Tasting Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Name: Cortenova Pinot Grigio

Variety: Pinot Grigio

Region: Veneto

Country: Italy

Price: $6.95

Year: 2013

Shop Review: Brilliant straw color with emerald reflections. Fresh and floral bouquet with a hint of pears, apricots and bananas. Fresh and inviting with bright fruit and an easy drinking style with a pleasing hint of almonds in the aftertaste.

My Review: The first thing that caught my eye about this wine was it's green-ish tint, which I haven't seen in to many other white wines. On the nose, it smelt very crisp and fresh but I still got more of rose, or dried flower smell. It did have a bit of a dried apricot smell as well. The taste was more fruit like, which was pleasant because I was worried it would taste like dried flowers as well. To me it tasted a bit like dried bananas and I did pick up a bit on the almond as well.

I did not try this wine with food but would like to pair it with a light dish, like fish or chicken!

Tasting Rubus Rosado Prieto Prudo

Name: Rubus Rosado Prieto Picudo

Variety: Rosado Prieto Picudo

Region: Tierra de Leon

Country: Spain

Price: $14, $4 on sale

Year: 2013

Shop Review: Bright clean strawberry rose color.　In the nose it is intense and fresh, with strawberry aromas and slight citric hints. In the mouth it is fresh, strong and tasty, emphasizing a delightful tingle due to its carbonic residuals. The name Prieto Picudo means "tight & pointy" (more or less). This is due to the tightly formed bunches and the slightly oval/pointy shape of the grapes. The bunch shape is reminiscent of Tempranillo; the berries are thick skinned, and dark blue-black in color. Prieto Picudo is well adapted to the difficult growing conditions in Castilla y León province - not a lot of rain, very cold winters and scorching hot summers. The vines tend to relatively low yields, with lots of color, concentration and good acidity. Also, it's the same grape as Alfrocheiro Preto in Portugal. Alfrocheiro is an important variety in Dão region of Portugal.

My Review: For a Spanish wine, I was very surprised by how light it was but I guess it was because it's a pink wine. I could smell lime at first but was instantly hit with how it burned my nose. After the overwhelming acidic smell, I could kind of smell a raspberry or strawberry undertone. In taste, I assumed it was sweet but was hit by acidity instead. It reminded me a bit of many other Spanish wines I have tried before. It was very hot but also had a tart strawberry margarita taste, just one that was made a bit too strong. I liked it, and for the price value, I would definitely drink it again!


I paired this with some spicy foods, including rice and spicy hummus and chips! I would also love to pair it with pizza sometimes, like the bottle suggests!

Tasting Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Name: Crane Lake Petite Sirah

Variety: Sirah

Region: California

Country: USA

Price: $5.95

Year: 2013

Shop Review: Shows a certain rustic simplicity now, with youthfully jammy flavors of blackberries, cherries and currants, sprinkled with cocoa and pepper and wrapped into dusty tannins.

My Review: I could smell the fruity, blackberry or raspberry like jam. This wine was drier than I expected and almost had an earthy complex. I could taste a few hints of pepper but the wine was pretty tannic and it overwhelmed my senses. I am not sure if I would drink this again but it might be better with food!

I did not pair this with food but would like it try it with some cheese and cured meat.

Tasting Yellowtail Reserve Merlot

Name: Yellowtail Reserve Merlot

Variety: Merlot

Region: South Eastern

Country: Australia

Price: $12

Year: 2010

Shop Review: Round, velvety and mouthfilling, this is a satisfying Merlot at a bargain price. Aromas of black cherries and herbs fold in hints of cinnamon and mocha, while the flavors are generally fruity, but with a slightly tomatoey note. Soft on the finish. Drink now.

My Review: I immediately noticed the presence of some types of spices in this, including a smell of spicy cinnamon. I also did notice the black cherry scent. I thought this tasted just like espresso coffee, which was something I didn't expect but actually enjoyed. I could also taste some spicyness similar to a pepper but I couldn't pinpoint which one. I enjoyed this Merlot and would definitely drink it again.

I did not pair this with food but would like to try it with a steak or some type of meat!

Tasting Takutai Pinot Gris

Name: Takutai Pinot Gris

Variety: Pinot Gris

Region: Nelson

Country: New Zealand

Price: $21

Year: 2009

Shop Review: Since the wine weighs in at %14, the fruit was clearly very ripe. That ripeness is reflected in the flavors as well, which feature nectarine and honey accented by hints of white pepper. It's full bodied and lush, with a long finish that mingles the sensations of sweet spicy.

My Review: It smelled like honey but also a bit like pineapple or pear. When I tasted it, I was disappointed about the taste. Since it is higher in concentration of alcohol, it tasted a bit like gasoline and was spicy. I would not drink this wine again.

I did not pair this with food and probably won't try doing so anyways.

Tasting Mars and Venus Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Mars and Venus Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Region: La Mancha

Country: Spain

Price: $10

Year: 2013

Shop Review: Citrus and gooseberry aromas are mild but typical of the variety. A basic citrus palate delivers modest tangerine and nectarine flavors which lead to a mild, pithy finish showing light citric notes.

My Review: I didn't really feel the initial nectarine smell. To me, from initial smell, it smelled a bit like pee or apple juice gone bad. The taste was surprising though, with a dry kick of an almost ripe pear. It also had a bit of an apply taste. I don't think I would drink this wine again.

I did not pair this with food but next time I might try to because I think this wine would definitely taste better with food.

Tasting Michelle Brut Rose

Name: Michelle Brut Rose

Variety: 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Pinot Meuiner. Sparkling wine.

Region: Colombia Valley, Washington

Country: USA

Price: $15.95

Year: 2013

Shop Review: "A blend of 93% Pinot Noir, 7% Pinot Meuiner the Michelle Brut Rose is a beautifully blush sparkling wine, with essences of berries in the nose and on the palate. The initial impression is dry with a soft and fruity aftertaste. Great with fresh berries & melons, Asian- inspired cuisine.

My Review: From my first smell, it seemed very fruity with hints of ripe apricot, peaches, and strawberries. It was a bit drier than I expected after the initial smell. It tasted just like peaches to me and I definitely had an after taste of some really ripe strawberries and blueberries. I really enjoyed the dry vs. sweet contrast and would definitely drink this again!

I did not pair this with food but would like to try it with some spicy food, as the makers suggest.