Tasting - Tenuta le Velette Berganorio

Name: Tenuta le Velette Berganorio
Variety: Orvieto Classico
Region: Orvieto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $18

Shop Review: "The Berganorio Orvieto is a subtle wine with a bright palate. It shows white flowers on the nose and light citrus notes in the mouth. Its neutral character means it can accompany a wide range of foods. A blend of 30% Trebbiano, 30% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 15% Verdello, and 5% Drupeggio. The estate has 103 hectares on the hill opposite the hill town of Orvieto." -88 – i- winereview


My Review: Heavy sugars hit the nose on this wine mirroring that of lemon and lime skittles. Orange citrus flavors are on the palate of the dry golden yellow wine.

Tasting - Aveleda Praia

Name: Aveleda Praia

Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Shop Review: A blend of 40% Arinto, 30% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura and 10% Azal. Full of fruit, a lasting peach flavor targeted with laserlike acidity through the finish. It has the bite of salty ocean air and a lot of zing. For langoustines. -92- Wine & Spirits

My Review: This virtually clear wine has strong fruit flavors that fill the nose from apricot to peach to pear. These flavors carry over into the taste that are mixed with the bitter bite of alcohol that lasts on the tongue. 

Tasting - Dona Sol

Name: Dona Sol
Variety: Shiraz, Petite Syrah & Symphony
Region: California
Country: United States
Price: $6.95

Shop Review: Shiraz has a unique jammy fruit character that is well represented in the Sweet Red. Both on the nose and on the palate, jammy fruit, like strawberries, cherry pie and red licorice, entices the senses and pair well with cheeses and desserts.

My Review: This deep, dark pink wine is definitely one to keep on hand. Sweet blackberries and jams fill the nose and carries over onto the palate bringing a bouquet of dark fruit flavors with enhanced sweetness. Would love to eat this with a rich chocolate cake.

Tasting - Velvet Crush

Name: Velvet Crush
Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Petite Sirah
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95

Shop Review: Velvety smooth texture just like its name. Soft tannins and lush dark fruit character. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah bring backbone and character, while the Merlot balances out the blend for a soft, smooth texture.

My Review: This deep red wine certainly lives up to its name. Sweet cranberries and plums fill the nose. It's easy to drink with hints of chocolate doming through.

Tasting - Grand Cru

Name: Grand Cru
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: California
Country: United States
Year: 2013
Price: $6.95

Shop Review: This ruby-colored wine has aromas of raspberry, cherry and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of cherry and plum lead to a soft velvety finish. This wine can be enjoyed by itself. It is also an excellent accompaniment with Brie, goat cheese and smoked salmon. Lamb shanks and pork tenderloin are a favorite main dishes to pair with this wine.

My Review: This beautiful ruby rose colored wine carries smells of plums and cherries to the nose. The taste however, was not as pleasant. Plum flavors barely peek through the heavy tannins that are overwhelming. 

Tasting - Prime Brume Garganega

Name: Prime Brume Garganega
Variety: Garganega
Region: Soave
Country: Italy
Year: 2014
Price: $11

Shop Review: Pale color. Fruity, floral minerally inviting aromas of passion fruit, white grapefruit, spice poached pear, and papaya with a lean, racy, bone-dry medium body and a smooth, complex, long lemon, passion fruit, raw hazelnut, and wet stones finish with no tannins and light oak. From the tantalizing nose full of exotic fruit, citrus and minerality thru to the long, crisp finish, this soave can seamlessly go from cocktail hour thru to vibrantly flavored dishes. - 91- Tastings.com

My Review: The yellow is pale on this white wine that it is verging on clear. The smell is similar to that of a sugary apple. The apple carries over into the taste combining with a fresh honeysuckle flavor.

Tasting - Quintas Melgaco Blue

Name: Quintas Melgaco Blue
Variety: Vinho Verde
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Shop Review: Refreshingly crisp white wine from Portugal--Vinho Verde is soft, light and refreshing, and is an uncompromising and ideal wine for everyday pleasure. Its bright color and pineapple aromas are followed by citrus notes. The palate is clean and fresh. Vinho Verde is an excellent accompaniment to fish and shell fish, white meats and salads.

My Review: This pale yellow wine hits the nose with hints of pears and florals. The taste is okay and is rather dry with intense tannins that linger on.