Zeppoli's Wine Dinner 4/29

This was my first wine dinner of the semester, after hearing so many wonderful things about them from my roommates all semester.  Before beginning the wine tasting, several different foods were placed on the counter buffet style. The menu consisted of Mediterranean pasta, fried calamari salad, a variety of cheeses including fresh mozzarella with tomatoes, pasta pinwheels, manicotti, cheese bread and potato skins. I must admit, I was very excited to see potato skins.  
My food!

Caught a picture of the guy running the tasting! before he said no pictures of him...

But the tasting was more about the wine, and its ability to pair with food so...this Zeppoli's Wine dinner focused on all French wines.  There was a mix of wines from all across the country, representing the varying styles that are common to a particular region.


Whites
Chateau Gaillard Touraine Sauvignon Blanc ($11.99) Year N/A (I think he said 2010)-
Zeppoli's Descritpion: Pale yellow with green hints.  Very characteristic of its variety, flowery, delicate.  Fruity, dry, supple and silky.  White from pure Sauvignon grape, this fresh wine exhales perfume of the grape.  This wine's crisp acidity with notes of grapefruit would be delicious with bouillabaissee or cheese, canapes, olives cake or asparagus.
My notes: The nose on this wine was floral and slightly sour.  When tasting the wine it was very dry, I prefer a more sweet flavor.  This wine was very light, but also harsh.  There was a strong alcohol burn upon swallowing the wine.

Chateau Suau 2010 Bordeaux Blanc Sec ($10.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  Fermented in stainless steel tanks, aged on fine lees for three months.  This expressive, refreshing and aromatic wine reveals honeysuckle and white peach aromas.  It has an excellent depth of fruit as well as a long finish with a nice acidity.  delicious as an aperitif or when served with shellfish, seafood and grilled fish.
My notes:  This wine smelled like white peach, and alcohol.  The alcohol smell was harsh and overpowered the nose.  The taste of the wine was very light and subtle.  At first I had a hard time determining what it was exactly.  The wine was very acidic with a hint of fruit flavors.

Prochaine 2009 Chardonnay Vin de Pays d'Oc France ($10.99)-
Zeppoli's description: An unusual and delectable lightly oaked Chardonnay from the Languedoc region of France.  This wine is aged on the lees from a Viognier fermentation with constant stirring (battonages).  These Viognier lees gives the wine distinct, easy to enjoy, flavors of pineapple, mango, and passion fruit.
My notes:  This wine had a slightly oaky nose.  The wine tasted like tropical fruit and was very light and smooth.  It tasted very much like a California chardonnay, even though it was french.  I enjoyed this wine. 

 Me smelling the wine before taking the first sip.

Reds
Manoir Du Carra 2010 Beaujolais noveau ($10.99)-
Zeppoli's description: Just barely three weeks old, this fresh fruity red from the granite hills of Beaujolais comes entirely from Gamay grapes.  Beaujolais Nouveau day is November 19th this year and is a celebration of harvest and a festive event.  This bistro style wine should be consumed in copious quantities in the first full year of its life.
My notes:  This wine was served with a slight chill because it was right in the cusp of being spoiled.  The wine smelled like over ripened bananas.  The taste was harsh and tight, with a strong alcoholic burn.  There was also a slight hint of grape juice to the taste.

Jean-marc burgaud 2010 Beaujolais Villages ($14.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  The Burgaud 2010 Beaujolais-Villages les Vignes de Thulon offers a sappy, exuberant, and ultimately gripping profusion of ripe but tart-edged and prominently seedy blackberry.  A mouthwatering salinity helps to render this simple but pure and intensely-fruited recent bottling irresistible.  Plan to enjoy it over the next could of years.
My notes:  This wine smelled creamy and like dark fruit.  The taste of the wine was of blackberries.  There was no burn upon swallowing this wine and it was very smooth.  I could imagine drinking this wine with steak.  

Georges DuBoeuf 2010 Morgon Descombes Burgundy ($15.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  Shows perfect balance and a sumptuous bouquet of black currant, plum, violets and old-fashioned roses.  Elegantly smooth on the palate, revealing several layers of fresh red berries, especially cherries.  The silky, prolonged finish signals completely ripened fruit.  "Impressively powerful, structured wine that has spice, richness, plenty of firm tannins as well as a punch of sweet lum and red cherry flavors.  There is an edge of acidity that suggest aging potential" 
My notes:  This wine had a floral nose with hints of dark fruit.  When tasting the wine, the first thig that iI noticed were the stongly astringent tannins.  The wine also tasted slightly earthy with berry flavors.  There was also an after taste of pepper.

Charles Thomas 2009 Cotes de Rhone Rouge ($11.99)-
Zeppoli's description: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre.  Clear ruby wine with overtones of red berry fruits.  Round and supple with a smooth aftertaste.  A god all round red wine for meat courses, poultry and light cheeses.  Best drunk now while fresh with a good keeping up to 4 years.
My notes-  This wine smelled like spices.  The wine tasted slightly like berries with a strong tannic feeling in the mouth.  The wine was light to medium bodied with no burn of alcohol.  

Clos de sixte 2004: Lirac ($11.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  88-90 Robert Parker: "The 2004 Lirac Clos de Sixte has a dense ruby/purple color and exhibits a Syrah-like character in its blacker fruit-dominated aromatics and flavors.  With medium to full body, ripe tannin, and good freshness as well as definitive, it should drink well for 6-8 years."  50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre
My notes-  The nose of this wine was of dark fruit and spices.  The nose was dominated by scents of dark fruits.  The taste of the wine matched this precisely.  This was a light bodied wine. 

Chateau Suau 2009 "Cadillac" Merlot/Cab ($15.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  The wine is made from 45% Merlot, 55% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Grapes are weighted, destemmed then sorted on a table in the cellar.  Fermentation in thermo regulated stainless steel tanks.  Aging from beginning of November, after malolactic fermentation, in 100% French oak barrels (30% new oak) during 12 months.  Fleshy, fruity and ample in mouth, this wine is attractive both with its ripe fruits aromas melted with roasted hints as well as its nice.  Structure and elegant, pleasant finish.
My notes:  This wine smelled creamy and fruity.  The fruit in the nose was closest to blackberries or raspberries.  It was a medium bodied wine, but tasted slightly watery to me.  There may have been hints of fruit in its flavor, but I was not sure.  I did not particularly enjoy this wine.

Chateau Grimard 2010 Bordeaux ($11.99)-
Zeppoli's description:  This right bank Bordeaux estate is located in Lugon, just outside France.  The vineyards are well situated on a south-east slope and the clay/limestone/sandsoils provide an ideal growing environment in which Merlot thrives... (80% merlot/20% Cabernet Franc).  Sourced from vines that are at least 25 years old, the fruit was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks.  Displaying round and ripe Merlot aromas and flavors, the bouquet of red fruit and well-balanced tannins combine on a fresh and supple finish.  A classic Bordeaux, offering a deep red-purple color, a lush bouquet, and ripe plummy-cassis fruit with good structure, showing the promise of the 2000 vintage.
My notes: This wine had a very dark rich color which stood out to me.  The wine smelled first of red fruit then spices.  When tasting the wine it seemed creamy, with hints of earthy and deep cherry flavors.  The wine had a dryinf tannic feeling in the mouth. 

How Americans have affected wine labels in France

Winery Visit - Attimo Winery

 When driving up to the winery it looked more like a family farm compound then a formal winery.  The building was very small, and the rows of grape vines were to the right and behind the small house which  constituted the tasting room, and kitchen.  An image of the house can be seen in the picture below.

 Once we parked we could see down the drive way and the grape vines along it.

There were potra potties in the parking lot, which I found interesting/strange.

The inside of the house was a lot fancier then I expected, there was even a cozy little fireplace.

Wine collection in the corner of the room.

Below is a view from our table in the tasting room:

The grapes surrounding the house.

Eight wines were included in the tasting, some of which were made on property and some that are made off the property. On a side note, I had a sinus infection when tasting these wines, therefore my sense of smell and taste were slightly impaired. 
I make awkward faces...

 

Sonnet 98 (2010) $17: Vidal Blanc
Attimo Winery notes: dry, crisp, floral, hints of fresh greens
My notes: This wine had a floral nose, with a little bit of musk in the background.  The wine was fairly smooth and light/medium bodied.  The taste was slightly sweet with a small after burn upon swallowing.  Overall it was a pleasant wine.

I do (2010) $17: Traminette/Petit Manseng grapes
Attimo Winery notes: semi-sweet, distinct citrus notes
My notes: The nose of this wine was filled with green apple and citrus notes. We were told that this wine contained 2.5% residual sugar.  The wine was slightly sweet, with citrus flavors. There was also an after burn upon swallowing this wine.

Deep Silence (2010) $18: Cabernet Franc
Attimo Winery notes: This is a Bordeaux style wine, aged in American oak for nine months.  Dry red, intense berry flavors and light smoky pepper finish.
My notes: This wine smelled cherries and dark fruit.  When tasting the wine, the first thing i noticed were the overwhelming tannins.  The wine was overly astringent, and I did not enjoy it. 

AD 325 (2010) $16: Chambourcin
Attimo Winery notes: This is an Old World style wine that is aged in a mixture of clay and concrete.  Dry red with bold flavors and cherry undertones.
My notes: This wine smelled very earthy, this may have been due to its aging in clay and concrete.  The wine tasted like dark fruit, with a hint of smoke on the finish.  The wine was smooth, with no burn on the finish.

Sudden Downpour (year not provided) $13: Apple/White Blend
Attimo Winery Notes: This wine is aged in bourbon barrels.  Sweet, apple wine with bourbon notes and earthy tones.
My notes: The nose on this wine was sweet, which overpowered any other possible scents.  It tasted like a very sweet apple.  We were told this wine had 8% residual sugar, which accounts for the sweet taste. There was no burn upon swallowing this wine, and there were hints of cinnamon that gave the wine a nice balance.  I enjoyed this wine, however its level of sweetness would limit my consumption of it.

Masquerade (2010) $19: Chardonnay
Attimo Winery notes: This wine is named Masquerade because it is masked in oak.  Dry, smooth and oakey. 
My notes: This wine smelled like alcohol and even slightly burned my nose.  There were also hints of lemon and citrus once I got passed the alcohol.  The wine was very crisp and tart.  I wouldn't say that I completely enjoed this wine.

Vortex (2010) $20: Cabernet Sauvignon
Attimo Winery notes: This wine is aged in French oak for 11 months.  Dry red, rich with black currant flavors and French oak notes.
My notes: We were told that this wine is served in chocolate rimmed glasses, which sounds amazing!  The wine was a very dark red color. The nose on the wine was filled with fruit, mostly dark fruits.  The wine was slightly tannic, which I feel would go well with the flavors of chocolate.  The taste was very fruity, with a medium body.  There was little or no burn upon swallowing the wine.

Seduction (2010) $26: Tinta Madera, Tourigo Nacional, and Souzao grapes
Attimo Winery notes: Sweet, vintage ruby port.  Direct from Portugal, hints of rasberry and raisins.
My notes: This wine smelled like a dark liquor, maybe bourbon or rum as these are also slightly sweet tasting/smelling.  The wine tasted like berries and bourbon.  There was a slight burn of alcohol, similar to taking shots of bourbon.  There were also hints of smokiness in the taste as well.


HOKIE BIRD right next to the door! What a great site to see when leaving.

Tasting - Morada Sangria

Name: Morada Sangria

Variety: Sangria

Country: Spain

Year: -

Price: $4.95

Vintage Cellar Review: A traditional Spanish drink made with red wine and citrus extracts. Garnet color and fresh on the palate. Serve well chilled, on its own or with lemonade and slices of fruit like peach, banana or apple.

My Review: The nose on this wine was sweet and fruity, filled with fruits such as lemon, melon, peaches and oranges.  When tasting this wine, it reminded me of a mixed drink with sprite, crystal light and vodka.  The flavors did not seem to mix well together, and the sweetness overpowered the rest of the flavors.  

Tasting - Cortenova Primitivo

Name: Cortenova Primitivo

Variety: Prinitivo

Country: Italy

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Dark, ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with a rich array of red and

black fruit aromas and flavors. Harmonious and velvety on the palate. Great balance and structure. Excellent with grilled or roasted meats, game and cheeses.

My Review: This wine smelled of dark fruit and spices.  When tasting this wine, it also tasted like dark fruit, with a slightly tabacco like aftertaste.  The wine was fairly dry, with a strong burn of alcohol when swallowing.  

Tasting - Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Name: Canyon Road Pinot Noir

Variety: Pinot Noir

Country: California

Year: 2010

Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This Pinot Noir expresses tantalizing flavors of ripe cherry and wild raspberry, and finishes with brown, vanilla spices and a smooth finish.

My Review: The nose on this wine was of dark fruit, there was also a slight hint of pepper and spices.  When tasting the wine, it was sweeter then I had expected, this was a pleasant surprise.  The wine was also slightly fruity, and not as tannic as many reds are.  The wine was smooth, but there was still a slight afterburn when swallowing the wine. 

Tasting - Oak Vineyards Chardonnay

Name: Oak Vineyards Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Country: California, USA

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95 for 750mL

           $10.95 for 1.5L

Vintage Cellar Review: This light straw-colored Oak Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay expresses smokey aromatics with nuances of apple and lemon zest that continue onto the palate where they flourish into citrus, orange blossom, and smoked oak flavors until meeting a crisp, medium finish.

My Review: This wine had a strong oak-ey scent, with a hint of lemon.  When tasting the wine, I found it very dry and tannic.  There was an aftertaste of green apple.  There was also a slight burn upon swallowing this wine.  This wine was not as bad as the Gruner Veltliner, however i still did not enjoy it.

Tasting - Poysdorfer Saurussel Gruner Veltliner

Name: Poysdorfer Saurussel Gruner Veltliner

Variety: Gruner Veltliner

Country: Austria

Year: 2010

Price: $7.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Crisp lime flavors, white pepper and lentils, followed by a mouthful of mineral notes and gooseberry. A long lingering finish. A great accompaniment to any Asian or fresh seafood dishes.

My Review: This wine hada strong citrus nose, with a slight earthy smell in the background.  When tasting this wine, there was a distinct metallic taste, which was off putting and strange.  The wine was also very dry.  Overall, i did not enjoy this wine.

Tasting - Opera Prima Sweet White

Name: Opera Prima Sweet White

Variety: Sweet White

Country: Spain

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Flowery and sweet smelling, then round and fairly smooth in the mouth. The flavor package of tropical fruits galore is pleasant and shouldn't offend anyone. Finishes clean and easy. A mango boat of

flavor.

My Review: This wine smelled slightly like hard candy, with a hint of floral notes.  The wine tasted very sweet and was thicker than previously tasted wines.  There were also a slight citrus flavor to the wine which served to balance out some of the sweetness.  I enjoyed this wine, I would probably only want a glass or two of it, but it was pleasant.

Tasting - Senda 66 Tempranillo

Name: Senda 66 Tempranillo

Variety: Tempranillo

Country: Spain

Year: 2008

Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: 90 Points, Robert Parker “The 2008 Senda 66 spent 8 months in new French oak. Purple/black in color, it sports a fragrant nose of spice box, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry. Smooth-textured, layered, and remarkably rich on the palate for its humble price, this lengthy effort will drink nicely over the next 5-6 years.”

My Review: This was a very deep red wine.  It smelled of cherries and dark fruit, with a possible hint of strawberry candy.  The wine tasted similar to its nose, and was very smooth.  There was a strong tannic feel to the wine upon swallowing.  This wine was ago, a little too tannic for my taste.

Tasting - Sierra Cruz Carmenere

Name: Sierra Cruz Carmenere 

Variety: Carmenere

Country: Maule Valley, Chile

Year: 2009

Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: As a member of the cabernet sauvignon family, carmenere (pronounced car-men-yare) originated in Bordeaux as one of the grapes permitted for use in the red blends of that storied region. Chilean

winemakers have embraced it and several wineries in that country produce it as a single varietal. The ’09 Sierra Cruz is a very pleasant, soft, medium bodied wine that has fresh cabernet-like aromas and flavors of spice, dark fruit and black pepper. It is a great value and also would be a nice match with marinated and grilled skirt or flank steak.

My Review: This wine had a strong nose of black pepper.  The taste of the wine was slightly earthy, with a spice filled after taste.  This was no one of my favorite wines.  The finish was slightly tannic and drying, with an afterburn.

Tasting - Lost Vineyards Chardonnay

Name: Lost Vineyards Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Country: Argentina

Year: 

Price: $3.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Pale golden color. Perfumed peach, pineapple, and nougat aromas. Round and soft with a fruity-yet-dry medium body. Tangy apple skin and lemon zest notes lift the fruit nicely on the finish.

My Review: This wine smelled creamy and slightly oaky with a hint of fresh peach.  The wine was not as light as the sauvignon blanc tasted before it.  There were light notes of lemon and green apple which made the wine slightly tart.  There was a fairly smooth clean finish to the wine.  It was not a sweet wine. 

Tasting - Sierra Cruz Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Sierra Cruz Sauvignon Blanc

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Country: Maule Valley, Chile

Year: 2011

Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: This Chilean Sauvignon Blanc just oozes with bright citrus flavors and a nose of herbs and grass. Stylistically, it is a cross between the herbal, grassy wines so prevalent in Sonoma County and the riper,

more fruit forward products of New Zealand. Match it with pasta sauced with arugula, pine nuts, mushrooms and parmesan.

My Review: This wine had a floral nose.  There were hints of green apple in the taste, as well as herbal notes.  The wine was also light and crisp.  When swallowing the wine there was little burn.  At this point in my wine tasting knowledge, the sauvignon blanc is one of my favorite wine varieties.  

Tasting - Primo Amore Moscato

Name: Primo Amore Moscato

Variety: Moscato

Country: Italy

Year: 

Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Straw-yellow with golden reflections and a delicate mousse. Fruity and very inviting, with intense scents of peaches and exotic fruit. Fresh and pleasantly sweet with a taste that reveals its varietal characteristic.

My Review: This wine smelled like honey covered fruit.  There was a strong scent of peaches.  When tasting the wine these flavors were amplified.  There was no burn upon swallowing it.  I enjoyed this wine and decided to purchase it, in the hopes that mixing it with grapefruit juice would cut the sweetness.  However, mixing it with the juice and vodka was not a good call.

Tasting - Faraway Farms Shiraz

Name: Faraway Farms Shiraz

Variety: Shiraz

Country: South Africa

Year: 2008

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Fresh, modern style, with lots of plum pudding, sweet chocolate, mocha, blackberry and

boysenberry flavors supported by round, sweet tannins and toast.

My Review: This wine smelled like dark fruit and chocolate, with possibly a slight hint of tobacco.  The wine was very smooth and tasted like sweet dark fruits.  I enjoyed this wine.  There was little burn and only slightly drying.

Tasting - Tres Ojos Old Vines Garnacha

Name: Tres Ojos Old Vines Garnacha

Variety: Garancha

Country: Spain

Year: 2009

Price: $6.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Bright ruby color. Primary dark berry aromas are simple but offer very good purity and focus. Juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are youthfully tangy, with good back-end acidity adding snap. The clean, brisk finish leaves behind notes of sweet dark berry preserves and cracked pepper.

My Review: The nose of this wine smelled like pepper, fruit and alcohol.  When drinking this wine, these flavor profiles were increased.  The wine was also slightly bitter, and there were a few mouth drying tannins.  The dark fruit flavors were stronger after the wine had sat in your mouth for a moment.  There was very little burn upon swallowing.

Tasting - Oak Vineyard Chardonnay

Name: Oak Vineyard Chardonnay

Variety: Chardonnay

Country: Napa & Sonoma California

Year: 2010

Price: $5.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Quite an interesting Chardonnay, in an era when so many are too sweet and extracted. There’s plenty of orange and apricot fruit flavor, but also a brilliant streak of minerality, like a lick of cold steel, and the overall taste is dry. Really easy to like, with lots of complexity to warrant repeated sipping.

My Review:  This wine smelled creamy.  There was also a hint of oakyness to the nose.  When initially tasting the wine there was an overwhelming tropical fruit flavor.  The wine was very smooth, with little or no burn upon swallowing.