Taste Entry - Kourtaki Mavrodaphne of Patra

 

Name: Kourtaki Mavrodaphne of Patra
Variety: Mavrodaphne
Country of Origin: Greece
Region: Patra, Peloponnese
Vintage Year: Not specified
Price: Approximately $12-18

Winery Review: Mavrodaphne of Patra is a sweet, fortified red wine from Greece, known for its rich, raisin-like sweetness and velvety texture. It features notes of dried fruit, caramel, and spices, making it an ideal dessert wine or aperitif. Traditionally, it is aged in oak barrels, which adds complexity and warmth to the profile.

Wine Folly Reference: Mavrodaphne wines typically showcase flavors of dried fig, black raisin, chocolate, and baking spices, with a syrupy texture and medium acidity. The aging process can introduce nutty, caramel, and coffee-like notes, making it a perfect pairing for desserts or strong cheeses.

My Review: Kourtaki Mavrodaphne of Patra is a rich, sweet, and warming wine with deep notes of raisins, dates, and caramel. The aroma is full of dried fruit and spice, and the palate follows through with a luscious, syrupy texture. The oak aging adds a touch of vanilla and nuttiness, making it feel smooth and well-rounded. I enjoyed this wine as a dessert on its own, but it would also pair beautifully with dark chocolate, nuts, or aged cheeses. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy sweet, fortified wines with complexity. Definitely something I’d keep on hand for a cozy night in!

Taste Entry - Château Tour du Cauze Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020

 Name: Château Tour du Cauze Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Variety: 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc

Country of Origin: France

Region: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Vintage Year: 2020

Price: Approximately $30-40

Winery Review: This Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is crafted with a Merlot-dominant blend, offering deep aromas of black cherry, plum, and cassis, with subtle notes of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla from oak aging. The wine is known for its rich texture, balanced acidity, and well-integrated tannins, making it a great choice for cellaring or enjoying now with hearty dishes.

Wine Folly Reference: Bordeaux reds, particularly Right Bank Merlot-driven wines, often feature flavors of dark fruit, cocoa, tobacco, and graphite. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc add structure, spice, and subtle herbal notes. Well-aged examples develop additional complexity with earthy and leather undertones.

My Review: Château Tour du Cauze 2020 is elegant, full-bodied, and beautifully layered. The nose opens with ripe blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, followed by hints of vanilla, spice, and cedar. On the palate, it’s smooth yet structured, with firm but well-integrated tannins and a long, refined finish. The Cabernet Franc adds a touch of earthiness, while the Merlot keeps it lush and velvety. I paired this with a roast beef dish, and the wine’s acidity and tannins perfectly complemented the richness of the meat. This is a fantastic Bordeaux that’s approachable now but has great aging potential—definitely a bottle I’d enjoy again!

Taste Entry - Monte Tondo Soave Classico

 Name: Monte Tondo Soave Classico

Variety: Garganega

Country of Origin: Italy

Region: Soave Classico, Veneto

Vintage Year: Not specified

Price: Approximately $15-20

Winery Review: Monte Tondo’s Soave Classico is a fresh and mineral-driven white wine with aromas of white flowers, citrus, and almond. It’s known for its elegant balance between zesty acidity and delicate fruitiness, making it a versatile wine for pairing with seafood and light dishes.

Wine Folly Reference: Soave, primarily made from Garganega, is known for its flavors of lemon, peach, honeydew, and saline minerality. It often has a crisp, refreshing profile with a slight nutty finish, making it a great pairing for Mediterranean cuisine.

My Review: Monte Tondo Soave Classico is bright, refreshing, and beautifully balanced. The nose carries citrus, green apple, and subtle floral notes, while the palate delivers a crisp minerality with hints of lemon zest and almond. It has a light body but a lingering, slightly nutty finish. This wine paired wonderfully with seafood and would be excellent with a creamy risotto. I enjoyed it chilled, and it’s definitely a wine I’d reach for again for a refreshing and easy-drinking white.

Wine Dinner Blog Report #1

For this month’s wine dinner assignment, I visited Blacksburg Wine Lab, a cozy and inviting spot known for its curated wine flights and locally inspired dishes. I opted for the Radiant Red Flight, which featured three different red wines from around the world, and paired it with a grilled cheese with a side salad as my main dish, along with bread and olive oil as an appetizer.

Wine Flight: Radiant Red Flight ($18)

1. Antucura Malbec ‘22 (Argentina)

   • Tasting Notes: Deep purple in color, this Malbec had bold aromas of blackberry, plum, and cocoa, with a hint of spice. The tannins were smooth, and it had a lingering finish with a touch of vanilla.
   • Food Pairing: The fattiness of the olive oil with the bread softened the tannins, making the wine feel even smoother. The grilled cheese also worked well, as the creamy cheese balanced the wine’s natural acidity.

2. Evaluna Rosso ‘21 (Italy)

   • Tasting Notes: This was a lighter-bodied red, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and earthy spice. The tannins were mild, and it had a bright acidity that made it very refreshing.
   • Food Pairing: This wine was the most food-friendly, cutting through the richness of the grilled cheese and complementing the tangy vinaigrette in the salad. It enhanced the savory flavors without overwhelming them.

3. Glenelly Cabernet Sauvignon ‘21 (Australia)

• Tasting Notes: A full-bodied wine with notes of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, and dark chocolate. It had firm tannins and a bold, structured finish.
• Food Pairing: This wine was the heaviest of the three and slightly overpowered the grilled cheese. However, it paired decently with the salad, as the acidity of the vinaigrette helped balance out the tannins.

Overall, this wine flight was an excellent experience, and the pairing had some standout moments. The Evaluna Rosso was the best match for the meal, as its bright acidity complemented all elements of the dish. The Malbec was enjoyable with the appetizer, and the Cabernet Sauvignon was a bit too bold but still an interesting contrast. This experience reinforced how much food can impact the perception of wine, and I’d definitely return to try different pairings in the future!

Taste Entry - Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele Pinot Grigio

 

Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele Pinot Grigio
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Delle Venezie DOC
Vintage Year: Not specified on label
Price: Approximately $15-20

Winery Review: This Pinot Grigio from the Delle Venezie region in Italy is light, crisp, and refreshing, with notes of citrus and green apple. It has a delicate minerality and a clean, dry finish, making it a great choice for pairing with seafood or light pasta dishes.

Wine Folly Reference: Pinot Grigio is known for its bright acidity, citrus-forward flavors (lemon, lime, and green apple), and subtle mineral notes. Italian Pinot Grigios often have a crisp, dry finish, making them incredibly food-friendly.

My Review: This Pinot Grigio is crisp, light, and well-balanced. The citrus and green apple flavors come through beautifully, complemented by a touch of minerality. It’s refreshing and easy to drink, making it a perfect choice for warm weather or pairing with seafood and light salads. I enjoyed it chilled, and it’s definitely a wine I’d revisit for its clean and refreshing taste!

Taste Entry - Botani Moscatel Old Vines

 

Name: Botani Moscatel Old Vines
Variety: Moscatel (Muscat of Alexandria)
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Sierras de Málaga
Vintage Year: 2022
Price: Approximately $18-25

Winery Review: The Botani Moscatel is produced from old vines in the Sierras de Málaga, bringing out the full aromatic expression of the Muscat grape. It has floral and tropical fruit notes with a balanced acidity, making it both fresh and complex.

Wine Folly Reference: Muscat wines are typically known for their floral aromas, with notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom, and tropical fruits like lychee and peach. The acidity in some styles helps balance the natural sweetness.

My Review: Botani Moscatel Old Vines is highly aromatic, with strong floral and citrus notes. The taste is rich and tropical, with hints of orange blossom, lychee, and a touch of minerality. The acidity keeps it refreshing, making it a great pairing for seafood or spicy dishes. Enjoyed chilled, this wine is vibrant and full of character—one I would definitely drink again!

Taste Entry - Cupcake Vineyards Moscato d'Asti

 Name: Cupcake Vineyards Moscato d'Asti

Variety: Moscato (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains)

Country of Origin: Italy

Region: Asti, Piedmont

Vintage Year: Not specified

Price: Approximately $12-15

Winery Review: This lightly sparkling Moscato d'Asti from Cupcake Vineyards is sweet and refreshing, with flavors of peach, honey, and tropical fruit. The slight effervescence enhances its crispness, making it an enjoyable choice for dessert or casual sipping.

Wine Folly Reference: Moscato d'Asti is known for its delicate sweetness, floral aromas, and flavors of peach, orange blossom, and honey. Its light effervescence adds to its refreshing quality.

My Review: Cupcake Vineyards Moscato d'Asti is light, sweet, and spirited, with bright notes of peach, apricot, and honey. The slight fizz makes it incredibly refreshing, and its lower alcohol content makes it an easy, enjoyable sip. It pairs wonderfully with fruit-based desserts or can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat. I’d definitely reach for this again for a fun, bubbly wine experience!