Tasting-"Bolla Bardolino"

Name: Bolla Bardolino
Variety: Magnum
Year: 2013 
Region: Bardolino 
Country: Italy 
Price: $9.95 

Vintage Cellar Review: Wine Spectator "A blend of 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara this bright ruby red wine has hints of black cherry on the nose.  It is soft and fruit-forward, with black-fruit flavors followed by a bright and fresh finish. Serve it as the Italians do – young and lightly chilled. Pairs perfectly with fleshy fish, beef, lamb, red-sauced pastas and pizza."

My Review: The Barolino was another blended wine with a lovely light red coloring. The smell was quite different than I expected with an aroma of butter and dried cranberries. The taste was dry and oaky mixed with a light bitterness on the finish. I loved the smell of the wine and wish the smell translated to that taste more.  

Tasting-"Berganorio Orvieto"

Name: Berganorio 
Variety: Orvieto Classico 
Year: 2011
Region: Orvieto 
Country: Italy  
Price: $6.95 

Vintage Cellar Review: Wine Spectator "88 – i- winereview

"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."

My Review: The Berganorio had a  light yellow green coloring similar to the appearance of Granny Smith apple. The scent of honeysuckle and light fruit filled the glass. The smell did not translate to taste for me, the wine was very crisp and dry with a tannic taste. I'm in different about this wine, one of the more bland wines that I have had. Maybe paired with the right dish, this wine could flourish. 

Tasting-"Praia Vinho Verde"

Name: Aveleda Praia 
Variety: Vinho Verde 
Year: 2013 
Region: Vinho Verde
Country: Portugal 
Price: $8.95

Vintage Cellar Review: Wine Spectator 92 Wine and Spirits "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."

My Review: The Vinho Verde is a blended wine with an essentially clear color and a hint of yellow. The scent of the wine was mixed with citrus accents such as clementines as well as a sweet melon. The wine had a light body with a sour apple taste at the beginning. I throughly enjoyed the wine as it reminded me of a summer day. Can't wait to buy a bottle of this wine! 

Tasting-"Dona Sol Shiraz, Petite Syrah and Syrah"

Name: Dona Sol 
Variety: Shiraz, Petite Syrah, and Symphony  
Year: NA
Region: NA
Country: California 
Price: $6.95 

Vintage Cellar Review: Wine Spectator "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: The Dona Sol had a dry and acidic smell, not much else...The smell did not translate to the taste. The wine was like eating a spoonful of sugar or honey with a hint of peach and watermelon. The Dona Sol was way too sweet for my taste.

Tasting-"Velvet Crush Merlot, Cabernet Sauvigon, and Petite Sirah"

Name: Velvet Crush
Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvigon, and Petite Sirah 
Year: NA
Region: NA
Country: California 
Price: $6.95 

Vintage Cellar Review: Wine Spectator "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: Velvet Crush had a smoky and leathery scent and was dark red. The name truly depicts the color and reminded me of red velvet cake. The taste of this wine was dry with bitter dark chocolate and cherry. Overall, I thought this wine was enjoyable.