Wine Tasting- Joseph Handler Riesling

Name: Joseph Handler Riesling

Variety of Origin: Riesling

Country of Origin: Germany

Region of Origin: Pfalz

Vintage Year: 2023

Price: $11

Wine Critic Review: "From one of the region’s top producers, this fun, fruit-forward riesling has become incredibly popular since its first vintage in 2002. It is slightly off dry with a dash of residual sugar that is balanced by great orange-citrus aromas and a refreshing acidity." (https://www.oakandbarrelnyc.com/product/joseph-handler-pfalz-riesling-750ml/?srsltid=AfmBOoqSHfZ7UL8XHO-oIv0ZZHRqFNpS29HHNHL3fPUxrUI1isKJVRPn)

References: From page 158 of Wine Folly, Riesling has notes of lime, green apple, beeswax, jasmine, and petroleum. I could definitely taste the green apple and smell bit of floral which could be jasmine. I could also taste a bit of honey from the beeswax. I'm not quite sure what petroleum tastes like so I wouldn't be sure how to taste it.

My review: This wine was pretty good. A bit drier than I like but not unbearable. The wine had aromas of peach, honey and a light floral scent. I could taste honey, peach, lemon, and green apple. It was overall enjoyable but as I said it leaned a bit dry, normally I think of Rieslings being sweet so that was a bit unexpected. Probably wouldn't buy again but would drink it if offered.

Wine Tasting- Menage a Trois Exotic Blend

Name: Menage a Trois Exotic Blend

Variety of Origin: Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc, Chenin Blanc

Country of Origin: United States

Region of Origin: California

Vintage Year: 2022

Price: $11

Wine Critic Review: "Menage A Trois Exotic Blend is a seductive and intriguing combination of lush tropical fruit flavors that tantalize your taste buds. This wine entices with aromas of mango, passion fruit, and juicy pineapple, creating a captivating and exotic experience that is simply unforgettable." (https://www.drinkhacker.com/2024/02/13/review-2022-love-is-wine-chardonnay/?srsltid=AfmBOooYGsPyY_I25lMztzgzX_JHOQYOXU2w1Sxm3lS_vC8Ylzw8CUB7)

References: Based on page 96 of the Wine Folly, Chardonnay has notes of yellow apple, starfruit, pineapple, vanilla, butter. I did not get many citrus notes in this wine. This wine did have slight buttery notes and some of the acidity of pineapple. From page 138, Muscat Blanc has notes of orange blossom, meyer lemon, mandarin orange, ripe pear and honeysuckle. I did not get any of these notes. From page 98, Chenin Blanc has notes of quince, yellow apple, pear, chamomile, and honey. I did not get any of these notes, maybe a slight hint of chamomile as it had a very earthy flavor.

My review: I think I just really don't like Chardonnay. That was the main flavor I got from this wine, the oaky dry flavor of Chardonnay and I really don't like it. This wine was too dry for my tastes. I also felt this wine had bad balance as it was slightly too dry and there was no flavor to balance it out. I was looking forward to the fruity flavors of this wine but could get any of them even after drinking a decent amount of the wine. This is one of the least favorites of the wines I've tried.

Wine Tasting- Confetti Sweet Pink Rosé

Name: Confetti Sweet Pink Rosé 

Variety of Grapes: Zinfandel and Muscat Blanc

Country of Origin: Italy

Region of Origin: Trentino

Vintage Year: NV

Price: $8

Wine Critic Review: "Confetti! Sweet Pink Rosé is an incredibly approachable and luscious sweet pink wine. It is made from a blend of French grape varietals and carries plump, ripe strawberry flavors with soft floral aromas and a refreshing, juicy finish." (https://thebestwinestore.com/products/confetti-sweet-pink-wine?srsltid=AfmBOopO0S11N3Zvsl-rvzmFRWqVXIdHfTvCzHHlS9XOvAuyDr_3-YKW)

References: There is not notes for Rosé listed specifically in Wine Folly. Looked at 2 of the grapes included in the wine. On page 189, Zinfandel is listed as having a notes of blackberry, strawberry, peach preserves, cinnamon, sweet tobacco. The strawberry is very strong in the wine, it is in both the aroma and flavor. The sweetness of the peach preserves definitely came through. I didn't notice any of the other notes. From page 138, Muscat Blanc has notes of orange blossom, meyer lemon, mandarin orange, ripe pear and honeysuckle. To be honest I didn't get any of these notes but I did get the sweetness I am used to with a Muscat wine.

My review: I really liked this wine. It had a very light body and was sweet which I find enjoyable. It had aromas of strawberry, watermelon and cotton candy. The flavor was similar to the aromas. I can admit that this wine was slightly out of balance due to how intensely sweet it was. However I enjoyed how sweet it was so it didn't bother me. Will be buying again.

Wine Tasting- Taylor Port

Name: Taylor Port

Variety of Origin: Port

Country of Origin: United States

Region of Origin: New York, Finger Lakes

Vintage Year: Nonvintage

Price: $9

Wine Critic Review: "Taylor Port is a moderately sweet, ruby red wine with a rich, fruity taste. Iconic among port wines, its smooth finish makes it perfect for evening sipping and a great companion for your favorite dessert." (https://postwines.com/shop/product/taylor-port/56ca64247562752ed5b50700?option-id=cc529e1e71f9e12a2a3964a82346ddd6398cf845d7c75d24645a68156c0ca049&srsltid=AfmBOoq4ft4yINtgkxaFUUDBGLZm3fDA1ImPgTdgpJ_0PBIvRDBM31Ia)

References: Based on page 154 of the Wine Folly, Port has notes of black plum, dried cherry, chocolate, raisin, and cinnamon. I do feel like I could taste dried cherry and plum. It was a hearty wine but I didn't get chocolate or cinnamon. Raisin is hard to say because I could taste grape, but I don't know if it's specifically raisin.

My review: I have never had port wine before and this is my first wine review on a red wine. I didn't love it but it also wasn't that bad. It kinda tastes like cough syrup. I think the cough syrup taste comes from the cherry flavor. Overall it wasn't a bad taste, it was sweet which was nice. I had a fuller body than I was used to. Not mad at it but probably wouldn't buy again.

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Wine Tasting- Barefoot Fruitscato Peach

Name: Barefoot Fruitscato Peach

Variety of Grapes: Moscato- Muscat Blanc

Country of Origin: United States

Region of Origin: California

Vintage Year: Nonvintage

Price: $15

Wine Critic Review: "Bursting with all the flavors of perfectly-ripe peaches, Barefoot Peach FRUITSCATO is a sweet way to treat yourself. Fresh from the farm with a bright, crisp finish, it pairs perfectly with everything from artisanal cheeses to delicious desserts." (https://shop.grapesandgrains.com/product/s-10362/p-2940694/buy-barefoot-peach-fruitscato)

References: From Wine Folly, page 138, Muscat Blanc has notes of orange blossom, meyer lemon, mandarin orange, ripe pear and honeysuckle. This wine has nice citrus notes, I would say I could taste meyer lemon and mandarin orange. It's hard to say if I could get the notes of orange blossom and honeysuckle, there was a slight floral taste.

My review: I've had several of the Fruitscato flavors and enjoyed them all. This is definitely one of my favorites of the flavors. It is a nice sweet that has strong peach notes (it's peach flavored). The wine has a light enjoyable body. The sweet of the wine is balanced with the acidity and citrus flavor. Will be drinking again!

Wine and Cheese Pairing

 I did a wine and cheese pairing with my roommate! Here is us with us our wine and cheese.

Here is the specific parings.

Wine and Cheese Pairing 1: Hive and Honey Gewurztraminer and Sharp Cheddar

Wine: Hive and Honey Gewurztraminer

Varietal: Gewurztraminer

Tasting Notes: This wine was very nice. It was mildly sweet. It was floral, with notes of honeysuckle. I could taste apricot and honey. The wine was slightly sour. It had an orange-y aroma. My first time trying a Gewurztraminer and I overall enjoyed it.

Pairing Notes: The wine paired much better than I expected. The acidic of the wine cut the fattiness of the cheese. It made the wine taste sweeter than before because of the contrast of the saltiness. The wine and cheese were well matched, one did not overpower the other.

Wine and Cheese Pairing 2: Barefoot Fruit Moscato Watermelon and Parmesan 

Wine: Barefoot Fruit Moscato and Parmesan 

Varietal: Moscato- Muscat Blanc

Tasting Notes: I have had wines of the same line as this before and liked them. This one is no different. It is a very sweet wine that that is nicely balanced by the acidic and alcohol. For being watermelon flavored there is not a strong watermelon taste, more just generally sweet. Would drink again.

Pairing Notes: The parmesan paired nicely with this wine. The parmesan was slight bitter which contrasted nicely with the sweetness. The sweetness the brought out the richness of the parmesan. The wine wasn't acidic enough to cut through the richness but had a nice contrast. I would say the parmesan overpower the wine but that was okay because this is a mild wine.

Wine and Cheese Pairing 3: Barefoot Pink Moscato and Asiago

Wine: Barefoot Fruit Moscato and Asiago

Varietal: Moscato- Muscat Blanc and Merlot (mostly Muscat)

Tasting Notes: This is a nice sweet basic Moscato. It had aromas of cherries and pomegranate. The flavor had notes of cherries and raspberries. The wine is well balanced with the sweetness and acidity contrasting each other. Not super strong in any way but enjoyable enjoy to get again.

Pairing Notes: The wine paired okay with the cheese. The wine brings out the nuttiness of the cheese and enhances the saltiness. The acidity of the wine was was a nice contrast with the richness of the cheese. The saltiness of the cheese overpowers the wine. The cheese made the wine seem sweeter and more acidic.

Wine Tasting- Secco Peach Bellini

Name: Seeco Peach Bellini

Variety of Origin: Prosecco

Country of Origin: California

Region of Origin: Danville

Vintage Year: NV

Price: $11

Wine Critic Review: "If you can't make it to Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy this inexpensive peach bellini will transform your brunch into something special. Aromas and flavors of white peach and grapefruit combined with refreshing acidity and effervescence is like a mouth full of palate cleansing sunshine." (https://www.bottlevalues.com/wines/Secco-Peach-Bellini-w0877473wr)

References: Based on page 155 of the Wine Folly, Prosecco has notes of green apple, honeydew, pear, lager, and cream. I got notes of honeydew and pear. I didn't taste green apple, lager or cream but this could be because this is peach flavored.

My review: This was a nice wine to drink. It was less sweet than I expected but not too acidic. It mainly tasted and smelled of peach with makes sense as it's a peach flavored wine. It was a well balanced wine, not to sweet, not too acidic. Overall I enjoyed drinking it.