Tasting: Domaine Roger Perrin Cotes du Rhone 2012

Name: Domaine Roger Perrin Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsaut
Region: Cotes du Rhone
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $14.95
Shop review: "Displays deep blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, pepper, and our signature sage spice.  The silky finish lingers from the ripe tannins with a touch of smoky oak." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Domaine Roger Perrin poured a deep purple/red color in the glass.  As I took a sniff, I immediately sensed notes of blackberries, cherries, juicy raspberries, and spices.  This medium-bodied wine gave flavors of pepper and meat on the tongue with hardly-detectable tannins and an easy, smooth finish.  
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Courege Longue Buzet

Name: Courege Longue Buzet
Variety: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Buzet
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $16.95
Shop review: "Old vines on excellent terroirs with sandy-gravel and clay soils, David decided to make his own wines instead of selling his fruit to the coop and focus on terroir-driven, distinct wines of high quality rather than blending his meticulously grown fruit in that grown by others of lesser ambition.  Courege-Longue farms all their fruit under strict organic standards.  For those bemoaning that Bordeaux lost all its sold due to a shift towards an international style and became a poor value, give Courege-Longue's Buzet a try." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Courege Longue Buzet poured a dark red rose in the glass.  Scents of blackberry, pepper, coffee, and mocha stood out on the nose. This wine had notes of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on the tongue with blackberries and spices complimenting its smooth finish.  This wine was well balanced and an enjoyable sip.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Cherry Cove Pinot Noir

Name: Cherry Cove Pinot Noir
Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $17.95
Shop review: "The ruby color of this wine suggests classic Pinot as the nose opens with fresh lavender and plum jam.  Across the palate are vibrant tones, from explosive red cherry on entry to lush strawberry on the lively mid-palate.  Lingering floral tones hang for just a moment and carry through the soft finish." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: The description from Vintage Cellar was the most accurate that I have encountered so far in my experiences with wine tasting.  Cherry Cove Pinot Noir poured a beautiful, rich, ruby red in my glass.  On the nose, I detected hints of cocoa, cherry, and strawberries.  The palate exposed the flavors of cherry and strawberries that I had encountered in my sniffing.  I also detected slight hints of tobacco upon tasting.  The finish on this Pinot Noir was gentle and smooth, with soft tannins on the tongue.   
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc

Name: Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Year: 2012
Price: $11.95
Shop review: "Sauvignon Blanc from France's Loire Valley are wonderfully aromatic and bursting with minerality and freshness.  Thierry Delaunay harnesses these characters magnificently in their Sauvignon Blanc from the Touraine sub-region that borders Vouvray.  Clay and gravelly soils help give this great Sauvignon its zest and complexity." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc poured a clear to light yellow hue in my glass.  Notes of tangerine and grass filled the nose beautifully. On the palate, this wine was medium bodied and dry, with flavors of pears and grass.  It was unlike any Sauvignon Blanc's I have tasted in the past because its minerality truly stood out on the tongue.  I also tasted notes of flowers and honeydew. This was a great, crisp wine.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: gPG Garganega/Pinot Grigio

Name: gPG Garganega/Pinot Grigio
Variety: 80% Garganega, 20% Pinot Grigio
Region: Venezie
Country: Italy
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95
Shop review: "A blend of two of Italy's best white wine grapes: Pinot Grigio and Garanega.  The Grigio brings crisp apple and melon fruit to the party while the Garganega serves up a creamy texture and a hint of toasted nuts.  It's super refreshing, easy to drink, and pretty darn delicious, all at a terrific value price." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: gPG Garganega/Pinot Grigio poured clear into the glass. The nose on this wine was very fresh, with hints of sour melon and granny smith apples.  On the tongue, this dry white wine displayed strong melon notes and was smooth, soft and refreshing upon finish. I enjoyed this wine quite a bit.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Dinner: 622 North (Valentine's Dinner)

This past Valentine's day (technically night since it was for dinner), my boyfriend of three years took me to 622 North to celebrate with food and wine, both which are as close to my heart as he is. The food and wine were excellent and we had a great time.  It was my first time at 622 North and this occasion did not disappoint.  Though there was no particular theme to the fare, each wine and food pairing still complimented each other quite wonderfully. By the end of the night, I was feeling both stuffed and slightly drunk...in love (Beyonce reference...it's relevant to Valentine's day right??).  Overall, it was an awesome first experience at 622 and a magnificent wine-food pairing.

When we were seated, we were given a menu of items to choose from to compose our four course meal.  The appropriate wine to pair was listed underneath each menu item which I thought was pretty neat.  A single four course dinner cost approximately $45 with an added $20 if you chose to order the flight of wine to pair.

Menu for Valentine's Day dinner at 622 North.

Since our reservation was for 8 PM, they had already ran out of their first appetizer that was listed on the menu.  The Onion Soubise with fresh arugula and bacon jam crostini was replaced with a vegetable and barley soup and ravioli stuffed with butternut squash.  The bacon jam crostini was still a side item.  This soup was paired with a sparkling chardonnay (Simonet Blanc-deBlancs, France).  

Vegetable and barley soup with bacon jam
crostini and sparkling chardonnay.

As I put my nose to flute-like glass, scents of apples, pears, and flowers emerged.  The chardonnay was surprisingly sweeter than I was used to, although I have had very limited experiences with chardonnay (I'm more of a Sauvignon Blanc kind of girl).  It was pleasantly bubbly on the tongue and had strong apple flavors with the carbonation.  I experienced some acidity and minerals upon the finish.  The chardonnay reminded me a lot of a hard apple cider. When paired with the soup, the sweetness was dumbed down a little bit which made for a pleasant pairing.  Overall, the pair was very light and appropriate for an appetizer.  No flavors overwhelmed the other.  Sidenote: the bacon jam crostini was ON POINT.  I have to find the recipe.  It also paired well with the chardonnay.  The apple and bacon flavors intermingled in perfect harmony that reminded me of autumn in New England.

For my salad and second course, I ordered sea salt and potato fried oysters with pickled asparagus and bacon horseradish aioli.  This dish was paired with a white burgundy (Vergel Macon-Villages'n, France).

Sea salt and potato fried oysters with pickled
asparagus and bacon horseradish aioli
paired with white burgundy.

Zoomed in: Sea Salt and potato fried oysters.

Oh hey! That's me!

I have never had any experiences with white burgundy before.  In fact, I hardly knew it existed.  I only knew of red burgundy from class and in passing at wine stores, but I was completely unaware of the white variety.  As I held the glass up to my nose, it was unlike anything I had ever smelled before.  The wine had distinct aromas of asparagus and was very earthy in scent.  Memories of grass and herbs also came to mind as I continued to sniff and swirl.  This pairing was by far the most balanced and flawless as a match.  The white burgundy displayed distinct earthy, asparagus notes on the tongue which complimented the asparagus in the dish.  The wine's lightness and smoothness upon finish played a symphonic relationship with the seafood.  The white burgundy also had hints of citrus and acidity that added to its perfect pairing with the oysters.  I cannot reinforce enough how wonderful this pairing was... it was by far the best of the entire four-course meal and truly opened my eyes to the beauty of finding wines that compliment the flavors in the foods that we eat.

I was so absorbed in the second course that I was completely surprised when my main dish was brought out.  For my third course, I ordered striped bass with an asparagus, yukon potato and mushroom hash, roasted tomato, and sorrel cream sauce paired with a Verdelho wine (Molly Dooker 'The Violinist' 2010, Australia).

Striped bass with Verdelho wine.

Honestly, this pairing was the worst of the bunch which was such a shame because the dish was fantastic.  When I took a whiff of the Verdelho, the first thing that came to mind was paint thinner.  The alcohol was so strong that it took away from any other aromas that could have been found in that wine.  The only flavor profile I could discern other than "disgusting" was the oily, rich feeling upon swallowing.  Typically, I enjoy more white wines than I do red so I really tried to love this...but I just couldn't.  I couldn't discern any other flavors because the alcohol was just way too overbearing to enjoy with or without the food.  Good thing the bass and roasted vegetables of my main course made up for it because I would have been incredibly disappointed.  I would imagine that a white with citrus components and refreshing bite would go well with seafood, but those flavors did not come through with the Verdelho.  After conducting some research, I found out that this wine contains about ~16% alcohol per serving.  For a white wine especially, this was just too hot for my liking.  I didn't finish the glass and offered it to my boyfriend.

After gobbling up three courses, I still knew that I wanted to save room for dessert!  My fourth course consisted of lemon custard with fresh raspberries and blueberries, passion fruit sauce, and lemon crunch ice cream paired with a glass of Late Harvest Riesling (Sawtooth).

Basically the greatest thing ever. Lemon goodness
with berries and Late Harvest Riesling.

The disappointment that I had in the Verdelho was quickly forgotten with dessert.  The Late Harvest Riesling gave away scents of honey, peaches, and flowers on the nose.  It was so pleasant and sweet, perfect for the sweet and sour lemon custard and ice cream.  Sipped alone, I discerned flavors of pineapple, honey, and caramel.  The rich sweetness of the Riesling paired well with such a sweet dessert!  The lemons provided a great layer of flavor that complimented the caramel and honey flavor profile in the Riesling.

Although I had a small hiccup with the Verdelho wine, everything else about this experience was phenomenal.  622 North did a great job creating a romantic atmosphere with great food and wine options to make for a very memorable and sweet evening.

Me and my boyfriend and his huge hand.
Seriously look at the size of that thing.

Tasting: Shotfire Cabernet/Shiraz Barossa 2010

Name: Shotfire Cabernet/Shiraz Barossa 2010
Variety: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz
Region: Barossa Valley
Country: Australia
Year: 2010
Price: $17.95
Shop review: "91 Points from Robert Parker.  Another winner and sensational, the 2010 Shotfire Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 46% Shiraz.  A whopper of wine, it is a deep ruby/purple and possesses loads of glycerin and full body along with stunning notes of wood spice, graphite, blackberry, and pepper.  Rich, chewy, and dense, in a typically bold, exuberant Aussie style, this is a wine to dirnk over the next 6-10 years." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Shotfire poured a pleasant dark plum color.  Upon smelling, I drew hints of coffee, spices, blackberry, oak, and surprisingly sweet aromas of honey.  Unlike the name "Shotfire" which seems to advertise a strong punch on the palate, I was pleasantly surprised to taste softer, subdued spices with touches of blackberry.  The wine displayed soft tannins on the tongue with subtle astringency and a smooth finish. 
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Begali Valpolicella Ripasso 2011

Name: Begali Valpolicella Ripasso 2011
Variety: Valpolicella Blend that includes Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara
Region: Veneto
Country: Italy
Year: 2011
Price: $14.95
Shop review: "90 Points from Robert Parker.  The 2011 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore La Cengia is exceptionally beautiful and balanced.  There's a lot going on: background tones of balsam herb, rosemary, and black olive follow straightforward aromas of dried fruit and prune.  A pretty touch of eucalyptus springs forth.  The wine is incredibly buoyant and lively despite the elaborate Ripasso process. Drink 2014-2018." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Begali Valpolicella Ripasso displayed a beautiful rose red color in the glass.  Scents of strawberries, cherries, flowers, tobacco, and mocha filled the nose in multiple layers. I felt the most punch of flavor in the middle of the tasting.  The essence of cherries and prunes danced on the tongue.  This wine had a soft body, soft tannins, and was easy to finish.  This was my favorite of the three red wines I had tried at this tasting.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Odoardi Savuto 2006

Name: Odoardi Savuto 2006
Variety: Blend of 45% Gaglioppo, 15% Greco Nero, 15% Nerello Cappuccio, 15% Magliocco Canino and 10% Sangiovese
Region: Calabria
Country: Italy
Year: 2006
Price: $9.95 (On sale from $18)
Shop review: "89 Points on Wine Spectator.  A beefy, herb-tinged red, sporting dense layers of plum sauce, grilled fig, and currant paste, stacked with notes of roasted game, rosemary, and hummus.  The finish lingers, despite noticeable tannins.  Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio, Magliocco Canino and Sangiovese.  Drink now through 2016. 14,000 cases were made." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Odoardi Savuto poured a deep reddish/maroon color.  As I swirled and took in the aroma, I was reminded of the scents of tires, asphalt, blackberries, cherries, and oak. Flavors of chickpeas, herbs, and plums stood out on the palate. A good amount of tannins could be detected upon finish.   
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Willm Alsace Grand Cru Riesling Kirchberg de Barr 2011

Name: Willm Alsace Grand Cru Riesling Kirchberg de Barr 2011
Variety: Riesling
Region: Alsace Grand Cru
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $20.95 
Shop review: "92 Points on Wine Enthusiast.  With great intensity and structure, this is a wine that's all about texture and potential.  It's expressive with white fruits and perfume, but there's a richness that's still to come.  Drink from 2016 and see how the minerality and acidity will come into balance." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Willm Alsace Grand Cru Riesling poured a white color with slight yellow hues.  Scents of pears, apples, and hints of honey and flowers filled the nose.  I picked up apple skins upon tasting.  This riesling was acidic on the tongue and sour upon finish.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Jesus Diaz Blanco Vinos de Madrid

Name:  Jesus Diaz Blanco Vinos de Madrid
Variety: 100% Malvar
Region: Vinos de Madrid
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $8.95 (On sale from $15)
Shop review: "Vinos de Madrid is a region of Spain not often encountered in the US, while Malvar is considered a regional specialty but remains unknown outside of central Spain. Zesty acidity and tropical fruit make this obscure buy a great food wine." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Jesus Diaz Blanco Vinos de Madrid poured a beautiful white/golden color. Flowers, mango, hints of pineapple, and tropical notes filled my nose. This wine smells like summertime and I loved it.  Jesus Diaz tasted like liquid rose petals. Its soft sweetness was not overwhelming and finished smooth.  I was so completely enamored by its lively aroma and gentle taste on the tongue that I had to buy a bottle to take home!  Recommended for other wine-goers who enjoy tropical notes in their white wine.  Awesome for a sunset picnic on the beach. 
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Zaca Mesa Mesa Reserve Syrah

Name:  Zaca Mesa Mesa Reserve Syrah 
Variety: Syrah
Region: Santa Ynez Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $44.95 
Shop review: "There is a mixture of pepper and baking spices, highlighted by bright blackberry, savory herbs and violets.  The creamy oak tones are balanced by the wines bright acidity and elegant tannins, all leading to a satisfying finish." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: The Zaca Mesa Mesa Reserve Syrah poured a rich red with aromas of meat, peppers, spices, and oak.  The flavors imitated the aroma profile significantly with hints of smokiness and berries. The finish was rich with tannins that punched the mouth and excited the tongue.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Eberle Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon

Name: Eberle Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $20.95
Shop review: "Displays cassis, mocha, and tobacco characteristics and is blended from several distinguished Paso Robles vineyards, including Eberle Estate." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Eberle Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon poured red with aromas of mocha, blackberry, pepper and tobacco.  Flavors of mocha and tobacco lingered on the tongue.  I particularly enjoyed this one as the tannins were subdued and the finish smooth.  I did not bring this wine home and now I'm wishing that I did.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Zaca Mesa Syrah

Name: Zaca Mesa Syrah
Variety: Syrah
Region: Santa Ynez Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $22.95
Shop review: "Displays deep blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, pepper, and our signature sage spice.  The silky finish lingers from ripe tannins with a touch of smokey oak." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Zaca Mesa Syrah poured a deep red with aromas of smoky meat, pepper, and oak.  Rich flavors of blackberry and mocha are balanced on the palate with a mouth full of tannins upon finish.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Zaca Mesa Viognier

Name: Zaca Mesa Viognier
Variety: 100% Viognier
Region: Santa Ynez Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $16.95
Shop review: "Bright yellow-gold.  Ripe pear and peach aromas are enlivened by lemon pith and jasine.  Fleshy, broad, and a touch warm, offering plush pit fruit and honey flavors and a hint of bitter lemon.  Closes smooth and long, with lingering peach pit and honey nuances." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Zaca Mesa Viognier, a white wine, poured a golden color with scents of flowers, peaches, and honey.  The viognier was semi-sweet/semi-dry on the tongue with flavors of peaches, honey, flowers, and lemon.  It finished smooth with honey and peach still lingering on the palate.
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Zaca Mesa Chardonnay

Name: Zaca Mesa Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay 
Region: Zanta Ynez Valley, California
Country: United States
Year: 2011
Price: $16.95
Shop review: "Stainless steel (60%) and mostly used French oak (40%), with no malolactic fermentation.  The result is juicy, ripe fruit-driven wine, with tropical citrus, mango, and peachy aromas and flavors, and with accents of vanilla and toast.  It is fresh and full in the mouth, with intense fruit flavors, and a quenching finish." -Vintage Cellar, 2014 (Dan with Robbins Cellars)
My review: Zaca Mesa Chardonnay poured a white color with aromas of apple, pears, and mango that filled the nose.  The wine was fresh on the palate with strong fruit notes and a crisp finish. 
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Chateau Vieux Duche Lalande de Pomerol 2009

Name: Chateau Vieux Duche Lalande de Pomerol 2009
Variety: Merlot/Cabernet/Cabernet Franc 
Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2009
Price: $19.95
Shop review: "Aromas of black fruits, smoked meats, coffee, and mocha characteristics with a medium full palate impression and lengthy, superb finish.  Tannins are subdued and round, evident upon opening, but dissipate with a short time in the glass.  Excellent typicity of the "little" appellation next to Pomerol." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: The wine poured a rich red color with scents of cherries, coffee, and mocha.  Coffee and meats were evident on the tongue.  The tannins were soft upon finish.  
Food: The attendant pouring at the counter suggested that the wine be paired with the cheese provided at the tasting to bring out the flavors.  I followed in her suggestion and was impressed that it paired well with the flavors of coffee and cherry in the wine.

Tasting: El Sierro Tempranillo Cabernet

Name: El Sierro Tempranillo Cabernet
Variety: Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon 
Region: Valencia
Country: Spain
Year: 2011
Price: $7.95 
Shop 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." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: El Sierro Tempranillo Cabernet was dark red in color with scents of oak and blackberries that stood out on the nose.  The spices were soft upon tasting and the oak definitely stood out on the palate.  The blackberries made for a delicious flavor.  The wine had soft tannins and was very smooth upon swallowing.  
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Jean Baptiste Gewurztraminer Reserve

Name: Jean Baptiste Gewurztraminer Reserve
Variety: 100% Gewurztraminer
Region: Alsace
Country: France
Year: 2011
Price: $19.95
Shop review: "The wine has a light yellow hue and carries aromas such as pineapple, mango, acacia, as well as a hint of pepper and spice.  On the palate, the attack is smooth and deep, with flavors of sweet spice that intermingle with vibrant acidity and an overall freshness." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: Jean Baptiste Gewurztraminer Reserve was pale yellow in appearance.  The wine gave off a sweet, tropical aroma.  Mango and pineapple stood out on the palate.  I enjoyed this one very much as I am partial to tropical fruits and it was very easy to pick up these flavors on the tongue.  The flavor was refreshing as the sweetness did not linger and it went down smooth.  Perfect for summer evenings.  
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: Terre Rouge Enigma

Name: Terre Rouge Enigma
Variety: 44% Marsanne, 29% Viognier, and 27% Roussanne
Region: Plymouth, California
Country: United States
Year: 2009
Price: $19.95 (On sale from $32)
Shop review: "Aromas suggest wildflower honey and acacia blossom with hints of tangerine and papaya.  Flavors are creamy with peach, apple, and quince sensations competing for your taste buds.  The finish is crisp with classic white Rhone stone (peach) fruit pit flavors intermingled with mineral tones from this rocky site.  Enjoyable young, the wine also gains great complexity with bottle age." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: When I sniffed Terre Rouge Enigma from my glass, I picked up on notes of apple and honey.  The honey flavor stood out on the tongue with hints of flowers and citrus.  It was very cool and crisp upon finish; something I would find myself drinking on a warm summer evening.  
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

Tasting: El Sierro White

Name: El Sierro White
Variety: Macabeo/Chardonnay
Region: Valencia
Country: Spain
Year: 2012
Price: $6.95
Shop review: "Pale straw colour. Clean fresh nose. Abundant fruit, crisp, dry finish." -Vintage Cellar, 2014
My review: El Sierro was a refreshing white.  Very fruity on the nose and crisp on the tongue.  Scents and flavors of pear and peaches stood out.  It had a dry finish. I enjoy dry whites and liked this one a lot so I took a bottle home!
Food: I did not pair this wine with food.

My Experiences with Wine

I can't really pinpoint my first time drinking wine.  Growing up in a Catholic household and attending mass with my family meant that I probably tried if for the first time during or after my first communion.  I had sips here and there every Sunday so it's a little hard remembering how I felt when it touched my tongue for the first time.  It wasn't like I was a wino slugging down bottles of Two Buck Chuck as a seven year old and passing out on playgrounds. Every Sunday was another opportunity to take the Blood of Christ from the Holy chalice, and that was all I ever knew.

The thought of consuming alcohol was out of mind until I entered high school and college. At that point, I only experimented with cheap beer, liquor, and jungle juice at house parties. I stole sips of wine every now and again, but it was never what I would reach for when I would hang out with my friends.  It wasn't until I reached my junior year of college when my love affair with wine truly began.  I felt like I had outgrown house parties and sought the finer things in life.  I became more aware of wine and my curiosity began to grow.  I noticed that my mom always enjoyed rose wines, sangrias, or sweet whites while my dad loved bold reds with rich tannins.  My roommate at the time loved dry whites and champagne.  As soon as I turned 21 my junior year, I became a regular at weekly wine tastings at the Vintage Cellar and would frequent purchases of wines that I wanted to try.  I continued my wine-tasting journey over the summer before my senior year by visiting wine bars and wineries with friends.

When I started drinking wine, I approached it from the sweeter, softer end of the spectrum.  Wines like pink/red/white moscatos, white zinfandel, and sweet reds were pleasant on my inexperienced palate.  As time developed, I became interested in wine and food pairings and found that sweet wines did not always compliment a lot of food that I was eating.  My taste grew a liking for dry whites, such as sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio.  I was intimated of the boldness of spices and tannins in some red wines, so I stayed away.  It wasn't until fall of this school year that I developed an appreciation for pinot noir, bordeaux, and rioja.  My experimentation with red blends peaked my curiosity for syrah/shiraz, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon.

I would say that I drink wine regularly.  The excitement of turning 21 last year had me hoarding 12 bottles in my refrigerator at one time and I would find myself drinking a glass or two at least every day.  Now that that excitement has dwindled down a little bit, I still find myself having at least a few glasses every week.  I can't deny the connections I have made with wine in my life since my appreciation and fascination with it began to grow over the past year.  Wine was there for me when finals stress began to elevate.  Wine was there at girls' nights when my belly would swell with laughter (and wine).  Wine was there when days were long and unpleasant.  Wine was there at my three year anniversary with my boyfriend.  I found that wine brought people together in my life and wine helped bring myself together as well.

Watching the documentary, "Red Obsession," opened my eyes to the history of wine makers, regions, and wine lovers all over the world.  During the course of this semester, I hope to learn some more history on wine, regions where grapes are grown and its influence on flavor, and how to depict these flavors when I am drinking wine.  I am still tasting and learning and I can't wait to continue my adventures with Geography of Wine!