Zeppoli's Wine Tasting

Name: Crucero Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Curico Valley
Country: Chile
Year: 2010
Price: $10.25

Winery review: Sauvignon Blanc is the fabled grape of both Bordeaux Blanc and the Loire Valley (Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume).  This varietal exhibits aromas of musk melon, pine, and grass. The finish is zesty and citrus-like, and goes very well with chicken and seafood.

My review: I thought this was a nice supple white wine. The nose was a lemony, zesty mix. Definitely smooth on the palette emitting very low heat. It went very well with the salad provided. I can definitely see my self drinking this wine to refresh on a hot day.









Name: Picpoul de Pinet
Variety: Picpoul de Pinet
Region: Coteux Du Languedoc
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $8.50

Winery review: alcohol 12.5% - Citrus and exotic fruit dominate this fresh, crisp and lively wine from the South of France.  Well-balanced with good acidity. A perfect match to seafood or shell fish.

My review:  This wine was a little to tart for my taste. I definitely felt some heat coming through which I think overpowered the exotic fruit flavor described above. It tasted much better after eating a crab tart and I agree that this wine is best suited to be paired with seafood.

Name: Manos Negras
Variety: Malbec
Region: San Juan
Country: Argentina
Year: 2009
Price: $12.75

Winery review: Alcohol 13% - The high altitude desert of the Tulum Valley in San Juan, Argentina provides ideal conditions for this once minor Spanish grape to flourish in unique and exciting ways. The warm sunny days and cool mountain nights produce wine of light yellow color, with explosive floral aromas, citrus fruit flavors and a crisp, clean finish.

My review: This was probably my favorite wine of the night.  I definitely smelled those strong floral aromas in the nose.  I tasted a bit of the citrus flavor but definitely more floral flavors.  This one had a crisp zing too it and went very well brie.  

Name: Sombras Del Sol Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Region: Valle Central
Country: Chile
Year: N/A
Price: $6.99

Winery review: Alcohol 13.5% - This refreshing Chardonnay has intense aromas of sweet tropical fruit and notes of vanilla and chestnuts. A blend of freshness and creaminess, the citrus character comes through along with sweet fruit on the palette.

My review: This was a full-bodied wine comprised of salty olive and zesty citrus flavors.  Despite the reletively high alcohol content it was pretty smooth on the palette and allowed for flavors to come through.  This wine went well with the crab tart and salad served at the tasting.

Name: Rinaldi Red Dream
Variety: 100% Malvasia Nera
Region: N/A
Country: N/A
Year: N/A
Price: $12.99

Winery review: Alcohol 7% - The wine is ruby red but not too deep, fruity and pleasant. It's a dessert wine, it is possible to appreciate it at his best if you serve it chilled. This frothy and fruity red wine delivers flavors of honeysuckle and black pepper. Light, fun and exciting; it's great for parties and light fare.

My review: I enjoyed the light fruitiness of this wine. There were definite honey and citrus flavors and it went very well with the chocolate cupcake. There wasn't enough alcohol to justify this as a go to wine, but I did quite enjoy it.