2 May 2014 2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

May 2, 2014 By

2012 Banrock Station ChardonnayThe wine is straw yellow is like summer in a glass. The bright aromas of peach and tropical fruit carry over to the creamy palate which has just a hint of oak and a nice, bright, finish.

This is a food-friendly wine that is also nice as a summer sipper on a warm afternoon on the patio. For the price point, it would be affordable to grab a case and serve it all summer long.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken, bagels and lox brunch.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Riverland, South Australia

Price: $7

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
6 February 2014 Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

February 6, 2014 By

South Hemisphere WinesLast night, I participated in a #WineChat event on Twitter. The featured wines were from the southern hemisphere, specifically New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The three white wines were described as “Summer Sippers”.

I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the story is:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to share the wine and experience with you (or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer if you prefer).
  • Sip and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other tasters around the world using the designated hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Here are my tasting notes from the three featured wines – Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Graffigna Pinot Grigio from Argentina and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Riesling from Australia:

2012 Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio

Light in color with a hint of green. This is a light, easy drinking, sipping wine with a floral nose and a bright, fresh citrus palate. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed tropical fruit flavors that I enjoyed.

Pairings: Delicate fish, seafood, served as an aperitif

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Tulum Valley, Argentina

Price: $11

2013 Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc

For fans of cool label marketing, this is a winner. The bottle is just so pretty. This is the ultimate light wine, nearly clear in color in the bottle. There are light lemony and grassy aromas and ripe Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zippy, zesty citrus note. At 88 calories per pour at 9% alcohol – bridal shower-ready wine.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon blanc

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Price: $15

2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

Pale greenish in the glass with a citrusy, light caramel nose. Big fruit, little jammy plum, nice minerality with a little oak. This isn’t your buttery oak bomb. I tend to like this lightly oaked style. Could be interesting with some cellaring.

Pairings: Spicy dishes (Thai, Indian, Mexican), pork  

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Adelaide Hills, Australia

Price: $15

These three bottles were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Argentina, Australia, Chardonnay, Food & Wine Events, New Zealand, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
18 June 2013 Super Value and Taste for Summer from Banrock Station Moscato

Super Value and Taste for Summer from Banrock Station Moscato

June 18, 2013 By

Banrock Pink MoscatoLast weekend, I hosted my 4th Annual Food and Wine Chickie Lobsterfest and was really pleased with the two wines I poured for an aperitif. Both were sipped along a variety of foods ranging from light to very rich and stood up nicely.

2012 Banrock Station Pink Moscato ($8), delicate pink in the glass with refreshing, lightly floral flavors. The small amount of fizziness and nice level of acidity balance out most of the sweetness.

2012 Banrock Station Moscato ($8), lightly citrusy on the nose, tropical fruit flavors and bright and refreshing finish.

Banrock MoscatoThese wines from Australia’s McLaren Vale region are affordable, approachable and delicious.

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Australia, Muscat, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,