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!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Valentine treats: Spumante and Chocolate Shoppe


What better for Valentines Day than Champagne and chocolate, Mori Spumante and Chocolate Shoppe wine. Mori Spumante is a sweet bubbly that reminds me much of the Juicy Fruit gum I chewed as a kid. 

Chocolate Shoppe is a chocolate infused red wine.  Unlike Truffle Merlot, which we have tasted in the past, this is a red blend and a little sweeter.  It has bold flavors of chocolate syrup and cherries.  Reminds me a little of a cherry tootsie pop.  Both wines are certain to sweeten your Valentine.

Varietal:  Spumante
Producer/Importer:  Mori    
Region: Italy
Price: $8.99
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): nearly colorless
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Juicy fruit gum and strawberries
Taste (acidity, balance, body): Juicy fruit gum
Bottle presentation: blue bottle
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 8.5
Date consumed: April 11, 2012
Comments: Malt beverage
 
Varietal:  Chocolate infused red blend
Producer/Importer:  Chocolate Shoppe      
Price:
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity):
 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Chocolate syrup
Taste (acidity, balance, body): Dark chocolate and sour cherries, like a cherry tootsie pop
Bottle presentation:  Elegant bottle with black label and gold writing
Winemaker’s notes: Inviting aromas of black cherry and dark chocolate entwine and continue on the palate surrounded by hints of cocoa powder. Nuances of red wine and residual sugar linger on the smooth finish.
Sweetening the tongues for centuries, chocolate and red wine has been the most reliable pairing in history. Chocolate Shop takes this pairing to the next level, marrying chocolate flavor with red wine to create a sumptuous drink. We start with a proprietary red blend of the finest vinifera varietals, add a touch of oak and a kiss of sweetness to create the perfect fruit-driven foil for the rich dark chocolate which unfolds in silken layers across the palate.
Comparisons: Similar to Truffle Merlot, although sweeter.
Overall rating (1-10): 8.5
Date consumed: April 11, 2012

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Lost Angel Moscato 2010


Lost Angel Moscato from Foley Family Wines seems to be a little lost on what the typical Moscato is all about, but this is not necessarily a bad thing.  Lost Angel offers a heartier Moscato with a little more complexity than what we are use to.  This wine starts out as the sweet desert wine we expect, but with a few citrus (we say lemon, the label says orange) peel twists along the way. We certainly enjoyed this wine selection, but rated it slightly lower because of its diversion from the norm.

Varietal:  Moscato    
Producer/Importer:  Lost Angel     
Region:  California
Vintage: 2010
Price:  $8.00
Tasting notes:
 Sight (Color/Clarity): light orange-yellow, golden rod
 Smell (bouquet, aroma):
Taste (acidity, balance, body): sweet, lemon and honey, malt
Bottle presentation:
Label description: At first you might think our Moscato is a total sweetie, but it has enough acidity to keep you on your toes. Full of floral aromas and flavors of orange peel, violets and honey. – Winery
Comparisons:
Overall rating (1-10): 7
Date consumed: April 11, 2012
Comments: 13.5% abv. 76% Muscat, 14% Viognier, 10% Pinot Grigio.  Steel tank fermented.