Rex Goliath's Pinot Grigio

You may remember this labels giant rooster from our November tastings (Rex Goliath Zinfandel the world’s largest rooster)- who could forget the boldness! Rex Goliath again makes an above average wine for the price with their Pinot Grigio.  This wine has a strange coloring, it is almost a hint of sage green to it. The aroma reminds you of walking through a fruit orchard. On the palate it is tart but light with some spicy citrus and pears.  The finish is a little on the dry and acidic side.

Varietal:  Pinot Grigio

Producer/Importer: Rex Goliath

Region: California

Vintage:

Price: $5.99
Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): almost colorless with hint of sage green.

Smell (bouquet, aroma): Fruit orchard

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Tart, light in flavor, spicy citrus and pears, and a little dry and acidic on the finish

Bottle presentation: Remember the World’s Largest Rooster!

Winemakers notes: “Bright, juicy and floral … say howdy to our California version of this Italian classic. HRM Rex Goliath Pinot Grigio is footloose and fancy-free—perfectly suited for a sun-drenched summer afternoon. Pair with fish tacos or linguini with fresh tomato, basil and garlic."

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 7

Date consumed: December 14, 2011

Comments: 12.5 % abv, Total Acidity: 6 g/L, pH: 3.17, Residual Sugar: 8.4 g/L

Snoqualmie Winemaker's Select: The Snowsquall of Rieslings

The vineyards name reminds me of something us Northern Wisconsinites usually hear a lot about this time of year- SNOWSQUALLS! For those who haven’t experienced the sudden moderately heavy snowfall and the gusting winds of a snowsquall you might not appreciate my likening of the Snoqualmie Reisling to a snowsquall, but you will appreciate this wine.  Snoqualmie Riesling is full flavored smacking you on the palate as suddenly as a Northern Wisconsin snowsquall appears.  Yet somehow the Snoqualmie Riesling smoothly and sweetly lulls you into some peaceful bliss like the serene blanket of white snow left after the snowsquall passes. I think this might be my favorite Reisling.

According the winemakers website Snoqualmie Riesling is a blend consisting of 89% White Riesling, 9% Viognier, 1% Mario Muscat, 1% Black Muscat.  The 2010 vintage was harvested on 10/14/10 after a mild spring and cool summer.  This three weeks delayed harvest is credited for flavorful grapes with higher acidity than what is typical. The full ripeness of the grapes may be what keeps this sweet Riesling balanced without being sugary. The winemaker’s select Riesling is fermented for 14 days at 50°F after being inoculated with Stienberger yeast. 

Snoqualmie was one of Washington’s first premium wineries. Snoqualmie opened its winery in Prosser, WA, at the base of the Horse Heaven Hills, in 2002, but the vineyard has been in production since 1984.  Locals often describe Snoqualmie's Columbia Valley wines as "Naturally Northwest" as they are the leader in sustainable and organic winemaking in Washington. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, where rainfall is only 6-8 inches annually and the sandy soils are well drained and nutrient limited.  This encourages fruit production rather than vine growth. http://www.snoqualmie.com

Varietal:  Riesling

Producer/Importer: Snoqualmie Winemaker’s Select

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Vintage: 2010

Price:

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Golden-light beer color

Smell (bouquet, aroma): pears and dried apricots

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Full flavored, honey sweet and smooth, hint of spiced pears, not sugary.

Bottle presentation: Rooster weathervane on the label. Green bottle, corked.

Label description: Reminiscent of apricot and pear fruit characteristics on the nose give way to a refreshingly crisp and luscious fruit filled palate. These impressions linger on the palate mingled with spice characters"
- Joy Andersen, Winemaker

Comparisons: Fuller flavored than the Wollersheim’s White Riesling, but similar in sweetness.

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: December 14, 2011

Comments:  Acidity: 0.80 g/100mL, pH: 2.95, Alcohol: 10.2%, Residual Sugar: 5.45 g/100mL

Cocoa Vino Cherry Royale

Cocoa Vino boasts of being 100% American made product.  It is a union of California Red Port wine, Sovereign Flavors (California) Chocolate and Wisconsin’s Galloway Dairy cream. Cocao Vino is made in Temperance, Michigan using handcrafted small batching techniques. Cocoa Vino Cherry Royale smells of sinful chocolate cherry cake and tastes like the Queen Ann chocolate covered cherries. This wine is a perfect after dinner dessert drink or share at your next dinner party for a sweet twist on a classic red wine.

Also available in plain chocolate or mint. CocoaVino has a one year shelf life.

Varietal:  Milk chocolate and Port

Producer/Importer: Cocoa Vino by Temperance Distilling Company

Region: Wisconsin to California

Vintage: 2011

Price: $9.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Chocolate milk

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Chocolate cherry cake

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Queen Ann Chocolate Covered Cherries

Bottle presentation:

Label description: A decadent marriage of California red wine, velvety milk chocolate and cream, Cocoa Vino offers consumers a unique sensory experience. Cocoa Vino has artfully blended the finest ingredients available. Made Temperance,Michigan ~~ Temperance Distilling Company uses only hand-crafted, small batching techniques in our bottling process.

Comparisons: Very similar to the Chocolate Vine wine only with a cherry twist.

Overall rating (1-10): 10

Date consumed: December 14, 2011

Comments:

Astoria Lounge Moscato-Malvasia the Pink Bubbly

Astoria Lounge Moscato-Malvasia is a pleasant dessert wine made from a blend of Moscato and Malvasia Nera graped produced in the DOCG region of Italy.  Astoria Vini has 32 acres of vineyards located in the “Tenuta Val de Brun” territory, located in Refrontolo, in the hear fo Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.  The vines benefit from the hilly terrane and mild climate.

The blend of Moscato and Malvasia Nera grapes give this sweet wine a nice complexity of fruit flavors with hints of pear, apples, grapes common for Moscatos and ripe strawberries and raspberries of the Malvasia. Both varietals contribute a nice spiciness to round out this wine.  It is fermented in steel tanks and can be cellared for up to 2 years. Astoria Lounge Mascato-Malvasia can be enjoyed as a toast or simply sitting out on the deck.

Varietal:  Mascato- Malvasia Nera

Producer/Importer: Astoria Lounge

Region: Piedmont, Italy

Vintage:

Price: $7.00

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Salmon pink

Smell (bouquet, aroma): Berries

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sweet, a light bubbly, light on alcohol, Berries and  spice with a hint of tannins.

Bottle presentation:

Label description: Ripe strawberries, berries and roses smell. Open and inviting with light notes of cherries and berries. Soft mousse, persistent and refreshing. Full flavor, subtle and beautiful spicy drily. Good bitters give a good balance with the slightly sweet taste and the fresh zuurtje. Aftertaste of raspberry, blueberry and many little tannin. The wine is low in alcohol and is therefore pleasantly drinkable. Spicy sweet and subtle thirst-quenching. Great for on the terrace!

Comparisons: A little more complex and festive than the typical Moscato d’Asti

Overall rating (1-10): 9

Date consumed: December 14, 2011

Comments: 7% abv

Bosca Verdi Spumante the Malted Beverage

Verdi Spumante meaning “versatile sparkling” in Italian is classy enough to drink with a toast or casual enough to drink on the deck while grilling out. However, it is not a wine.  Verdi Spumante is a flavored malt beverage- it is fermented from grains, unlike wines which are fermented from fruit.  Therefore technically speaking, Verdi is closer to a beverage like Zima, Mike’s hard Lemonade or beer than it is to a wine. Even so it looks like a wine, acts a little like a wine, and it is certainly marketed to compete against wine, so we will compare it like a wine....sort of.

Verdi Spumante has the faint aromas of pear and possibly peaches. It is simple, bubbly, crisp, and refreshing.  It has a slightly musty finish which I contribute to the malt. I felt it lacked structure and depth typical of wine, but then again its not a wine. Despite its simplicity, each of us thought there was different hidden flavor. I personally thought of Lemon lime soda, but others were reminded of lychee, peaches, raspberry, pineapple or pears.

The bottle has a traditional champagne top that does pop when opened, but unlike the tradition champagne bottle, once you open the bottle you can reapply the cap tightly and refrigerate to enjoy later. But really who are we kidding, there won’t be any for later.

I would recommend Verdi Spumante to anyone who finds tradition sparkling wines too dry and complex or anyone who likes the sweeter wines. It is a delicate refreshing sparkling beverage that should appeal to anyone.

Varietal:  Spumante-malted beverage

Producer/Importer: Bosca

Region: Italy

Vintage:

Price: $7.00

Tasting notes: Remember this is not a wine.

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Nearly colorless with just a slight tint of green

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Sugary, slightly musty (must be the malt), maybe a hint of pear

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Delicate and sweet. Lacks structure and depth. I noticed the hint of malt beverage- and a strange 7up like flavor.  Others thought they tasted Lychee, pear, raspberry. pineapple or peach

Bottle presentation: The bottle has a traditional champagne top that is resealable for later enjoyment.

Winemaker notes: “Verdi Spumante is a natural, sparkling beverage imported
from Italy. Deliciously sparkling and zesty, it has a soft and fruity flavor.
Serve chilled to fully enjoy its balanced, clean, delightful taste. Verdi Spumante is a perfect crowd pleaser for every occasion. Its elegant taste appeals to all…and its re-sealable cork closure preserves the sparkle until you’re ready for the next glass.

This malt beverage with natural flavors is the new fun drink alternative and the fastest-growing sparkling Italian Spumante in the U.S.!”

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 7

Date consumed: December 14, 2011

Comments: 5% abv

Black Cats & Sassy Bitches

Black cats and sassy bitches sounds more like it has to do with ill behaved pets than it does with wine, but trust me this is still about wine.  The last two wines for the November tasting to be exact.

BLACK CAT

Zeller Schwarze Katz, or "black cat" wines originate in the village of Zell along the Mosel River Region Germany near the French border.  The wine labels of this Riesling blend often features the legendary arched black cat.   Legend has it a black cat fiercely guarded a barrel of Zeller wine that was cellared alongside many other varietal wine barrels. Locals and wine merchants concluded that the Zeller wine was special and hence naming it for its guardian.

Most people associate Germany with beer, perhaps that it is because it was the Romans not the Germans who are credited for the development of viniculture and wine making in ancient Germany. Regardless, the German wine industry is large and highly successful worldwide .  Zeller Schwarze Katz wines offer value and quality at a reasonable price. The wines are fairly popular in Germany and are also exported to many markets throughout the world.  It should be enjoyed as the Germans do, as an everyday wine with friends, family and food.

Varietal:  Zeller Schwartz Katz, Riesling-blend

Producer/Importer: Josef Friedrich

Region: Mosel Germany

Vintage:

Price: $

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Light golden

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): sweet white grapes

Taste (acidity, balance, body): light in taste, crisp and refreshing

Bottle presentation:

Label description: Arched black cat

Comparisons:

Overall rating (1-10): 8

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Comments:

SASSY BITCH

Sassy  Bitch is a catchy name, but beyond that I was not impressed with this Chardonnay.  Sour grapes is the only way I can describe the feel and taste on my tongue.  Which is far from other reviews I have seen that describe it as an "attractive banana bouquet with traces of tropical fruits. It sits on the palate like a soft bushel of fruit and finishes with a subtle vanilla dollop." Or "nice tropical fruit flavors, a little creamy with baked pineapple flavors".  Like a bad first date maybe I should take the advice of the others and give the blond a second chance.

Sassy Bitch wines come in four varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay.  All of their wines are from Chile and come with a modest price tag.  All four varietals are priced at $9.99.

Varietal:  Chardonnay

Producer/Importer: Sassy Bitch

Region: Central Valley Chile

Vintage: 2010

Price: $9.99

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): light yellow

 Smell (bouquet, aroma):

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Sour grapes

Bottle presentation: Fuchsia and black label screaming SASSY BITCH

Winemakers notes: “Attractive amber color, intensive and brilliant. Pleasant bouquet with some tropical fruits, peach, banana, pineapple an flower notes. The palate has a nice body with a medium acidity, young and fresh.”

Comparisons: Has no buttery oak flavors of a traditional Chardonnay

Overall rating (1-10): 2

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Comments: Almost wonder if this is how the wine really tastes or if we got a bad bottle.

Old Vine Red Lot 56

Owner and winemaker Chris Bilbro initially founded Marietta Cellars in 1978 naming his winery after his aunt Marietta Pardin. Marietta Cellars is located just outside the little town of Geyserville in one of California's premier wine growing regions, Sonoma County. There they continue to hand make their wines.

Old Vine Red is a red wine field blend dominated by Zinfandel with a splash of lesser-known red grapes to give it some added character and depth.  The term field blend comes from the days when vineyards were planted with a variety of grapes of unknown varietal for the purpose of making either a red or white wine not a specific type of wine. Each Old Vine Red is blended from scratch, recipe-less and Non-vintage.  Non-vintage, meaning the blend includes grapes from harvests in different years. Since a field blend is about blending, vintage doesn’t really make much difference.  The advantage of blending varietals and vintages is the potential for more consistent and complex wine. The winemaker relies on his palate and what he think tastes best, showing off a little of his personality at the same time, “walking the fine line between seriousness and fun”. The blends do change with each "lot" and the percentages are something of a secret. Old Vine Red is aged in French and American oak, and should drink well over the next few years.

Marietta wine is allocated on release due to demand and routinely sells out prior to the next relase.  Lot 56 in October 2011.

Varietal:  Zinfandel blend

Producer/Importer:  Marietta Cellars          

Region: California, Primarily Sonoma and Mendocino Counties

Vintage: Lot#56

Price: $9.97

Tasting notes:

 Sight (Color/Clarity): Slightly opaque, ruby red-purple

 Smell (bouquet, aroma): Jammy aroma of the zinfandel

Taste (acidity, balance, body): Moderately complex flavor including a little hint of sweet cherries, bold fruity jam, peppery spice and earthy herbal flavor. It is leggy, indicating high alcohol content. It is medium bodied and well balanced with a lengthy smooth finish.

Bottle presentation:

Winemakers Notes: “Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine that is round, smooth, "Zinfandel-like," and noted for its balance, approachability, and consistency. It is primarily comprised of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane as well as smaller amounts of Cabernet and Syrah. Various Italian varietals round out the blend.”

Comparisons: Fruitier than the Rex Goliath Zinfandel

Overall rating (1-10): 8.5

Date consumed: November 9, 2011

Comments: 13.5% alc vol.