1. Fork and Cork Wine Festival

Kiss the Devil (Peaks of Otter Winery)

Year 2013

Blended Wine 

United States

Bedford, VA

Price: $15.00

Winery Review: A hot pepper wine that is better for basting than tasting. 

My Review: This wine is extremely hot and spicy. It's made for cooking but a taste was overwhelmingly peppery. Very fun to taste though! 

Johnson Mountain White (Savoy-Lee Winery)

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Rkastitellie and Chardonnay)

United States

Huddleston, VA

Price: $19.00

Winery Review: Has the mature body and feel of nice Chardonnay but the fun sprite acid of a Sauvignon Blanc.

My Review: This wine has a heavy body for a white wine and you can taste the oaky-ness from the Chardonnay but it is very fresh and crisp like a Sauvignon Blance. It has hints of fresh fruit including apple and pear. It was so delicious, we bought a bottle of it!

Cabernet Franc Rose (Savoy-Lee Winery)

Year 2013

Varietal Wine

United States

Huddleston, VA

Price: $17.00

Winery Review: A true Burgundian Rose, a light fruity red wine with soft tannin no oak aging makes this the perfect sipper chilled or not with a touch of Chardonnay added to soften the tannin.

My Review: This Rose is very sweet with fruity hints of cherry. It has a medium body and lasting raspberry finish. Overall, a little too sweet for me but definitely a delicious Rose. 

Johnson Mountain Red (Savoy-Lee Winery)

Year 2007

Blended Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc)

United States

Huddleston, VA

Price: $16.00

Winery Review: A wonderful fruity, light red wine! It is terrific chilled and served with light fare on a hot day. Used in the Sangria.

My Review: I can see why this wine is used for Sangria with rich flavors of cherry and strawberry. It has a medium body with a slight hint of orange. Very delicious and even better in the Sangria!

Chardonnay (Fincastle Winery)

Year 2013

Varietal Wine (Chardonnay)

United States

Fincastle, VA

Price: $16.00

Winery Review: Dry, aged 6 months in American oak, buttery toast and caramel up front

My Review: Delicious warm and buttery Chardonnay. It has a medium body and creamy finish. The oak is certainly present but doesn't overwhelm the wine. There is a hint of caramel but I taste a stronger flavor of vanilla. 

Hybrid Vigor (Fincastle Winery)

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Chardonnel, Vidal Blanc, and Traminette)

United States

Fincastle, VA

Price: $18.00

Winery Review: Semi-sweet white with a citrus finish. Bold tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango.

My Review: This white wine is sweet but not overwhelmingly sweet. The sweet flavors of tropical fruit such as mango balance out the intense sour citrus flavors. I really enjoyed this wine especially the lasting pear finish that rounds out all of the different fruit flavors.

Traminette (Fincastle Winery)

Year 2013

Varietal Wine (Traminette)

United States

Fincastle, VA

Price: $16.00

Winery Review: Sweet white with intense floral aromas of honeysuckle, violets, and roses.

My Review: This wine is extremely sweet with an intense richness. It's too sweet for me but the floral aromas help to balance out the extreme sweetness that comes from the honey and vanilla flavors. The sweeter flavors overpower the finish and the lasting taste is of warm sugary vanilla.

Before I went to find some food to pair with my Sangria, I ran into Professor Boyer who recommended Pork BBQ to pair with such a sweet wine.

Sangria (Fincastle, VA)

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Rose and Traminette)

United States

Fincastle, VA

Price: $25.00 for Pitcher

Winery Review: Made with Rose, Traminette, and fresh Strawberries.

My Review: The Sangria is very sweet with hints of floral coming from Traminette and overwhelmingly fruity flavors from the Rose. Ultimately it was a delicious, sweet summer drink!

Food Pairing: Pork BBQ Sandwich (Bull and Bones Restaurant)

I put a spicy BBQ on my pork sandwich to see how it would balance out with the sweet Sangria. The spicy BBQ brought out the fruity flavors but somewhat hid the floral aromas that were originally present in the wine. The Sangria made the spices of the BBQ pop and the meatiness of the pork very present. Overall, a great pair and perfect for a warm summer day cookout!

Unfortunately, I didn't really find a wine that has the grassy, floral aromas and flavors that I really love in a wine but I'll admit some of the fruitier wines really got me. I would have to say my favorite wine from the day was the 2012 Chardonnay from Stanburn Winery. It was the perfect combination of sweet from tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple and creaminess of peach and vanilla flavors. It was a very delicious wine and was a great finish to a great day!

Attimo Winery Visit

(Christiansburg, VA)

I Do

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Traminette/Petit mensang)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $17.00

Winery Review: Semi-sweet wine, tropical fruit flavors and floral aromas.

My Review: This wine has a strong pear nose with a great mango taste. It's very bubbly yet light in the body. It has a lasting pineapple finish.

Just Kissed Blush

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Raspberry/Vidal)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $16.00

Winery Review: Semi-sweet blush, fruity, distinct berry flavors. A great wine to use for Sangria

My Review: This blush wine has a very floral nose and tastes very much like rose pedals. It's very sweet and has an intense berry flavor.

After Midnight

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Merlot/Blackberry/Zinfadel)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $17.00

Winery Review: Semi-sweet red, fruity flavors, velvety texture

My Review: The nose on this wine has a very strong blackberry smell. But there's much more of a chocolate taste. It has a light body for a red wine and a little heat on the finish. 

Sweet Berry Sunset

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Raspberry/Red Blend)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $15.50

Winery Review: Sweet red intense berry and fruity flavors. Dessert Wine

My Review: This wine has an extremely floral nose especially of rose pedals. It has medium body for a dessert wine and a lasting finish. 

Sudden Downpour

Year 2013

Blended Wine (Apple/White)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $15.50

Winery Review: Sweet, apple wine with bourbon notes and earthy tones

My Review: There's a strong cinnamon and apple nose on this wine. It tastes very much like apple juice and is very crisp for a dessert wine.

Aviator

Year 2013

Reserve Varietal Wine (Cabernet Franc)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $25.00

Winery Review: Dry red wine with strong hints of mocha.

My Review: This wine has a strong berry nose. It has a mocha taste with hints of chocolate with medium body but has a very, quick finish. 

 

Blaze

Year 2013

Reserve Blended Wine (Vidal Blanc/Traminette)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $22.00

Winery Review: Dry, noble white wine with strong orange flavors

My Review: The nose has a mixture of tropical fruit with a burning scent. It has a very fiery taste from the pepper. The wine gives off a great glow with a light body and high tannins.

Wine and Cheese Night!

 

For our wine and cheese night we enjoyed seven different cheeses (Gouda, Vermont Cheddar, Brie with Pepper, Colby Jack, Goat, Parmesan, and Onion and Chive with three wines (Reisling, Pinot Noir, and a Malbec)

Fish Eye Riesling

Year 2011

Varietal Wine

South Eastern Australia

Chile

Price: $12.00

Winery Review: Fresh picked apricots with floral aromas.

My Review: Fruity nose with hints of floral. Pear and apple flavors.

Cheeses: The Chive and Onion was a good pairing, the fruitiness of the Riesling balanced out the very strong onion flavor of the cheese. The Goat Cheese brought out the acidity in the Riesling. While the Brie cheese was a little too light to pair with this wine, the combination didn't make much flavor in either the wine or the cheese. The wine really calms down the Vermont Cheddar making it slightly milder. The Riesling is definitely best paired with the Goat cheese.

 

The Little Penguin Pinot Noir

Year 2011

Varietal Wine

Australia

Price: $8.00

Winery Review: Medium body red with no edges, pleasant, ripe fruit flavors abound.

My Review: It is very musty and earthy with hints of bark, but balanced out with black cherry flavors and a touch of pepper.

Cheeses: The flavors of the wine are very strong with the Chive and Onion cheese. With the Colby Jack cheese the wine is less dry and the cheese's creaminess is really brought out. Definitely brings out the goat cheese flavor. The Parmesan is too dry to be paired with the wine while the Brie's creaminess helps enhance the wine's very light fruitiness. The Vermont Cheddar overpowers the wine's flavor but the Gouda is just the right match for this Pinot Noir bringing out all of the wine's distinct flavors including the cherries and peppers. 

Alamos Malbec

Varietal Wine

Year 2012

South America

Argentina

Price: $12.00

Winery Review: Marries rich fruit flavors with dark, earthy notes

My Review: Cherry nose with a hint of citrus. This wine has a strong blackberry taste and very dry mouthfeel.

Cheeses: This wine really brings out the Gouda's delicious flavors. It really compliments the Onion and Chive cheese, however the cheese makes the wine slightly more bitter. The onion doesn't overpower the fruit flavors in this wine. Somehow, despite it being so dry, this wine makes the Goat cheese even creamier. The pepper in the Brie cheese becomes very prominent paired with the wine. Just like the previous wine, it is just too dry to be paired with a dry cheese like Parmesan. On the other hand, the Colby Jack is a great pair with this wine bring out the earthy notes in the wine while keeping its amazing creaminess and flavor.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Sauvignon Blanc

Year 2012

Varietal Wine

South America

Chile

Price: $12.00

Winery Review: Crisp and intense Sauvignon Blanc with refreshing citrus aromas, white peaches, lychees, and a palate of green apple balanced by a crispy, dry finish

My Review: This Sauvignon Blanc has a strong nose with an apple aroma. I can certainly taste the sweet peaches with our balanced out with a semi-high level of acidity. This wine has a very light body. It is crispy and delicious with a dry, lasting finish.

Thorny Rose Chardonnay

Year 2010

Varietal Wine

United States

Columbia Valley, Washington State

Price: $16.00

Winery Review: This Chardonnay is smooth, crisp, and easy-going with flavors of ripe fruit and fresh apple. It is certainly meant for sharing, an everyday wine.

My Review: This Chardonnay has a grassy nose with a hint of vanilla. It is very smokey and oaky but still has a fairly light body. This wine is balanced out with flavors of tree-ripened fruit and finishes lightly with a smokey aftertaste. 

Spring Wines

Francis Ford Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio

Year 2010

Varietal Wine

United States

California

Price: $13.00

Winery Review: A simple, everyday white wine.

My Review: This Pinot Grigio has a very fruity nose with a hint of warm vanilla. It has a strong apple taste with little acidity and pear note. It is a very refreshing and crisp white wine with a light to medium body.

Arrow Creek Pinot Grigio

Year 2012

Varietal Wine

United States

California

Price: $10.00

Winery Review: This finely crafted Pinot Grigio displays a crisp and refreshing acidity balanced by rich and concentrated aromas of tree-ripened pears and subtle nuances of tropical fruit. The finish is long and the flavors of the wine linger long after the last sip. In true California style enjoy this wine with spicy Thai spring rolls or barbecued shrimp.

My Review: This Pinot Grigio has a floral nose with hints of tropical fruity and perfume. The floral nose continues into the taste pairing nicely with pineapple and mango flavors. It is slightly acidic with a medium body. It has a creamy and lasting finish.

Apothic Wine

Year 2012

Blended Wine

United States

California

Price: $12.00

Winery Review: The Apothic White is a luscious blend of smooth Chardonnay, vibrant Pinot Grigio, and Aromatic Riesling, which creates layers of tropical fruit implemented by hints of honey and vanilla. 

My Review: This white blend has a strong nose with hints of peach, pear, and vanilla. It is creamy with vanilla and orange flavors making it similar to a creamsicle. Although it is smooth, the vanilla overpowers the peach and pear flavors. There isn't a balance in this wine.

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay

Year 2012

Varietal Wine

United States

California

Price: $12.00

Winery Review: The warmth of vanilla and brown spice aromas in this classic Sonoma County Chardonnay are lightened with notes of creamy lemon and sweet pear. A palate of soft fruit, including apple and pineapple flavors and notes of toasted hazelnut, finish with a bright acidity, taking the rich mouthfeel to a long, satisfying finish. 

My Review: This Chardonnay is very light and crisp. It's fairly sweet from the vanilla flavors but there is a nice pear flavor balancing it out. It has a nice acidity level and a very lasting finish. 

Simply Naked Unoaked Sauvignon Blance

Year 2011

Varietal Wine

Australia

New Zealand

Price: $9.00

Winery Review: A juicy and and refreshing wine with flavors of jasmine, tangerine, and lime and a burst of grapefruit and pineapple on the finish.

My Review: Delicious Sauvignon Blanc with a strong lime flavor balanced out by hints of floral. It is light and refreshing, certainly a strong pineapple taste on the finish that is lasting!

Fun F 5 Riesling

Year 2013

Varietal Wine

Western Europe

Germany

Price: $8.00

Winery Review: It's light, fruity, and well-balanced with a fresh, clean finish. With an easy-to-open screw top, Funf Riesling is an everyday wine for wine lovers and casual fans alike.

My Review: Nice sweet and refreshing white wine. There are hints of apple and mango and a nice pear flavor on the finish. 

Atiimo Winery Yesterday's Song Chardonnay

Year 2012

Varietal Wine

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $16.00

Winery Review: This delicate Virginia Chardonnay reminds you of the vivid moments of old times. This Chardonnay is mellow with a soft bouquet of honey, vanilla, and tart green apple.

My Review: This Chardonnay has a strong, fruity nose. It's dry and very acidic. Heavier in body for a white wine but has a lasting and refreshing finish where I can taste the honey and vanilla flavors.

Attimo Winery Off the Cuff White Blend

Year 2012

Blended Wine (Chardonnay/Riesling)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $17.00

Winery Review: Not every moment in life is planned. In fact some of the best times are spontaneous and unscripted. This unscripted blend is mellow, slightly sweet, and bright to pear well with a variety of life's unplanned events.

My Review: This white blend is very sweet with both a floral taste and nose. It has a medium body with a creamy finish. They Riesling seems to be more prominent in this blend than the Chardonnay.

Wycliff Sparkling Wine

Year 2013

Blended Wine

United States

California

Price: $7.99

Winery Review: Blend of premium California grapes with a touch of sweetness and a crisp, clean finish.

My Review: I'd say there is more than just a touch of sweetness in this wine. It is very refreshing, light in body. It's quite delicious with a bubbly and lasting finish.

Sterling Chardonnay

Year 2013

Varietal Wine

United States

California

Price: $10.99

Winery Review: Floral and vanilla aromas mingle with lush fruit on the nose. The pineapple and green apple flavors on the palate are enhanced with subtle spicy oak shadings that linger through the soft finish.

My Review: This Chardonnay has a hot cocoa nose but a fruity taste with flavors of tropical fruit particularly pineapple but also a little mango. It's semi-sweet with a light body and dry finish.

Attimo Winery Bull Frog Symphony

Year 2011

Blended Wine (Bordeaux Style)

United States

Southwest Virginia

Price: $17.00

Winery Review: This red blend is dry with a smoky and peppery nose. 

My Review: This red blend has a strong raspberry nose in my opinion. It's somewhat acidic for a red wine. It has a medium body and nice, sweet finish.