Tasting- Concannon Shiraz

This 2008 Concannon Shiraz is from Central Coast, California, made from Shiraz grape, and priced at $7.95 a bottle. The Vintage Cellar, "This is an extremely rich, full-bodied wine with a dark fruit core. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and dark cherry are followed by more berry fruits and chocolate and mocha on the palate". I liked this wine a lot because of its strong dark berry flavors. it was a well-balanced wine that I look forward to enjoying again.

Tasting- Ksana Bonarda

This 2008 Ksana Bonarda is from Mendoza, Argentina, made from Bonarda grapes, and priced at $9.95 a bottle. The Vintage Cellar said, "The bouquet is floral and lightly jammy, with berry aromas and a savory note or two. To the uninitiated, this is a great introduction to Bonarda. Finishes solid. Very sweet, berry smell with some rooty undertones. Kind of dry, makes your lips pucker". The nose on this wine was thick and full of berry aromas. It was somewhat spicy, very sweet, with splashes of dark berries and a sour finish.

Tasting- Black Ridge White Zinfandel

This Black Ridge White Zinfandel (NV), made in California from Zinfandel grapes, and priced at $3.95 a bottle. The Vintage Cellar said, "The fruit forward White Zinfandel displays fresh aromas and crisp flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It is incredibly food friendly and will pair well with burgers, sandwiches, fruit salad, and more". The nose on this wine was a little spicy and vegetal with some floral and berry characteristics. The wine tasted of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and other dark berries.

Tasting- Chandon Sweet Cuvee

This Chandon Sweet Cuvee (NV) is made in California, a rose blend, and priced at $9.95 a bottle. The Vintage Cellar said, "This wine is an innovative sparkling wine style revealing vibrant stone fruit and floral aromas with rich, luscious mouthfeel. This wine enlivens the senses and sparks spontaneous moments, complementing your passion for a good life". The nose on this wine reminded me of a candle you would light in the middle of winter, with some oaky and wood notes. I liked this sparkling wine a lot because it was not extremely sweet, with the flavor of rich fruits.

Tasting- Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc

This 2010 Wilson Daniels Sauvignon Blanc is from Central Coast, California, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and priced at $7.95 a bottle. The Vintage Cellar said, "Orange blossom and citrus permeate the aromas. Alluring flavors of orange and grapefruit dominate the palate. Bright acidity balances the plush mouthfeel, resulting in a clean finish". I thought that this was a very refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The color was so light yellow it was almost clear. It had a citrusy bite of lemons, grapefruits, and oranges.

Winery Visit- Attimo Winery

My boyfriend, Andrew, was visiting Virginia Tech for the week and we took a short trip to Attimo Winery for the afternoon. The owners, Rik and Melissa Obiso went to Virginia Tech and fell in love with this part of Virginia. They opened up Attimo Winery in the spring of 2011, "Attimo Winery is dedicated to celebrating the every day moments in life". Their website explains that "Attimo" means "In the Moment" in Italian, and that each of their wines are named for special moments and events in life. Since 2007, Attimo has been planting many vines each year and now there are 11,000 vines on their property along with thousands of blackberry and raspberry plants. 

                      

                                 

 The first wine we tried in the tasting was a Chardonnay called “Yesterday’s Song”, priced at $19 a bottle and 12.5% alcohol. “Dry white, crisp, lightly oaked, pear notes”. I thought this Chardonnay was light, fruity, with a pear and green apple taste. It smelt of a pastry shop, had light tannins, buttery, and was oaked for 4 weeks.

The second wine we tried was a Vidal Blanc called “Sonnet 98”, priced at $17 a bottle and 13% alcohol. “Dry white, crisp, floral, hints of fresh greens”. This Vidal Blanc had spring time flavors, was named after Shakespeare’s work, and was given the silver medal at the Governor’s Cup. It was oaky, tart, and fresh, with notes of white and pink flowers. This was my favorite white of the day.

The third wine a Riesling/Chardonnay blend called “Off-the-Cuff”, priced at $16 a bottle, and 12.5% alcohol. “Semi-sweet wine, fruity”. I thought this wine started off dry because of the Riesling, and then ended sweet because of the Chardonnay. It tasted fresh and sweet with hints of grapefruit.

The fourth wine we tried was a reserve wine, Chardonnay called “Masquerade”, priced at $19 a bottle, and 12.5% alcohol. “Dry white, smooth and oaked”. This Chardonnay was oaked for 9 months by accident because when they bottled the “Yesterday’s Song”, some of the barrels were hidden and found 8 months afterward. This was full-bodied, buttery, with a light green apple smell, and rich taste.

The fifth wine we tried was a Vidal/Raspberry called “Just Kissed Blush”, priced at $16 a bottle, and 12.5% alcohol. “Off-dry blush, fruity; distinct berry flavors”. This blush was a pretty light pink color, smelt of raspberries and other dark berries. The taste was overwhelmingly overpowered by raspberries, and extremely sweet like raspberries covered in sugar.

The sixth wine we tried was a Merlot/Zinfandel/Blackberry blend called “After Midnight”, priced at $16 and 12.5% alcohol. “Semi sweet red, fruity flavors; velvety texture”. This wine was very sweet because of the blackberry, but then ends dry. It was a lighter red, with hints of raspberries and other dark berries.

The seventh wine we tried was a blend of six different grapes called “Bull Frog Symphony”, priced at $17 a bottle, 12.5% alcohol. “Dry red blend, peppery, Bordeaux style”. The wine was a light plum color, heavier tannins, with dark berries and plum notes.

The eighth wine we tried was a Cabernet Franc called “Deep Silence”, priced at $18 a bottle, 13.5% alcohol. “Dry red, intense berry flavors and light smoky pepper finish”. I thought this wine was dry, with a peppery aftertaste that overpowered the whole wine, this was one of my least favorite wines of the tasting.

The ninth wine we tried was a Chambourcin called “AD 325”, priced at $16 a bottle, and 13.8% alcohol. “Dry red with bold flavors and cherry undertones”. This wine is called “AD 325” because the wine maker of Attimo Winery learned to make this specific wine in Georgia, and is made Old World style. It was a dark plum color, with a deep plum smell, smooth and velvety, and dark berries notes.

The tenth wine we tried was a Raspberry/red blend called “Sweet Berry Sunset”, priced at $15 a bottle, and 12.5% alcohol. “Sweet red, intense berry and fruity flavors”. I thought this wine tasted great with chocolate, because of how sweet the wine was and it also had chocolate notes within the wine. It was extremely sweet with notes of raspberries and other dark berries.

The eleventh wine we tried was a Cabernet Sauvignon called “Vertex”, priced at $20 a bottle, and 13% alcohol. “Dry red, rich with black currant flavors and French oak notes”. I thought this wine was not very acidic, with dark rich berry notes, a bit peppery, not extremely fruity, and a light raspberry color.

The twelfth and final wine we tried in the tasting was a Tinta madera/Touriga nacional/Souzao called “Seduction”, priced at $26 a bottle, and 18% alcohol. The grapes from this wine are from Portugal and once Attimo Winery received the grapes, they aged the wine with brandy. The brandy overpowers the nose of this wine, it is sickingly sweet, and I could not stand the taste, it was my absolute least favorite of the day.

                      

                                   

 Coming to Attimo Winery was a great end to the week and I cannot wait to visit this winery again.

Tasting- Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres

This Chateau Serres Sainte Lucie Corbieres if from Corbieres, France, made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, priced at $4.95. The Vintage Cellar said, "Superb dark garnet color with a few reflections of dark orange. Intense nose of ripe fruits, spices, and roasted coffee. The palate is rounded and full, with silky matured tannins and hints of vanilla. This wine is rich and powerful with layers of tannins". This wine is a very dark ruby color with a complex nose. The wine tastes fruity and spices with a dry backbone.

Tasting- Ruta 22 Malbec

This Ruta 22 Malbec (NV) is from Patagonia, Argentina, made from Malbec and priced at $7.95 a bottle. The Vintage Cellar said, "Stout and dense from the beginning, with blackberry and violet aromas. Despite being a bold and dark Malbec, this is a fresh and composed, with sweet blackberry and cassis flavors. Good on the finish, with candied fruit and caramel sweetness". This was my favorite wine from the tasting, it tasted and smelt of blackberries, raspberries with a dry finish of dark cherries.

Tasting- Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc

This 2009 Smoking Loon Sauvignon Blanc is from California, made from Sauvignon Blanc, and priced at $7.95 a bottle. The Vintage Cellar said, "This bleached blonde beauty is reminiscent of fresh green apples, pineapple and has hints of hibiscus blossoms. The concentration of zesty lemon and gooseberry fills your mouth leaving notes of thyme and melon behind. The bright acid in this wine gives you a zing while the fruit keeps your mouth watering for more. This wine pairs beautifully with a grilled prawn salad with a grapefruit vinaigrette, veggie spring rolls or grilled tilapia with mango salsa." This was a great refreshing, light and crisp white wine. It had a zing of lemons, with hints of grapefruit, pineapple, mangoes and cantaloupe.

Tasting- Cresta Azul

This Cresta Azul (NV) from Emporda, Spain, priced at $5.95, and made from Moscatel, Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo. The Vintage Cellar said, "Peach, orange cream and vanilla flavors mingle in this softly bubbly white. off-dry, but with crisp acidity and a clean finish". There was not much color to this wine, it had a sweet and almost creamy taste with a crisp aftertaste, and splashes of green grapes and peach.

Tasting- Veleta Tempranillo Rosado

This 2010 Veleta Tempranillo Rosado is from Granada, Spain priced at $3.95, and made from Tempranillo grapes. The Vintage Cellar said, "Fresh in flavor and crisp in texture, this dry rose offers berry, tart cherry and light herbal flavors, with firm acidity and a clean finish. Focused and juicy". This Tempranillo was an interesting dark pink color, smelt of flowers and herbs, and tasted of crisp raspberries and cherries.

Winery Visit- Maison Beliveau Estates

My best friend, Elizabeth was visiting Virginia Tech this past weekend and I wanted to show her some of the prettiest sites that Blacksburg has to offer, so I took her to Maison Beliveau Estates to enjoy some wine and cheese. Beliveau Estates is a beautiful French Country style B&B in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Elizabeth, my roommate Julie and I arrived at Beliveau Estates after the windy drive through the mountains and we began with their wine tasting.

                    

**The first picture is all of the different wines we tried during the tasting. The second picture is of Elizabeth, Julie and I enjoying the tasting.**

The first wine we tried was a white called Afternoon Delight priced at $18 a bottle. "This lightly oaked dry Vidal Blanc has overtones of grapefruit and vanilla. Serving un-chilled presents a well rounded, full palate and a lingering finish. Afternoon Delight is well suited for pairing with seasoned pork, roasted poultry, heavy seafood such as salmon or mussels, peppermint, venison, lamb, and saged sausage. This wine really pulls out any Summer herbs, especially rosemary! Chilled it is a bright yet complex and crisp, refreshing white. Afternoon Delight is great with strong cheeses chilled or unchilled." I thought this wine was very sweet with a splash of smoked vanilla and citrusy lemon with a buttery aftertaste. 

               

 The second wine we tried was my favorite white from Beliveau, called Destiny and priced at $16 a bottle. "This dry, crisp Vidal Blanc is an excellent sipping wine, best served chilled. A two-time Bronze Medal winner, Destiny is perfect on a warm day to quench your thirst and refresh your palate! Also pairs well with poultry, balsamic vinegar, roasted red pepper, goat cheeses, and fruit. Destiny is a very popular picnic white at our Estate on warm Summer afternoons." I liked this wine a lot because it was extremely light and crisp with great citrus overtones. 

The third wine we tried was a white called Lovers Quest, priced at $15 a bottle.  "A semi-sweet Vidal Blanc, Lover's Quest is perfect for those seeking a sweet, but not too sweet white. It pairs well with pork, quiche, pesto, and fresh fruits. The nose is fruit forward with hints of apple and peaches. This wine is a favorite of picnicking guests at Beliveau Estate." I thought this wine was sweeter than the other two, not very dry, and would be a great wine to sit outside and drink during a picnic. It tasted of lighter fruits, a pinch of mango and tart green apples. 

                

The first red wine we tried was Silhouette, priced at $20 a bottle. "Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a cornucopia of light berry flavors topped with a spicy overtone. Medium body with nose to spare and a long finish. This "East Coast style" Cab pairs with steak, veal, and lamb, as well as chicken cordon bleu, pork with cranberry chutney, or your favorite ham & cheese. Strong enough to hold it's own, but delicate enough to not overpower your meal. Silhouette is also wonderful all by itself!" I thought this Cabernet Sauvignon was not like any other typical Cab Sav I had tried from California for example. It was lighter and fresh with a strong berry smell and taste, with a splash of spices. 

The second red we tried was called Rainbow, priced at $24 a bottle. "Rainbow is our "peppery" old-vine Zin. Along with the traditional aspects of Zinfandel, you will find that Rainbow is not too bold and will not overpower your food pairings. It pairs best with beef, lasagna, Italian sausage, stroganoff, red sauces, and burgers! One thing to keep in mind is that Rainbow will strongly enhance "saltiness" and "pepperiness", so it is especially great for folks who are cutting back on their sodium intake!" This Zinfandel was VERY peppery, almost overwhelming. Medium to full bodied, dark ruby in color with a berry aftertaste. 

                  

The third red we tried was called Sunset Sipper, priced at $24 a bottle. "Sunset Sipper is a fabulous, full body experience Zinfandel. From your head to your toes, there is enjoyment to be had from this wine! Sunset has a full nose with ripe dark berries and fig. The palate is complete, covering the whole mouth and throat with rich flavors, velvety texture, and a smooth finish. Even with 16.1 % alcohol, this wine is well balanced due to the presence of 4% residual sugar. It is a "sweet" wine that drinks as if it were dry! Perfect for beef, strong cheeses, tomato sauces, and sitting by the fireplace or watching the sun set." I thought this wine was also too peppery for my palate, yet not as peppery as Rainbow. It was very rich and tasted of blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. 

The fourth red we tried was called A Cappella, priced at $16 a bottle. "A Capella is 100 % Landot Noir, a French-American hybrid known for wonderful fruit-forward arromatics and a rich color. A Capella delivers this with blousy Summer fruits - blueberries, strawberries, and goose berries. Deceptively sweet-smelling, it is a Semi-sweet wine with medium body. While A Capella is a great sipping wine warm or chilled, it pairs well with mushrooms, pork, chicken marsala, blueberry cobbler, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, and vanilla ice cream." This Landot Noir was very dark red in color, had some leftover sediment in the bottle, extremely sweet, not very acidic and tasted more like grape juice than the other reds. 

                  

The fifth red we tried was called Warm Glow, priced at $20 a bottle. Our semi sweet Chambourcin is rich in flavors of plum, dark cherries, almond, and succulent pear. This is velvet to the palate! BRONZE MEDALIST". This was my favorite red of the day along with Summer Rose. It had a soft velvety touch to the tongue, with bold flavors of cherry, plum and chocolate. 

The sixth red we tried was Summer Rose, 50% Chambourcin and 50% Leon Millot, priced at $15. "A sweet wine of blended reds. YUMMY!" It was a light plum color with spices of cinnamon sticks and dark red berries. This was my favorite red wine when I visited Beliveau Estates in October 2012. 

                            

The last wine we tried of the day was Serenity, priced at $19 a bottle. "Serenity, dubbed our "Friendship wine", is famous for it's rich color and distinctive Chambourcin nose. A true after-dinner wine with 5% sugar. Serenity pairs memorably with coffee, chocolate, cobblers, ice creams, or even your favorite cigar! It also makes a fabulous reduction sauce to pour over any fitting desert. Mellow, warm, and not too sweet. Serenity is a head to toe crowd pleaser." This wine was the sweetest of the day (that is why is comes in such a small bottle). It was smooth with some sediment, and tasted really good when you let chocolate melt in your mouth while drinking it. 

After the wine tasting we decided buy two wines; Destiny and Warm Glow, and a cheese and grape plate to eat with it. We walked around Beliveau's grounds while enjoying our wine. It was an amazing environment to relax and catch up. 

  

                   

Then we were given a tour of where/how they produce the wine. 

                     

                           

It was an amazing day at Beliveau Estates and we did not want the day to be over. So we all went downtown to the Cellar for dinner and had a couple of light German beers.