I have to admit, being a socially awkward farm boy, I don’t usually like tastings. There are lots of people to bump into. My ineptitude for foreign language and knowledge of varietals is pushed to its limit just to ask for the next wine. And eventually, the vino loosens my tongue and I end up having a stilted conversation with a complete stranger. They are, however, one of the better opportunities to learn about wines.
Last night’s tasting at Vineria was a nice change. Things were a little slow and relaxed, probably not so good for their bottom line but much better for my nerves. I got a chance to talk a little more with the experts, which is always fun. I’m even getting a little better at asking for “the Petite Sirah” vs. “that one,” so I don’t feel like a complete cretin.
I hate taking lots of notes while I’m busy drinking wine, but I’ll do my best to remember what I tried.
The first wine I tried was this Callia Alta Torrontes 2010, Argentina. I found it subtle for a Torrontes, a little less floral with more fruit. There was some nice melon in the nose.
By far, my favorite white was this Frisk Prickly Riesling 2010, Australia. Prickly is the right word for this wine. It had a nice complexity for a sweet Riesling. I’ll probably be buying this one.
I guess I wasn’t very imaginative when it came to reds. The two I liked the most were both wines which I’ve bought before.
I probably like this Senda 66 Tempranillo 2008, Spain because it tastes like cherry cola, and I grew up on cherry cola. Still, if you like a semi-sweet cherry flavor, this is definitely one to try.
This Allegrini Palazzo De La Torre 2007, Italy has a lot going on for it. It is not only enjoyable to drink, but also, it’s partially made with dried grapes, so it has the novelty of being made with a different process. Still, if it weren’t drinkable, I wouldn’t care how they made it.
As things were winding down, Jose pulled out this Gulfi Nerobaronj Nero d’Alvola 2006, Italy. This was my first time trying nero d’alvola grapes, which are the “most important red wine grape in Sicily.*” This is a beautiful wine, good enough to make me consider upping my wine budget.
*Wikipedia