Ashley's Wine Blog

  Name: La Playa  Variety: Sauvignon Blanc  Region:  Central Valley  Country:  Chile  Year:  2021  Price: $9  Wine critic review: "Pale golden color. Aromas and flavors of fresh tropical fruit; pineapple, mango, and lychee; with citrus, including lime and quince. Soft mouthfeel with medium acidity and a pleasing finish." From <https://appetiteforwine.blog/2021/02/07/our-wine-of-the-week-la-playa-sauvignon-blanc-2020/>  Wine Folly: Page 165 of the Wine Folly book breaks down the flavor profile of the Sauvignon Blanc wine variety. It is noted on that page that this wine is typically acidic and derived from flavors from compounds also found in Bell peppers. Paring recommendations for this wine include salty cheeses, light meats, and Asian foods. The flavor notes are gooseberry, honeydew, grapefruit, white peach, and passion fruit. On the next page, some interesting additional tasting notes were grass, jalapeno, cat pee, and chalk.  My Review: From smelling the glass pos

I only bought sugary and cheaper wines when I first started drinking wine. I had yet to acquire a taste for the more bitter wines. If I did experiment, it would only be with white wines and never the deeper reds. It took me a few years to acquire a taste for pinot noir and other reds. Branching out and trying new things started with a few friends majoring in Horticulture and explicitly interested in viticulture. We would have wine nights together, and the quality of the wine became more of a subject in the conversations. Being surrounded by people interested in the grape-growing process and could identify details in the wines, such as notes, flavors, and pairings, primarily encouraged me to begin my own wine journey.  Another defining moment in my wine journey was traveling to Europe through a Pamplin Study Abroad last summer. During the trip, we visited several wineries and brew pubs. Naturally, the more I learn about how something is made, the more I can appreciate the final product.

  Name: Santa Margherita  Variety:  Pinot Grigio Region:  Valdadige Country:  Italy Year:  2021 Price:  $21 Winery review by Jon Rogers:  Strong and noticeable aroma Initial apple-like aroma As it developed, hints of grapefruit from afar and tart apple up close Bright in taste Noted flavors were primarily citrus, including lemon and grapefruit  Can immediately tell this wine has a good amount of acid in it The wine’s finish was medium to long--about nine seconds until the flavor dissipated on the palate Rogers, J. (2015, May 25).  Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Review . Honest Wine Reviews. https://www.honestwinereviews.com/santa-margherita-pinot-grigio-review ‌ Wine Folly: I could taste a hint of the lemon, apple, and pair, though the white nectarine was too subtle to detect. The wine tasted pretty dry, with some sweeter notes of honey.  My review:   I tasted this wine with sushi. From the description, I saw that it pairs well with seafood, so I chose it for my dinner tonight. I can im