Tasting - Bodegas Monte Aman Rosado, Arlanza

Name: Monte Aman
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Arlanza
Country: Spain
Year: -
Price: ?

Winery review: It has a cherry red color, live, fresh, clean. Very fruity, berries (strawberries, cherries), elegant and surprising. The palate is well balanced and fresh wine in step, with good acidity and is pleasant and enjoyable. It should be served cold, with all types of starters, fish and light meats.

My review: This tasting was replaced by the Oracle Pinotage from South Africa since they ran out at the vintage cellar. I thought it had a similar texture to a rose. It had pleasant aromas of berries and was not overly acidic. It was served at room temperature, however I can see more of the fruity aromas brought out if slightly chilled. Overall, it was fresh and an easy wine to drink.

Tasting - Alvarez de Toledo Godello

Name: Alvarez de Toledo
Variety: Godello
Region: -
Country: Italy
Year: -
Price: $7.95

Winery review: Clean pale yellow color. Nose fruity, persistent and elegant aromas. Good backbone on the palate.

My review: This Godello was not what I expected. It was very acidic and had an aroma of an old suitcase that was left in a basement for a decade. Not to mention, there was an aftertaste left on my palate that tasted like chemicals. In a way it reminded me of the smell of a little league baseball snack bar. Gross. Now I understand why their very own winery review is so short. There's not much to say about it.

Tasting - Villa Jolanda Pinot Gris, Chardonnay

Name: Villa Jolanda 
Variety: Pinot Gris
Region: -
Country: Italy
Year: -
Price: $8.95

Winery 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: I thought this was an okay pinot gris. It was very bitter and had an overly acidic aftertaste. Could possibly have been since it was my first tasting of the day. However, I thought it was still mediocre after the second sip. It was bland and lacked the exciting aromas a good wine should have. Overall, this was an average pinot gris.

Tasting - Monte Degli Angeli Sangiovese

Name: Monte Degli Angeli 
Variety: Sangiovese
Region: Puglia
Country: Italy
Year: -
Price: $7.95

Winery review: The aromas are rich and dark, with lots of black cherry and a hint of balsamic. In the mouth the wine is round and energetic, with cherry and black raspberry fruit complemented by hints of damp earth. If you like Sangiovese-based wines like Chianti or our best-selling Colsanto from Umbria, you'll love this! The wine is ripe, fresh, and fruit-driven with a wonderful dash of earthy complexity at the end. Buy it by the case and drink with pizza, grilled poultry, and pasta.

My review: This was a very nice sangiovese. It was dry and smooth to the palate. The aromas were luxurious, mainly of dark berries. I also appreciated the radiating aromas of raspberry and other scents I could hardly explain; earthy I should say. Overall, this is a silky, rich and dark wine that will pair great with a hearty meal.

Tasting - Bolla 1.5L Moscato

Name: Bolla 1.5L
Variety: Moscato
Region: Pavia
Country: Italy
Year: -
Price: $9.95

Winery review: Loaded with juicy exotic fruit, mature apricot, yellow peach and tangerine flavors, this sweet and delightful wine is perfect for Sunday brunch or picnics.

My review: This Bolla was ballaaa! It was fruity and not overly sweet like other moscato's. Mainly due to the higher alcohol content. Who wouldn't like a moscato with higher alcohol %? Anyways, the fizz was nicely delicate, not like a champagne where it evaporates once it hits your tongue. Overall, Bolla was very crisp and refreshing. I must buy this in the future.