About WiNEZ

WiNEZ was a monthly event at EZ Street Saloon in South Range, WI. Unfortunately, due to lower turn out the owners had decided to stop hosting the event. The last wine night at EZ was held on November 12, 2014. But that is not to say the die hards won't be getting together for some wine tasting periodically at EZ Street Saloon. I will continue to blog the wines we have tasted pre starting this blog, along with our impromptu meetings, and maybe transform the blog into something more personal. We will see where it goes. I do know the blog will still be about wine!

So for my WiNEZ pals you can count on this blog to serve as an archive of what was consumed and a reference for your spending sprees. For those who are just curious about what the Northwest Wisconsinites are drinking here are some thoughts… but be warned I am by no means a wine expert-I only know what I like. Since I am not an expert I will try to include the winemakers label descriptions as well.

Salute! or as the Finnish would say Kippis!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Da Vinci Pinot Grigio

Italian winemakers harvest the Pinot Grigio grapes early as they tend to lose acidity as they hang. Pinot Grigio grapes are a mutation of the Pinot Noir.  The grapes are lightly pressed to release as little tannins as possible to produce the light flavored dry white wine.  Pinot Grigios should be consumed young. 
Da Vinci vineyards Pinot Grigio is grown primarily in the high altitude region of Delle Venezie, Italy. Da Vinci winemakers blend approximately 10% Chardonnay surmaturo grapes to intensify the tropical fruit flavors.  These grapes are left on the vine after the initial harvest to increase concentration and complexity.
I should preface this review with the disclaimer that I am not a big Pinot Grigio fan. Given that fact I reached out to my partners in wine ventures for a less bias opinion. Needless to say they had the same impressions I did about this particular Pinot Grigio, its less than average despite the less than average artist it is named after.  The concentrated tropical fruit flavors that the chardonnay grapes were to add were severely missing.  There was little to no complexity and I think the grapes lost all acidity. Maybe this wine would be good for cooking.....maybe.

Varietal:  Pinot Grigio
Producer/Importer:   Da Vinci         
Region:  Delle Venizie Italy
Vintage: 2009
Price:  $8.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): light yellow straw
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): musty, a little like grandma’s attic
Taste (acidity, balance, body): flat, no signs of fruit.  Slightly metallic.
Bottle presentation: clear bottle, corked, label is off white with the Da Vinci drawing head of Leda.
Winemakers note:DaVinci Pinot Grigio has a brilliant light straw color and a full, ripe palate. It is an extremely well balanced wine with a bouquet of floral aromas coupled with ripe flavors of fresh apple, citrus and tropical fruit flavors. This crisp, clean Pinot Grigio finishes with notes of minerals and a vibrant acidity.”
Overall rating (1-10):  4
Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Rex Goliath Zinfandel the World's Largest Rooster

You cannot deny that wines are often bought because of their label. What grabs your attention more than a giant rooster? Why would a wine honor a giant rooster?  "At the turn of the twentieth century HRM (His Royal Majesty) Rex Goliath was the treasured attraction of a Texas Circus. People came from far and wide to behold the 47 lb. bird, billed as 'The World's Largest Rooster.' Our label replicates the one of a kind, vintage artwork from the circus banner that hung above Rex's roost and we proudly honor HRM with our premium varietal wines." I think the winemakers attitude expressed on the label translates to the wine itself.  At the least for the bold jammy aromas that make your mouth just water.  The flavor was a little less bold with little lingering, but still enjoyable especially at its price.

Varietal:  Zinfandel
Producer/Importer:  Rex Goliath      
Region: California
Vintage:
Price: $5.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): Garnet clear
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): fruity, berry jam
Taste (acidity, balance, body): a little bit of spice, raspberry jam, light for a zinfandel, flavor doesn’t linger.
Bottle presentation: Dark bottle boasts a giant rooster.
Winemakers Notes:This wine screams Zinfandel! Rex Goliath Winery sourced fruit from throughout the state of California to make this wine. This is important because each viticultural area brings something unique to the blend. The old-vine fruit from Lodi provides an abundance of ripe blackberry and cherry flavors. The Central Coast provides earthy, spice, coffee/mocha notes. The dry farmed fruit from the Sierra Foothills provides the depth and complexity which really rounds out the flavor profile.”
Comparisons: Lighter than most Zinfandels
Overall rating (1-10): 8
Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Sommerau Castle Riesling

Sommerau, meaning summer meadow, seems an appropriate name for this wine.  Sommerau Castle Riesling is sweet and light, something that would be perfect for a picnic in the park (or meadow). It is also quite enjoyable even in November as a desert wine or aperitif.  It is one of the favorites of the night regardless of whether you prefer sweet or not so sweet wines.

PS According to Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the 2010 German Riesling harvest was limited.  If you like this year wine you better stock up quickly before it is all gone. On a side note 2009 was a good year for German Rieslings.

Varietal:  Riesling
Producer/Importer:  Sommerau Castle       
Region: Mosel Germany
Vintage: 2010
Price:  $9.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): very light golden yellow
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Carmel
Taste (acidity, balance, body): sweet Riesling, Carmel apples. Hint of citrus.
Bottle presentation: blue bottle with silver/white label
Label description: Sommerau meaning summer meadow. Has light fruity flowery aroma
Comparisons: Sweet Riesling
Overall rating (1-10): 9
Date consumed: November 9, 2011
Comments:

Bricco Riella Moscato D’Asti and Bartenura Molvasia: perfect for a toast

Wine night 2011 was kicked off in a very special way.  We started the afternoon with about 46 dozen roses, a few bundles of day lilies and calla lilies, and ended the evening on the sweet notes of Moscato (and other varietals as well).  What do roses have to do with wine night in the country? Nothing other than making flower arrangements for one of the EZ Street Saloon owner’s son’s wedding. The wedding was gorgeous by the way. 

We toast the new couple with glasses of Bricco Riella Moscato D’Asti and Bartenura Molvasia.  Both are delightful for celebrating. 

Varietal:  Malvasia
Producer/Importer:  Bartenura        
Region: Southeast Italy, Salento region
Vintage: 2010
Price: $12.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): Rose'
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): sugary and fruity
Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sweet, fizzy, ripe raspberries and cherries
Bottle presentation: simple colorless bottle
Label description: “Bartenura Malvasia is produced with carefully selected grapes grown in the Salento region in southeast Italy. Rich flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and hints of ripe cherry are prominent in this slightly effervescent wine. Bartenura Malvasia is wonderful as an aperitif, with cheeses, and light entrees. Best Served Chilled.”
Comparisons: Similar to a Moscato but with a raspberry twist
Overall rating (1-10): 9
Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Varietal: Moscato D’Asti     
Producer/Importer:  Bricco Riella
Region: Piedmont Italy
Vintage: 2010
Price: $8.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): very light straw
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): sugary
Taste (acidity, balance, body):Very sweet and fizzy, pretty typical Moscato
Bottle presentation: Green bottle
Label description:” Moscato d' Asti d.o.c.g. is moderately sweet and bears the musky scent that is typical of its grape of origin. It is delicate and intense at the same time. It has a straw-yellow colour, a fragrant bouquet and a delicately sweet-scented taste. The alcoholic content is low.”
Overall rating (1-10): 9
Date consumed: November 9, 2011