Name: Beringer Chenin Blanc
Variety: Chenin blanc
Region: California
Country: US
Year: 2014
Price: $6

Winery Review: A fresh green-apple aroma and vivid citrus and crisp apple flavors are supported by vibrant acidity in this medium-bodied wine. The texture is smooth but crisp, making lots of good food pairings come to mind, from pre-meal cheese, to salads, seafood and veggie pastas.

My Review: Light gold in color. I could still smell the lilies from the last wine, but aside from that distinct aroma, this wine smelled of fresh fruit, green apples, and melon. It tasted of bright, sweet melons, honey dew, and a hint of strawberry. Acidity lingered in the finish. I enjoyed this wine enough but it wasn't anything special. I would drink it again but I don't think I would seek it out myself. 

I tasted this without food. 

Name: Carraia Aglianico
Variety: Aglianico
Region: Campagna
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $15

Winery Review: Produced in the Campania region of Italy, this Aglianico has delicious black fruit flavors with hints of licorice, volcanic soil and tar notes. Classic in nature, yet in a lighter, more crowd-pleasing style, the Carraia is made of the ancient Aglianico grape. This black grape originated in Greece and today is widely grown in Basilicata and Campania.

My Review: Dark reddish brown in color. It smelled very distinctly of Easter lilies to me, although that does not at all coincide with the above description. I felt as if I had my face in the middle of a big bouquet of Easter lilies. On the palate it was extremely smooth. Medium mouthfeel with dark fruit and some floral aspects. Smooth acidity. This is not the style of wine I typically enjoy but I thought it was very well made and well balanced.  

I tasted this without food.

Name: Siema Vino Rosso
Variety: Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: Nonvintage
Price: $10

Winery Review: Intense ruby red with soft garnet nuances in the glass, the Rosso is intriguingly fresh, fruity and spicy on the nose. Perfectly round and balanced, the wine is particularly soft and dry. Pair with simple dishes like fresh cheese, ham, salami, or pizza for a divine culinary experience.

My Review: Ruby red in color. The aroma was like red berries with a light butter drizzled on top. It tasted like unripe berries with a subtle dryness and a little kick of acidity. I was expecting a more dry and acidic wine, so I was pleasantly surprised by its balance. 

I tasted this without food. 

Name: Dom de la Foret Rose de Mediterranee
Variety: Grenache, Cinsault
Region: Provence
Country: France
Year: 2015
Price: $13

Winery Review: A stony, pure style, with a warm paving stone note framing the dried cherry and rose water notes. The long, watermelon rind—inflected finish is finely tuned. Shows length and cut, staying lacy in feel. 50% Cinsault and 50% Grenache.

My Review: Very light pink-peach in color. Smelled of a sweet floral perfume. On the palate it was initially sweet, then quickly acidic. Best word to describe the tasting experience would be "fresh". Light-bodied with a lingering finish. I didn't completely dislike this wine but it was too sharp for my taste. 

I tasted this without food. 

Name: Bricco dei Tati Cortese
Variety: Cortese
Region: Piemonte
Country: Italy
Year: 2013
Price: $10

Critic Review: “Great Value! Treat this terrific little white like a red: Don’t chill it too much, then let it open for a half-hour to develop its enticing tropical fruit flavors. It’s dry, but the fruit gives an appealing illusion of sweetness. Great as an aperitif or with light seafood dishes.”
-The Washington Post

My Review: Very light yellow in color. Bright, fresh, and fruity aromas on the nose. The palate was attacked with acidity and citrus flavors. Tropical fruit were abundant on the nose and on the palate. The acidity of this wine was overpowering its flavor, but I think this wine would be enhanced with a good food pairing. 

I tasted this without food.