Wine Tasting

 

Barefoot On Tap Savignon Blanc, variety: Savignon Blanc, California, 15.99 $

Review: "California - Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc features crisp notes of refreshing honeydew melon, sweet nectarine and juicy peaches in an convenient box wine. Finished with a delicious hint of zesty lime and pear." (https://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/sauvignon-blanc/barefoot-on-tap-sauvignon-blanc/p/228092031) 

Wine Folly: Savignon Blanc is 1 of 90 common varieties in the Unites States. (pg. 284, chart)

Personal review: I had never had Barefoot Savignon Blanc and it might be my favorite yet. Unlike others, I really did not get any apple scents or tastes at all. Like the Total Wine review says, I was getting a lot of melon, but it was very light and subtle. It also did not taste very acidic or bitter like some of Savignon Blancs do sometimes. It was super refreshing and the opposite of heavy. 

Wine and Cheese tasting

 

First wine: Salad Days. Variety: French Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay. Region: Paso Robles, California, Vintage: NV.

Review: "Salad Days is super bright & fresh - on the nose it's all about crisp pear, green apple, lemon & green herbs - the palate is light & refreshing with a soft kiss of Pet Nat bubbles." (https://merchantofwine.com/products/field-recordings-salad-days-pet-nat-paso-robles-california-nv) 

 Personal review: This is the wine I started the night off with. On it's own, it is incredibly refreshing. It is light in body and definitely very fruity. I got a lot of the green apple and it almost reminded me of an Angry Orchard hard cider. 

I paired the Salad Days wine with Brie cheese. (far left). I was pleasantly surprised by this pairing. I think the lightness of the wine and the heavier creaminess of the cheese balanced each other out in a nice way. The cheese definitely made the apple tastes of wine greater to me, but not in a bad way. The wine made the cheese's earthiness taste come out more. I liked this first pairing. 

My second wine selection was another light white wine, Matua. Matua Savignon Blanc. Varietal: Sav blanc. Region: Marlborough, New Zealand. Vintage: 2022. 

Review: "A crisp, clean, and slightly citrus personality is the perfect chilled sipper or match for simple appetizers." (https://handywineguide.com/matua-sauvignon-blanc-review/) 

Personal Review: This wine was delicious. To me, it is even lighter than the previous wine. It was a little dry and more "aggressive" with it's taste on the first sip but it's body was incredibly light. I definitely tasted fruits- some apple but not too strong, and a more citrusy taste as well. Maybe even slight hints of oranges. 

 I paired the Matua Savignon Blanc with sharp cheddar cheese. These went together in a great way. I added some cracker on this one. (the light cracker next to the grapes). The wine brought out a lot of flavors in the cheese. This cheese was heavy compared to the wine and strong as well. The cheddar tasted even a bit sweet when paired. I did not notice the cheese bring out as many flavors in the wine as it did vice versa and it may have even over powered the wine a bit. Still, this was my favorite pairing. 

 My final wine was a different brand of Savignon Blanc. (My favorite wine). Kendall Jackson Savignon Blanc. Varietal: 97% Sav Blanc, 3% Semillon. Region: Vintner's Reserve, California. Vintage: 2019

Review: "Luscious honeysuckle, ripe pear and fresh lemongrass intertwine in this medium-bodied Vintner's Sauvignon Blanc." (https://www.kj.com/wine/vintners-reserve/sauvignon-blanc) 

  Personal Review: I liked this wine, but it wasn't my favorite. The body seemed not as light as the previous Matua but it wasn't too heavy or full. This was fruity as well but I took different fruits away from it. Not as much apple, but more leaning towards oranges, lemonish and maybe even peach. 

I paired this wine with pepper jack cheese. (top right) These brought out the most flavors in each other. The slight spiciness of the pepper jack cheese and the sweet fruitiness of the wine was great. The wine's tastes of sweet, tanginess was shown more and the cheeses spiciness was almost amplified. Great pairing. 

Overall, this wine and cheese tasting was a huge success! My roommates and friends all gathered for the Superbowl while having this tasting and it was a great time.
 

 

Tasting- Broadbent Vinho Verde

 

Broadbent Vinho Verde Rose, red grape varieties, Portugal, NV, 9.99$

Review: "The most popular white wine from Portugal, is a deliciously refressing, light wine. "Verde", meaning "Green" refers to the hints of lime color. It is an ideal warm weather wine, excellent for lunch and picnics, or an evening apertif. It makes a brilliant pairing with any fish, shellfish and poultry." (https://www.wine.com/product/broadbent-vinho-verde/84301?state=CA&s=GoogleBase_CSE_84301_SHP50_type_Wine_WhiteWine_WhiteBlends&showpromo=true&promo=SHP50&region_id=000030&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Smart_Wine_19.99under&gclid=CjwKCAiAxP2eBhBiEiwA5puhNfvwRIckOwKeuuYp2Am35vCOya8MF_SkaAvvR40CP4wFc5X6m0LOwRoClhwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#closePromoModal) 

 Wine Folly: "The climate extremes in Portugal deliver both lean, minerally whites and robust, high-tannin reds." (pg. 266)

Personal review: This wine was delicious. It was light but fruitier than I expected. I drank this wine in a stemless glass with ice and it was great cold. I did taste some lime but I think I got hints of apple more than anything. It reminded me of scents of flowers. 9/10 would definitely have again.