Tasting - Tinto Figaro Red Wine

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Tinto Figaro Red Wine
Variety: Garnacha
Region: Calatayud
Country: Spain
Year: 2016
Price: $8.95

Winery Review: The 100% Garnacha 2016 Figaro Tinto Calatayud is a smoking value and is another red brought in by Kysela that knocks it out of the park on the value scale. Bright berry fruits, dried herbs, earth, and a touch of spice all flow to a medium-bodied, rounded, fleshy red that has loads of upfront charm and accessibility. It's not going to make old bones, but as a house red to enjoy over the coming couple of years, it's hard to beat. - Jeb Dunnuck, 90 pts

My Review: Cherry, raspberry and plum were evident with a slight smokiness/spicy/pepper-y flavor. The after taste was a little overwhelming and tannic, but it went away after about 4-5 seconds. Not a bad Garnacha.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Nuna Field White by Chakana Wines

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Chakana Nuna Field White
Variety: 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier
Region: Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Year: 2016
Price: $8.95, Frontline $20 Sale

Winery Review: This unoaked Agrelo blend combines mostly Sauvignon Blanc with lesser amounts of Chardonnay and Viognier. White peach, lemon and grapefruit flavours combine to good effect here with a refreshing, limestone-like tang. - Time Atkins, 91 pts

My Review: Citrus, aromatic, and fruity for a white blend with a high percentage of Sauvignon Blanc. Could also pick up on hints of pineapple, apple, and apricot. Was surprisingly refreshing but had a funky, acidic aftertaste.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - OnePio Lugana

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: OnePio
Variety: Trebbiano di Lugana
Region: Lombardy
Country: Italy
Year: 2017
Price: $8.95, Regular Price $20 Sale

Winery Review: 100% Trebbiano di Lugana. Soft, harmonious, full and well-balanced wine with straw yellow color. It impresses the nose thanks to its multifaceted and fragrant perfume, that gives off almond and citrus emotions, where it's possible to recognize even a fresh pineapple touch.

My Review: Floral and aromatic with notes of apple, pineapple and oranges. Dry yet light and refreshing, quite pleasing with a subtle clean aftertaste.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Crane Lake Riesling

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Crane Lake
Variety: Riesling
Region: California
Country: USA
Year: 2017
Price: $7.95, Frontline $9 Sale

Winery Review: Pale golden color. Ripe and dried peaches on the nose. Minerals and dried peach flavors. Nicely balanced, learning towards the acidic.

My Review: Floral and aromatic with notes of apple, peach and oranges. Light, refreshing, and sweet but balanced in acidity. Easy to drink on its own.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Terre dei Savoia Barbaresco

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Terre dei Savoia
Variety: Nebbiolo
Region: Barbaresco
Country: Italy
Year: 2010
Price: $9.95, Frontline $40 Sale

Winery Review: Red berry, rose, leather and baking spice aromas come together in the glass. The structured, juicy palate doles out ripe black cherry, licorice, roaster herb and tobacco alongside firm, velvety tannins. Still young and bracing, give this a few more years to fully develop.

My Review: Strong notes of berries and a pungent leather smell. Oaky with hints of vanilla as well. Very tannic with a dry after taste but is still quite balanced with acidity. Smooth and full bodied.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Vigna Lenuzza Cabernet Franc

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Vigna Lenuzza
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: Friuli
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $5.95, Frontline $15 Sale

Winery Review: With a ruby red color and with intense purplish reflections it has a nose of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, to spices like marjoram, rhubarb and white pepper. On the palate it is pleasantly fresh, not too heavy, with sweet tannins and with soft herbaceous notes, which are the traditional characteristics of the Cabernet-Franc.

My Review: Strong notes of blackcurrant, raspberries, and cherries with spices. Earthy, fuller bodied and with a great amount of tannins with a dry, puckery and long finish. Not my favorite, but definitely an interesting wine.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.

Tasting - Peter Cruythoff Sauvignon Blanc

Photo taken from Moodle

Name: Peter Cruythoff
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Swartland
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Price: $5.95, Frontline $10 Sale

Winery Review: Made in a definite herbaceous style, this Sauvignon Blanc also offers tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well-balanced with zesty acidity, every glassful is fresh and crisp and perfect for warm summer days.

My Review: Earthy, very grassy and light. Surprisingly fruity for a Sauvignon Blanc, citrus forward with hints of apple, lemon and orange. Not bad.

With/without food: I tasted this on its own without food.