Wine-Cheese Blog

Today, along with my friends from the class, I tried three different wines with three different types of cheeses. We met up in our friend's apartment to do this. The wines I drank today were the Gallo Family Moscato, and White Zinfindel, along with Giles Mountain Tango. The small Gallo family bottles were just a few dollars each, while The Giles Mountain Tango was 15 dollars. The three cheeses these wines were paired with were Marry Dutch Gouda, Widmer Colby, and Black Creek Cheddar(aged nine months). Each cheese block was only couple dollars. As appropriate with the wine tasting methodology, we drank the white wines and made our way to the dark red wine. 

The first wine consumed was The Gallo Family from California, USA. The vintage was not specified on the bottle. The variety of the grape in the wine is Moscato. The wine itself had aromas of  unripened pear and apricot. The wine is light bodied, and high in acidity. The wine had tree fruit flavors, such as apple and pear. The wine also had a lot of residual sugar. After pairing it with Gouda cheese, the wine brought out the flavors of peach. The wine also became more acidic. Pairing it with Colby cheese, the flavors became creamier, and the wine became creamier. Pairing it with Cheddar cheese, the wine becomes more acidic and sour. It also brings out the green tart flavor.

The second wine drank by our group was The Gallo Family Rose from California, USA. The vintage for this wine was also not specified. The variety of grape is White Zinfindel. The wine itself had floral aromas, very similar to rose petals. The wine had very strong flavors of cherry that is put on top of an ice cream. Pairing it with Gouda, the wine becomes more acidic, and has flavors of honey. Pairing it with Colby cheese, the wine becomes creamier and brings out the flavor of plum fruit. Pairing it with Cheddar cheese, the wine becomes overpowering. The flavor is similar to the original wine, just a little fainter.

The third wine drank tonight, which is a red wine, was Giles Mountain Tango from Virginia, USA. The vintage on the bottle is 2015, and the variety is Cabernet Franc. The wine has aromas of spice and dirt. The wine has the flavors of ginger and black pepper. It is almost certain that this wine aws aged in oak barrels. The wine is medium bodied, and has an average amount of tannins. With Gouda cheese, the becomes spicier and brings out a barbecue flavor. With Colby cheese, the wine becomes creamy, but still hangs on to the spiciness. It even taste a little rocky. With the cheddar cheese, the spiciness subsides and the flavors of black berry and dark berries comes out. 

Overall, this was an amazing experience. This was a great way to bond with my friends, and express each individual's opinions. The wine and cheese pairing is an amazing way of bringing out different flavors from the wines. This proves that wine is a beverage to be consumed with food, and it expresses itself even more around cheeses, almost uncovering the hidden flavors that are unreachable if consumed just on its own.

Tasting - Ca' Bea

Name: Ca' Bea
Variety: 45% Uva Rara, 10% Barbera, 25% Croatina
Region: Oltrepo Pavese
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2014
Price: $9.95

Winery Review: This is a rare, sweet red wine with an intense fruity bouquet. It is a wonderful wine with desserts such as dry pastries, cookies and cakes.

My Review: This wine is medium to heavy bodied, and it has beautiful deep violet to purple colors. The wine itself has jammy aromas, and once tasted it is super sweet. It doesn't attack the palate with too much residual sugar. It would taste great with dessert items.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Alvarez de Toledo

Name: Alvarez de Toledo
Variety: Mencia Roble
Region: Bierzo
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2009
Price: $14

Winery Review: The 2009 Alvarez de Toledo was bottled just a week before the wine was presented but seems to be showing no symptoms of distress. Balsamic, leather, and black fruits are the principal notes struck by this suave effort that over-delivers in a big way. Like its older sibling, it can be enjoyed now but will have more to say in 2-3 years.

My Review: This wine is absolutely delicious. It is bitter in comparison with the rest of the wine tasted today. The wine is flavorful with its herbal and earthy ingredients. This wine has medium to strong tannins.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Codirosso

Name: Codirosso
Variety: 90% Sangiovese, 7% Canaiolo, 3% Colorino
Region: Tuscany
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2015
Price: $13

Winery Review: Dusty garnet color. Earthy aromas and flavors of dried sour cherry and sundried tomato, honey roasted mushrooms, chocolate yogurt, and hint of barnyard with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length nuts, cranberry compote, and earth finish with a suggestion of oak. A nice combination of bright fruit and rusticity will bode well for the hunter’s table.

My Review: This wine is medium to light bodied, and has fresh floral aromas of rose petals. There are also aromas of dark berry fruits. The taste itself becomes distinct with its cherry and cinnamon flavor.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - The Royal

Name: The Royal
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Western Cape
Country: South Africa
Vintage: 2015
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine.

My Review: The wine is light bodied, and has aromas of honey suckle. The wine is gentle, and pleasing to the palate. The wine has some slight floral background, matched with some spiciness.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira

Name: Barao de Figueira
Variety: Siria
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Year: 2014
Price: 12

Winery Review: This wine is soft and rounded. It has lemon and light spiciness along with cool acidity. It is an easy wine that is ripe with apple and fresh lemon juice. Good with seafood, grilled fresh fish, white meats and as an aperitif.

My Review: This wine has slight aromas of herbal and vegetation. Once tasted, the green apple and crisp lemon taste stand out. The wine is light bodied, and is slightly acidic. Overall, the wine is very tasty and refreshing.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Crane Lake

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Vintage: NA
Price: $5.95

Winery Review: Pale Golden Color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Mineral and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, leaning towards lime acidity.

My Review: Personally, I am not that much interested in sweet wines. However, this wine is very balanced, and it is pleasingly sweet. The aromas are of honey suckle, and flowers. The main flavors are figs and peaches. This wine is not very acidic, but is is refreshing.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Vinedos Real Rubio

Name: Vinedos Real Rubio
Variety: Rioja Crianza
Region: Rioja
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2010
Price: $12

Winery Review: Lightly baked berry aromas vie for attention with leather, spice and mild earth notes, and the result is disjointed. On the palate, this is tight as a drum initially, but more expansive as it unfolds. Cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and woodspice flavors finish pure, clean and easy. This is a fine yet manageable Rioja that's not trying too hard.

My Review: This wine is strong in every sense. It is super tannic, and super acidic. However, it does not have too much of sweetness. Even with a lack of sweetness, this wine feels well balanced. It has strong floral and herbal aromas. The flavor is mainly dark berries, and this wine leaves the mouth feeling super parched and leathery.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Barao de Figueira

Name: Barao de Figueira
Variety: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Franca
Region: Beira
Country: Portugal
Vintage: 2013
Price: $12

Winery Review: From vineyards at 2000 feet elevation, this is a rich and spicy wine that has a pure steak of fruit freshness and a firmly tannic core. It is perfumed from Touriga Nacional in the blend, with red berry and black plum flavors coming through strongly along, balanced by acidity. It will be better from 2017.

My Review: This wine is very delicious, and it is probably my favorite from the rest of the five. This medium bodied wine has earthy aromas and represents it's Terroir. The wine is perfectly acidic. The main flavors are blackberry and dark cherries. The aftertaste leaves the mouth feeling parched and leathery.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Garnacha de Fuego

Name: Garnacha de Fuego
Variety: Old Vines Grenache
Region: Aragon
Country: Spain
Vintage: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: The Garnacha de Fuego Rose is a solid effort that has a light salmon color to go with notions of cherry blossom, orange peel and herbs de provence. Medium-bodied, supple, fresh easy-drinking, and an outstanding value.

My Review: This wine is light to medium bodied, and this rose is slightly lacking in the acidity and the tannins. Personally, there isn't too much to taste in this wine. However, there are subtle flavors of citrus and raspberries. There is also hints of residual sugar.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Villa Vitas

Name: Villa Vitas
Variety: Ribolla Gialla
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Vintage: 2014
Price: $18

Winery Review: The 2014 Ribolla Gialla shows more minerality, nice quince, white currant and citrus oil notes, a dry refreshing mouthfeel and a fragrant bouquet.

My Review: This white wine is light bodied and crisp. The wine is less acidic than I originally thought it would be. The main flavors of this wine are lime and grapefruit. Overall, this wine is simple but sweet. This would pair well with appetizers.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Santa Luz

Name: Santa Luz
Variety: Malbec
Region: Vale Central
Country: Chile
Year: 2014
Price: $10

Winery Review: Our Santa Luz Malbec has rich flavors of damsons and plums with a hint of black pepper and chocolate. Ideal with roast or grilled meats, especially pork and beef, and grilled fish steaks.

My Review: This wine is young and sharp, and it is very flavorful. The wine is dark red with almost purplish color. The wine has aromas of spice and chocolate. Once tasted, the plumy, jammy flavor comes out with a hint of dark chocolate.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - San Elias

Name: San Elias
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Central Valley
Country: Chile
Year: NA
Price: $8

Winery Review: The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc are selected from our vineyards in Central Valley. Pale in color with a gooseberry bouquet and fresh zesty flavor. Excellent aperitif or with salads, fish and poultry.

My Review: This wine has strong aromas of cat pee, and it is pungent. The wine itself is very crisp and dry. The flavors are powerful or green apple and lime. Overall, the wine is delicious and it is easy to be drank by itself.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - CK Mondavi

Name: CK Mondavi

Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: California

Country: USA

Year: 2015

Price: $6

Winery Review: We harvest our grapes at peak of ripeness from prime California vineyards, creating wines with fully developed flavors. Our Cabernet Sauvignon has a classically deep red colors ad is rich with cherry and blackberry flavors that are perfectly balanced with a hint of oak and a long fruit finish.

My Review: This medium bodied red is full with flavors. It has nice aromas of spice and berries, and the taste is super smooth. I like the cherry flavors that is presented with a hint of oak flavor, which is natural to a lot of wines from California.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Buenas

Name: Buenas
Variety: Tempranillo
Region: Cosechores
Country: Spain
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Winery Review: In Spain, the casual greetings of buenas signifies the start to an enjoyable gathering among friends and family. Our Tempranillo is the perfect choice for these occasions, both large and small. Crafted in partnership with a highly acclaimed winery, this lush red offers a balanced notes of cherry, plum, and spices with a smooth, lingering finish. Pairs perfectly with pizza, tacos, and other casual fare.

My Review: This wine is super delicious, and is very gentle on the palate. This light/medium bodied red is really smooth and has aromas of dark berries and raspberries. The main flavors a re berries and it is  a little jammy. The aftertaste is dry and leathery,

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Le Borgate

Name: Le Borgate
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lazio
Country: Italy
Year: 2015
Price: $8

Winery Review: This wine has dark red color with purplish shades. On the nose, this wine has an intense fruity, blackberry and clove smells. The taste is soft, structured and velvety. This wine would go really well with roasts, and grilled meats.

My Review: This cabernet sauvignon is medium bodied, and is very smooth. It has nice aromas of dark berries and a hint of spice. The flavor is rich, and this dry red wine leaves the mouth dry and leathery.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Alvaro Domecq

Name: Alvaro Domecq
Variety: Aranda Cream Sherry
Region: Jerez
Country: Spain
Year: NA
Price: $20

Winery Review: Golden brown in color, this has heady aromas of cola, nut, nutmeg, root beer and caramel. A pure, creamy palate of cinnamon apple, mocha, coffee and chocolate. It's quite smooth and balanced, and very long on the finish.

My Review: This sherry smells of alcohol, which it contains. It has other aromas of freshly baked bread, honey suckle. This golden sherry medium-heavy bodied with a lot residual sugar. It has the flavors of nuts, maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of tobacco.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Layer Cake

Name: Layer Cake
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $18

Winery Review: The layer cake Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain is rich and powerful, yet clean and balanced. Layered with aromas of ultra ripe black fruit. On the palate, the wine shows intense and dark fruit a background of rich dark chocolate and fresh ground coffee with a long creamy finish.

My Review: The wine has a nice color, and it has the aroma of wet earth and hints of spice. The wine is delicious and has thyme flavors. It also has hints of black fruit and chocolate.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Fossi

Name: Fossi Rosso
Variety: Sangiovese, Merlot, Primitivo and Negroamaro
Region: Fiesole
Country: Italy
Year: NA
Price: $18

Winery Review: A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with a touch of Primitivo and Negroamaro. It will remind those who have traveled to Italy of one of the local house wines they consumed while there. Simple, juicy, and perfect for drinking with or without food, it's packed with bright cherry, strawberry, cranberry fruit aromas and flavors.

My Review: The wine is light bodied and smooth. It has very distinct floral aromas of rose, and hint of spice. The taste is packed with berries such as dark berries and cherry. The wine would pair well with cheese.

I did not consume any food with this wine,

Tasting - Nugon

Name: Nugon Pie In The Sky
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: South Eastern
Country: Australia
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery Review: Aromas of poached peach, fig and pineapple with biscuity notes. Tropical, medium bodied style with peach and melon flavors complimented by zesty acids, savoury nuances and a crsip dry finnish. Perfect partner with many styles of modern cuisine including those with an Asian or Mediterranean twist.

My Review: The wine is medium bodied, and has pungent aromas. The wine itself is smooth and has a sour aftertaste. The wine also has flavors of peach and melon with other sweet non-berry fruits.

I did not consume any food with this wine.

Tasting - Invino Si

Name: Invino Si
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $14

Winery Review: Pavia, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy where viticulture dates back thousands of years is home to the Si Pinot Grigio vineyards. The wine is creamy on the palate with a crisp, dry character fresh citrus and pepper flavors and an elegant finish.

My Review: This white wine is light bodies, and has a beautiful color. It gives off the aromas of green crisp apples and lime. It is very dry and smooth, and the distinct flavor is pear.

I did not consume any food with this wine.