LaMarca Prosecco 2020 D.O.C

We kicked off our tasting by popping the cork of a 2020 LaMarca Prosecco. Prosecco has become an increasingly popular alternative to champagne, and this budget-friendly bubbly pairs well with a variety of foods, is perfect for any occasion or simply sipping any day. Crisp, with a pale, straw-like color, this sparkling wine is made with Glera grapes grown in the hillside vineyards in Treviso, Italy’s prosecco capital. With a fruity aroma, and just a hint of sweetness, LaMarca Prosecco is not as sweet as some proseccos (a plus with those of us who dislike sweeter wines), with tasters detecting flavors of green apple, grapefruit and lemon. A favorite for many, the LaMarca Prosecco scored the highest overall!

Priced between $13-$18

Josh Sauvignon Blanc 2020

The winemaker describes this California Sauvignon Blanc as sunshine in a glass, and we have to agree since we've  enjoyed sipping it all summer long. Aromatic with scents of green apple, tasters described it as light, summery and fruity with a clean, crisp finish. It can be enjoyed with seafood, chicken, and summer salads as well as with light and simple foods throughout the year. This wine fared well in the scoring process, coming in behind the prosecco at #2. 

Priced between $11-$13; this wine is one to keep stocked and chilled! 

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2019

This 2019 Pinot Grigio from Trentino-Alto Adige, a mountainous northern Italian region in the beautiful Italian Alps, pairs nicely with appetizers, shellfish or vegetarian dishes. With a mild fruity and slightly earthy bouquet and pale golden color, several tasters described it as medium bodied with a crisp acidity, while a few found it to have a slight sweetness. This wine was liked least of the 5 wines sampled, but in the interest of full disclosure there were a few tasters who admittedly are not fans of Pinot Grigio.

Price $12.95

Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2020

Coming from Côtes de Provence in the south of France, Whispering Angel is made from Grénache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino). Credited with starting the international rose trend, it is also the brand first introduced to Americans. Tasters noted fruity, floral and earthy scents with flavors of strawberry and light citrus, and found this pale pink beauty to be full bodied with a long, smooth finish. which can be enjoyed simply on its own or with a broad range of cuisine. Ranking third, this wine was more popular among those who like a dry wine. 

Priced between $18-$21; a great value for a premium rose!

Sheldrake Point Dry Rose 2020

Made in the Finger Lakes region of New York state from 100% Cabernet Franc, this dark pink  rose with aromas of red fruits and floral, complements cheeses, grilled shrimp, grilled or roasted pork fried, as well as fried, grilled and stewed fish. Those who like sweeter wines preferred this rose with its slightly sweet taste profile and medium to long finish as opposed to the Whispering Angel. There was little difference between how the tasters ranked the two roses, but the Sheldrake Point Dry Rose was edged out just slightly by the Whispering Angel resulting in it coming in fourth. 

Priced between $11-$13

This was our first wine tasting, but it won’t be our last! It was a fun, educational experience, and we are eager to continue learning more about wines. If you’d like to host your own wine tasting party, be sure to check out our blog.