Women for Wine Sense Tasting

Monday night was the monthly tasting for Women for Wine Sense and we celebrated the organizations 21st birthday.  The event was held at Sensi in Richmond, VA.  It was a wonderful night of nice wines and delicious food.  Everyone attending the event had rave reviews for both the food and wine.

Before I get into the wine I have to mention the restaurant we ate at - Sensi.  If  you have not been and are looking for a special night out I highly recommend it.  The food was fabulous and the service was great.


The first wine served was Maschio Prosecco from Italy.  An enjoyable, crisp wine with mineral flavor and frizzante.  This paired perfectly with the four hors d’oeuvres that were served: Fois Gras and Peppercorn Mousse Crostini, Smoked Salmon Gauffrettes, Mini Crab Cakes, and Tomato Bruschetta.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Sparkling wine that is light straw yellow in color with a lively froth; a bouquet of white beach and orange blossoms; and fruit forward with peach and almond flavors.


Planeta La Segreta Bianco 2009 is from Sicily, Italy and a blend of Grecanico*, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Fiano**.  This is a light, dry wine with a slight hint of lemon, is smooth and not acidic.  A  neutral wine that pairs very nicely with food.  

This was served with Pan Seared Scallops on Lemon Basil Risotto and Tomato Battuta.  Another perfect pairing.  

Winemaker's Notes:  (not available) 

Fillaboa Albarino 2009  from Spain is a dry white wine with mineral characteristics and slight touch of lemon.  I did not get any of the fruit flavors in the Winemaker's notes.  Fillaboa Albarino is versatile to pair with food.  

The pairing at dinner for this was a Striped Bass with Beurre Noisette and Capers.  Fantastic!  

Winemaker's Notes: Aromas of lime zest, melon and lemon thyme. Nervy and taut on entry, then creamier in the middle, with juicy flavors of ripe melon, fresh pineapple and spicy herbs…fresh albariño with good fruity persistence.”   


Last, from the vineyard Rocca Delle Macie was Sasyr Sangiovese Syrah 2008 from Italy; a blend of Sangiovese and Syrah.  This was a wonderful wine with great dark fruit aromas and a luscious ruby red color.  The flavor was cherry and berry and a nice smooth spice finish.

Rosemary Roasted Leg of Lamb (which was cooked to perfection), Roasted Garlic Sauce, Sauteed Shallots and Saffron Potatoes was the food paired with this wine.  Although the wine was fantastic, the pairing received mixed reviews.  Some thought the wine was too fruity for the meal, there were those that thought the wine over powered the meal, and others thought the pairing was perfect.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Brilliant ruby red.  Intense red fruit aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and raspberry; succulent, supple well-structured palate with a silky smooth finish.   


*Grecanico - grape indigenous to Italy grown in regions of north east Italy.   

**Fiano - grape indigenous to Italy in regions east of Naples.