Fork and Cork

Figure 1:  My friends and I at Fork and Cork on Saturday, May 3rd.  I am the second female on the left side.


Ramulose Ridge Vineyards:

Name:  Chardonel
Variety:  Chardonnay & Seyval Blanc
Region:  Moneta, Virginia
Year:  2012
Price:  $14
Winery Review:  a hybrid variety of Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc.
My Review:  This wine was a light yellow color in the wine glass.  It smelled fruity of pears and white grapes.  This was a nice light and crisp wine on the palate.  It had some apple and pear flavors and did not have the oaky and butter flavors of many Chardonnays.

Name:  Sweetwater
Variety:  Traminette
Region:  Moneta, Virginia
Year:  2012
Price:  $12
Winery Review:  our luscious Traminettte perfectly sweetened.
My Review:  This cloudy yellow wine was very interesting.  This wine smelled like ocean water with salt and lemon scents.  It had a more muted bath water flavor.  It had a full-body on the palate.  This wine was not my favorite.  It was very sweet but the flavors seemed off.  It may have been because this wine was served a little warmer than it should have been.

Name:  Cabernet Franc
Variety:  Cabernet Franc
Region:  Moneta, Virginia
Year:  2012
Price:  $18
Winery Review:  blackberry flavors will overwhelm your pallet with a hint of oak.
My Review:  This deep red wine smelled like oak on the nose.  It was a full-bodied, dry Cabernet Franc.  It had distinct pepper and blackberry notes.  This wine seemed very similar to a Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich oak and berry flavors.  This wine was a little too tannic for my tastes.

Fincastle Vineyard and Winery

Name:  Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon
Region:  Fincastle, Virginia
Year:  2012
Price:  $14
Winery Review:  Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a full bodied dry red aged 2 years in American oak, with cherry and black currant notes.
My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a dark red color.  It smelled of oak and minerals.  On the palate this was a medium-bodied, dry wine.  This Cabernet Sauvignon tasted like oak, blackberries, currant, and a acidic finish.  This was a decent Cabernet Sauvignon.


Name:  Rose
Variety:  Chambourcin & Vidal Blanc
Region:  Fincastle, Virginia
Year:  2012
Price:  $13
Winery Review:  Refreshing, semi-sweet blend of Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc crafted for well-balanced acidity with cherry and strawberry notes.
My Review:  This wine was a deep pink color in the wine glass.  It had distinct strawberry smells.  On the palate this wine was light and mouth-watering.  The main taste I received from this wine was that of strawberries.  This wine was good but a little too sweet to drink more than one glass at a time.

Name:  Hybrid Vigor
Variety:  Chardonnel, Vidal Blanc, and Traminette
Region:  Fincastle, Virginia
Year:  2012
Price:  $13
Winery Review:  A semi-sweet white wine with a citrus finish blended from French-American hybrids Chardonnel, Vidal Blanc & Traminette. You will notice bold tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and mango.
My Review:  This blend was a light yellow in the wine glass.  It had very floral and citrus smells.  On the palate this wine was very light and crisp.  This wine had flavors of peach and mango.  This was an extremely pleasant wine.  It was not too sweet and perfect for the warm afternoon.  My friends and I bought a bottle and sipped on it throughout the day.

My roommate and I drinking our bottle of Fincastle's Hybrid Vigor.  I am on the right.

Notaviva Vineyards

Name:  Gitano Blackberry
Variety:  83% Chambourcin, 17% Blackberry Wine, 5% Residual Sugar
Region:  Loudoun County, Virginia
Year:  2011
Price:  $19
Winery Review:  Exotic and sweet, our "Gitano" Chambourcin after dinner wine pays homage to the music of the nomadic Romani people. Let the distinct sounds of the phrygian dominant mode fill your ears as the scents of wildflowers, spice and black cherries leap from the glass. Best paired with starry nights, bonfires and fast Gypsy music.
My Review:  This wine had a purple tint in the wine glass.  It smelled very sweet of blackberries and cherries.  It was a fuller, sweet wine on the palate.  This wine tasted mostly of blackberries and was very sweet.  This was meant to be more of a dessert wine.


Food and Wine Pairing

Name:  Celtico Chambourcin
Variety:  100% Chambourcin
Region:  Loudoun County, Virginia
Year:  2011
Price:  $17
Winery Review:  The bad boy of the family, our Celtico Chambourcin is looking for a good time at a Gaelic football game. With your sister. Slainte Mhath! Best paired with Celtic rock.  Goes well with anything on the grill, our personal favorite is brats over real mesquite charcoal.
My Review:  This wine was a deep red color in the wine glass.  This wine had a mineral and wood smell.  It tasted of black cherries with a mineral finish.  This was a drier wine with a heavier mouth-feel.

Food:  Bull and Bones BBQ Sandwiches
The Celtico wine was originally very dry with mineral flavors.  However, the Barbecue sauce in the pulled pork sandwiches brought out a sweetness to the wine that was not there before.  The pulled pork had a peppery flavor that brought out some of the pepper and wood notes in the wine. Overall, this wine was meant to be consumed with a red meat but the pulled pork was a cheaper alternative that worked out nicely.

Favorite Wine

Name:  Verano White Wine
Variety:  50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Traminette - fermented in French Oak barrels - 1% residual sugar 
Region:  Loudoun County, Virginia
Year:  2011
Price:  $22
Winery Review:  Summer - the season of warm lazy days, outdoor evening concerts, midnight cares and stargazing with that special someone. Pour yourself a glass of sunshine, our delicately sweet Vidal Blanc. Fermented in French oak for a silky mouthfeel, the lightly floral bouquet is reminiscent of a secluded Virginia meadow. Best paired with romantic orchestral film scores and beautiful summer sunsets.
My Review:  This wine was perfect for the Fork and Cork event.  It was a light yellow color in the wine glass.  It had floral smells and tasted of citrus and apple.  It was a sweet, light wine on the palate.  It was a great wine to walk around with on a warm spring day.  The weather definitely impacted my preferences for the day.  I much preferred the light, cool white wines of the day because they paired better with the afternoon.

Tasting - Rosemount Moscato

Name:  Rosemount Moscato
Variety:  Muscat
Region:  South Eastern
Country:  Australia
Year:  2012
Price:  $3.95

Winery Review:  Clear, medium-lemon yellow in appearance; lovely citrus and honeysuckle aromas with lemon, honeysuckle, apple and ripe yellow plum flavours.  Serve chilled with angel food cake or fresh fruit and mild cheeses.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was bright yellow.  It smelled very floral and citrusy.  On the palate this was a very light and crisp wine.  This Moscato tasted like lemons and honey.  This would be a great beverage in the summer time.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel

Name:  Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel
Variety:  Zinfandel
Region:  Lodi
Country:  USA
Year:  2011
Price:  $7.95

Winery Review:  Grown in vineyards that are over 45 years old, this medium-bodied Zin has exceptional varietal character with lovely aromas of dark fruit and blackberry. Subtle pepper spice mingles with richly concentrated fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plums and fresh red raspberries. Barrel aging created its smooth, silky finish and unprecedented depth.  A wonderful wine pairing for variety of dishes. Any type of meat - whether its pork, beef or game - is ideal with this wine. Cioppino is another amazing complement or try it with tomato-based pastas, hearty stews or a plate of strong, aged cheeses.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a red and purple color.  It hit me with very dark fruity smells.  On the palate this wine had a heavier mouth-feel. It had fruity flavors of blackberries and grapes.  This was a decent wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico

Name:  Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico
Variety:  Gaglioppo
Region:  Calabria
Country:  Italy
Price:  $3.95

Winery Review:  Don’t let the pale garnet color fool you:  this is a substantial wine.  Aromas of red fruits and spice complement undertones of cranberries, wild berries, and plums.  On the palate, ripe tannins and good body make for an incredibly rich, yet easygoing red wine.  Pair this wine with sausage, spicy curry sauces, hot soppressata, and tandoori chicken.

My Review:  This wine was a deep red color in the wine glass.  It smells like raspberries and spices. On the palate this wine was mouth-filling and medium-bodied. This wine had definite spice flavors and the tannins were highly noticeable.  This wine was a little too acidic for my tastes.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Angove Viognier

Name:  Angove Nine Vines
Variety:  Viognier
Region:  South
Country:  Australia
Price:  $5.95

Winery Review:  Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.  Angove Nine Vines Viognier is perfect for today's relaxed life-style and is the ideal accompaniment to grilled prawns with chilli and garlic or roast pork.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a dull yellow color.  This wine smells like sweet honeysuckle.  On the palate this wine was light with good texture.  It had distinct flavors of peach and honey.  This was a decent wine that might pair well with grilled or roasted chicken.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Yealands Sauvignon Blanc

Name:  Yealands Seaview Vineyard
Variety:  100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region:  Marlborough
Country: New Zealand
Year:  2008
Price:  $7.95

Winery Review:  This aromatic wine shows lifted flavours of blackcurrant with underlying notes of wet stone and thyme. The palate is elegant yet full with sufficient weight and texture, balanced by a flinty minerality. This wine is a fantastic match with foods such as cheese salad, poultry dishes and a wide range of seafood dishes including freshly shucked natural oysters, prawns, green lip mussels and creamy scallops.

My Review:  In the glass this wine was a yellow color.  It smelled of grass and citrus.  On the palate this wine was very light and crisp with a good texture.  This Sauvignon Blanc had tastes of pear and grapefruit, with mineral flavors on the finish.  I thought this was a very light enjoyable wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Heinz Eifel Shine Riesling

Name:  Heinz Eifel Shine
Variety:  Riesling
Region:  Rhine
Country:  Germany
Year:  2012
Price:  $9.95

Winery Review:  This drier-styled Riesling is bright,
fruity and floral with crisp acidity and
clean flavors of apple, pear and peach
that compliment its stony minerality
and earthy complexity. It serves well as
an aperitif and matches a wide variety
of foods, like lighter salad dishes,
shellfish, cream sauces and also
anything with a touch of spice.

My Review:  In the wine glass this Riesling was yellow.  It had a strong smell of lemon and grass.  On the palate it was very light and refreshing.  It tasted of lemons and pears. I enjoyed this Riesling, especially because it wasn't extremely sweet.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Atlas Cumbres Cabernet Sauvignon

Name:  Atlas Cumbres
Variety:  Cabernet Sauvignon
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2010
Price:  $6.95

Winery Review:  Intense red color with violet highlights,
with clean, fresh and complex aromas
of berries, plums, figs and pepper.
Strong personality is in perfect balance
with a medium body and pleasant
tannins. Ideal for: red meats, cheeses
and strong sauces.

 My Review:  In the wine glass this wine was a red/brown color.  It had a very strong smell of oak.  On the palate this wine was very dry and acidic with a medium mouth-feel.  This wine had flavors of oak and leather.  A good Cabernet to eat with red meat.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Georges DuBoeuf Beaujolais Nouveau

Name:  Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
Variety: Gamay
Country:  France
Year:  2013
Price:  $3.95

Winery Review:  Balanced and lightly creamy, offering
pretty flavors of plum sauce and
raspberry coulis threaded with hints of
ground spice. Elegant, with a floral
finish. Drink now.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine is a lighter red color.  It smells like flowers and raspberries.  On the palate it was dry but light on the mouth-feel.  It tasted of cherries and was creamy in texture.  This was a decent red wine that is extremely cheap.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Bricco dei Tati Rose

Name:  Bricco dei Tati Rose
Variety:  100% Barbera
Region:  Piedmont
Country:  Italy
Year:  2012
Price:  $7.95

Winery Review:  Fresh with aromas of strawberries,
cherries and rose petals. This is ideal
with shellfish, salads, chicken, and with
appetizers.

My Review:  In the wine glass this Rose is a bright pink color. This wine smells of fresh strawberries and flowers.  On the palate this wine is very light, sweet, and mouth-watering.  This Rose was more of a one dimensional wine because I was only getting strawberries in the flavor.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Frascati Volpetti

Name:  Frascati Volpetti
Variety:  50% Malvasia, 40% Trebbiano, 10% Greco
Region:  Frascati
Country:  Italy
Year:  2012
Price:  $7.95

Winery Review:  Straw yellow in color with a soft,
delicate perfume, fruitful flavor, dry
and harmonious taste. Perfect with
appetizers, soups, fish.

My Review:  In the wine glass this wine is a light yellow color.  It smells of citrus and lemons and was light and acidic on the palate.  This wine tastes like honey and lemon and would be a great choice for a summer wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Toso Moscato

Name:  Toso Moscato
Variety:  Moscato
Region:  Piedmont
Country:  Italy
Year:  2008
Price:  $9.95

Winery Review:  This Moscato is reminiscent of honeysuckle and rose petal. The quality is equivalent to a top level Asti Spumante DOCG.
Sweet sparkling wine obtained from a careful selection of the Moscato grapes. It has a pale straw yellow color with fine foam and bubbles. Tropical fruit flavors, refreshing.
Excellent to match desserts, fruit and dried pastries
My Review:  In the wine glass, this wine is a sparkling yellow in color.  It smells of sweet white grapes and flowers.  This Moscato was very nice.  It was sweet but not too sweet and very light on the palate.  It tasted of raspberries and white grapes.  This would be a great appetizer or dessert wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - James Goddard Shiraz

Name:  James Goddard Shiraz
Variety:  Shiraz
Region:  Barossa Valley
Country:  Australia
Year:  2011
Price:  $18

Winery Review:  Ripe and rich, this is dense with flavor but transparent in texture. A Shiraz of power and elegance as it plays out its cherry, black tea and spice flavors. Approachable now, but this has miles to go as it develops. Drink now through 2020.

My Review:  In the wine glass, this wine is a deep violet with a brown tint.  On the nose it smells of wood and plums.  This is a drier wine but it isn't too dry and it has a medium mouth-feel.  This Shiraz tastes of chocolate and plums. This was a good Shiraz.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - El Sierro

Name:  El Sierro
Variety:  Cabernet - Tempranillo
Region:  Valencia
Country:  Spain
Year:  2011
Price:  $7.95

Winery Review:  Dark ruby in color with rich aromas of red fruit and light spices. It is a real knock-out with delicious flavors of dark cherries, blackberries and vanilla all perfectly integrated. The Tempranillo provides wonderful spice and fruit, while the Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and depth with the beautiful use of oak.

My Review:  In the wine glass, this wine is a violet color.  The wine smells like oak and vanilla.  This wine was dry with and medium mouth-feel and acidic finish.  This wine had prominent flavors of oak and blackberry.  This was a decent blended wine.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Atlas Cumbres Torrontes

Name:  Atlas Cumbres Torrontes
Variety:  100% Torrontes
Region:  Salta
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2010
Price:  $5.95

Winery Review:  Yellow colour with greenish nuances. Very intense aroma of fresh grapes, flower perfume and mature peaches. Fresh in the mouth. Light and easy to drink. Ideal with seafood, Thai and Chinese food.

My Review:  In the wine glass, this wine was a bright golden color.  On the nose it was very floral with smells of honeysuckle.  On the palate it is light and slightly acidic.  This Torrontes had tastes of peaches and honey.  This wine was only semi-sweet and delicious.


I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Avery Quinn Chardonnay

Name:  Avery Quinn Chardonnay
Variety:  Chardonnay
Region:  Napa
Country:  California
Year:  2011
Price:  $6.95

Winery Review:  The 2011 vintage marks a return to form for this great value Chardonnay.  The aromas feature creamy, mellow, golden apple, pineapple, fresh butter and a touch of vanilla.  Then rich, ripe, flavors of yellow pear, pineapple, fresh apple, cream and buttered toast swell up and fill your mouth before a juicy, apple and caramel inflected finish makes your mouth water (and smile!).

My Review:  In the wine glass, this wine was a golden yellow color.  On the nose it has a very buttery and pear smell.  On the palate it was very light and flavorful.  This wine tasted of butter and caramel.  I enjoyed this Chardonnay.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Bellafina Pink Moscato

Name:  Bellafina Pink Moscato
Variety:  Moscato and Rabosos
Region:  Veneto growing region
Country:  Italy
Price:  $9.95

Winery Review:  A blend of Moscato and Rabosos grapes it has a pale rose color, notes of red berries (strawberry and raspberry), with the characteristic and fragrant bouquet and palate that is typical of the Moscato grape.

My Review:  In the wine glass this Moscato is dark pink in color.  It smells like flowers and white grapes.  On the palate this wine was mouth-watering and extremely sweet.  It tasted of honeysuckle.  This would be a good wine choice for an appetizer or a dessert because it is so sweet.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Weinert Carrascal

Name:  Weinert Carrascal
Variety:  40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2008
Price:  $13.95

Winery Review:  Aged for two years in cask, the 2008 Carrascal is a blend of 40% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has a rustic blackberry, scorched earth and leather-scented bouquet with touches of pressed flowers. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, expressive black tarry fruit and a Bordeaux-like finish. Drink now-2016.

My Review:  This wine is a dark reddish-brown color in the wine glass.  It has heavy oak smells.  On the palate it is very dry and acidic with a heavy mouth-feel.  This wine had very interesting flavors of wood and leather.  This is definitely a wine that needs to be paired with food.

I did not drink this wine with food.

Tasting - Santa Julia Malbec

Name:  Santa Julia Malbec
Variety:  100% Malbec
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2012
Price:  $8.95

Winery Review:  The nose is full of mellow raspberry and cherry, while the palate is fleshy and round, with blackberry and a touch of raisin. Plump, not edgy, and ready to drink, with coffee and mocha notes on the finish.

My Review:  In the wine glass this Malbec is a dark red color.  On the nose, this wine smells like raspberries.  On the palate this was was acidic and  semi-dry with a medium mouth-feel.  This wine had oak and prune flavors and was one of the better Malbecs I have tried.

I did not try this wine with food.

Tasting - Gougenheim Torrontes

Name:  Gougenheim Torrontes
Variety:  Torrontes
Region:  Mendoza
Country:  Argentina
Year:  2012
Price:  $9.95

Winery Review:  The 2012 Torrontes comes from Chilecito in La Rioja. It has a light floral nose with touches of lemon peel and nectarine. The palate is crisp and taut, showing far more vivacity and fruit that the nose implied, finishing with a flourish of apricot and white peach. Drink now.
 
My Review:  In the wine glass this wine is yellow.  The Torrontes smells very clean like lemons.  On the palate this wine was very crisp and light and tasted like lemons.  This fruity wine was very good.

I did not drink this wine with food.