routed there).  There I will post about the food and wine that I am tasting out at The Fresh Market.  Keep checking back here, but also check out my new site.

Thanks!

La Cana Albarino, 2011

Here I sit relaxing and enjoying a nice glass of La Cana 2011 Albarino ($13) from the Rias Baixas region in Spain. This is fermented 80% in stainless steel and 20% in French oak.  Light and crisp the aroma is pineapple and herbaceous with a touch of  smokiness. The flavor is a hint of minerality with a long finish of lemon tartness that grabs the back sides of my tongue.  Light acidity.  Very enjoyable.

Winemaker's Notes:  Pineapple, lemon, seashell and salt scents carry through on the pure, silky palate. Finishes very long with brilliant acidity, rich citrus fruit flavors, fine minerals and just the slightest touch of almond. Absolutely delicious.

Salvatore Principe Mi Amore Sparkling Moscato

For those of you who enjoy sweet wines, here's another one to consider ... two days in a row.  Saturday the distributor tasting with me had Salvatore Principe Mi Amore Sparkling Moscato ($11) from Italy.  It is 100% Moscato.   If you enjoy a sweet Moscato and bubbles then this wine is for you.  A very fruity aroma and flavor.  The winemaker's notes are are spot on.  Perfect for the hot summer weather. This sold very well.

Winemaker's Notes:  Salvatore Princicpe "Mi Amore" Sparkling Moscato is sweet and delicious with juicy flavors and aromas of fresh apricots, peaches, and honeysuckle.  Pairs well with salads, fresh fruit, spicy Latin or Asian dishes or mixed with orange juice for a mimosa. 

Salvatore Principe Rosso Dolce

While I was doing my tasting Saturday another distributor was tasting out Salvatore Principe Rosso Dolce ($8) from Italy and 100% Lambrusco.  Since this was a new in the store, and  customers do ask about sweet red wines, I had to taste it. (Okay sure, just another excuse to taste wine.)  The flavor was semi-sweet (not sweet like a Moscato) and cranberry or slightly tart cherry.  This was frizzante. If you're interested in a sweet red wine then I  suggest this.  For $8 its worth a try.  From what I could see it seemed to be selling well.

Winemaker's Notes:  Salvatore Principe Dolce Rosso is a soft red wine that tickles the tongue with flavors of black cherry and plum, finishing with a touch of sweetness.  Serve slightly chilled.  Pairs well with on its own, mild cheeses, pasta dishes or cold cuts.

Firesteed Pinot Noir, 2009

I was in the mood for Pinot Noir the other night and for some reason I had it in my head that it had to be from Oregon.  So I purchased Firesteed Pinot Noir.

Firesteed 2009 Pinot Noir is from Oregon.  This is fermented in stainless steel tanks and under goes malolactic fermentation with some oak aging.  It had a delectable aroma of cedar and cocoa.  On my palate the flavors were light berry with smoke and leather.  Quite enjoyable while I was relaxing and cooking dinner.


Winemaker's Notes:  Garnet in color with aromas of raspberries, cedar, leather and exotic spices, the wine's berry and cherry flavors are framed by soft tannins and continue throughout its on the lingering finish.  Grapes for this wine, as in previous years, were sourced from throughout the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla Valleys, creating a truly Oregon blend.

Lagosta Vinho Verde

If you're looking for an enjoyable, refreshing wine for sipping on the back deck, or pairing with a light meal, then you have to try Lagosta Vinho Verde ($8) from Portgual.   Made from 20% Arinto, 30% Trajadura, 30% Loureiro, and 20% Azal (varietals traditionally used in Vinho Verde and indigenous to Portugal) this Vinho Verde has the most flavor of any Vinho Verde I've ever tasted.  Light body and frizzante, the flavor is mild green apple and (what I though was) a hint of citrus on my palate.  This is the perfect summer wine.  Enjoy!

Winemaker's Notes:  Lagosta Vinho Verde has the highest level of CO2 permitted for a Vinho Verde, maintains the natural flavors and aromas of green apples, pears and flowers, as well as preserving its natural acidity.  Pairs well with pasta, salads, fish or on its own.

Predator Old Vine Zinfandel, 2011

Last weekend I tasted out Predator 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel ($14)  from Lodi, California.   I enjoy old vine Zinfandels especially when they are from Lodi, Amador, or Paso Robles.  

Predator 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel has an inviting berry aroma.  On my palate it was  smoke with a hint of chocolate.  After it had a chance to breath the flavor developed where it changed to black pepper.  The tannins also became slightly more noticeable.  Nicely balanced.  Customers enjoyed this wine and it sold very well.  Perfect for grilling and a great steak.  

Winemaker's Notes:  (Not available)