Author: mike_f

Taste: Aromas of bramble and red fruits lead to flavors of fresh cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant and plum. Body: Light (can be medium to full) Tannin: Low Acidity: Medium Age: Drink while young and fruity. Other: While most Dornfelder is dry, some are made off-dry (sweet to taste). Description Dornfelder (DORN-fell-der) is a German grape variety developed as recently as…

Taste: Aromas of black and red fruits with vibrant flavors of black cherry and plum, together with bitter almond and hints of licorice. Body: Light to medium Tannin: Medium to high (but soft) Acidity: Low to medium Age: Drink while young and fruity. Description Dolcetto (dol-CHETT-oh) is grown almost exclusively in the Piedmont region in northwest Italy, where it…

Taste: Cherry-scented aroma, with hints of almond and herbs, leads to a dominant sour cherry flavour and a slightly bitter finish, which is very refreshing. Body: Light Tannin: Low Acidity: High Age: Drink while young and fruity. Other: Main component of Bardolino and Valpolicella wines. Description Corvina (kor-VEE-nuh) is an Italian grape variety from the Veneto region in the northeast…

Taste: Amarone, the most typical expression of Corvina (Semi-Dried), is richly textured with complex aromas of dark fruits, leather, tobacco and wood smoke followed by flavors of black cherry, plums, damsons, chocolate and a bitter almond finish. Body: Full Tannin: Medium to high Acidity: Medium to high Age: Amarone is usually released 5 years after the vintage when it…

Taste: Vivid and refreshing with delicate aromas of citrus fruits and roasted almond, followed by flavors of lemon, grapefruit, green apple, melon, pear and white peach, with a mineral edge and occasionally a creamy and nutty texture. Body: Light to medium, but can also be full Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: High Age: Generally drink while young and fresh,…

Taste: Fruit forward and lively with pronounced aromas of red fruits, followed by flavors of strawberry, raspberry, morello cherry and pomegranate, as well as a white pepper spiciness and a savory quality. Cinsault is almost always confined to a supporting role in blends. Body: Light to medium (can be full with low yield / old vines) Tannin:…

Taste: Floral aromas with apple, citrus and tropical fruit flavors of lemon, honeydew melon, quince and pineapple together with a flinty minerality. Body: Medium Dry / Sweet: Medium-dry (sweet to taste). Acidity: High Age: Has great aging potential. Most wines require several years of bottle aging to soften their acidity and add richness and complexity. Description Chenin Blanc (SHEN-in BLAHN)…

Taste: Aroma of flowers, straw, honey and pepper with flavors of apple, lemon, apricot and grapes, accompanied by mineral, nutty and smoky notes. Body: Medium to full Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: High Age: Generally require a few years of bottle age, while the best need a decade to fully mature. Other: Makes an interesting alternative to Sauvignon Blanc (Unoaked). Description…

Taste: Pure and crisp with subtle aromas and flavors ranging from green and citrus fruits in cooler regions (apple, pear and lime), to stone fruits in moderate regions (apricot and peach) and tropical fruits in warmer regions (banana and pineapple), along with well defined mineral notes. Body: Light to medium Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: Medium to high Age: Most…

Taste: Rich and lush texture, with aromas and flavors ranging from citrus and stone fruits, to tropical fruits, depending on the climate of the region. Butter and a creamy / yeasty richness accompany these flavors, as well as toast and vanilla imparted by oak. Body: Full Dry / Sweet: Dry Acidity: Medium Age: Most are best drunk young (especially those…