Tasting - Menage a Trois

Name: Menage a Trois

Variety: Sweet Wine Blend (Grapes Not Specified)

Region: St. Helena, California

Country: United States

Year: Not on Bottle

Price: $11.99

Winery Review: Ménage à Trois Moscato Sweet White Blend wraps you up in sweet splendor. A fragrance of orange zest and honeysuckle lead to decadent flavors of ripe summer peaches and bright pineapple drenched in honey and orange blossoms. On the palate, the richness is lifted with delicate carbonation and a lively finish. A life of luxury is just a sip away. Menage a Trois Sweet Collection Moscato | Wine.com

Wine Folly: Page 335: The page on Sparkling Moscato says that the wine comes in "all styles from dry to sweet." The wine that I tried today was rather sweet and would definitely pair well with nuts or an "almond cake." Most Sparkling Moscato is from the Piedmont region in Italy, and pairs well with "fruity desserts and cake."

My Review: When I was smelling the wine, I got hints of honeysuckle, as well as fruity flavors such as apricot and pineapple. After I tried the wine, I tasted honey and pineapple. It has a deep golden color and a light body. After opening the bottle, the wine had bobbles. Furthermore, I got an aftertaste of vanilla after swallowing. The wine is not tannic, and it has little acidity. I honestly love this wine and I think it is the best wine that I have ever had. 

Tasting - Latitud 42

 Name: Latitud 42

Variety: Blended Wine (90% Tempranillo, 10% Grenache)

Region: Eastern Rioja

Country: Spain

Year: 2018

Price: $14.99

Winery Review: Latitud 42 Rioja Crianza - This Rioja is aged twelve months in barrel and twelve months in bottle prior to release. It has elegant notes of black cherry with hints of spice and mineral overtones. Served in a 750 mL bottle. Latitud 42 Rioja Crianza | Total Wine & More

Wine Folly: Page 416: Tempranillo is typically grown and harvested in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Furthermore, the most affordable examples of Tempranillo are "typically not oaked or aged for very long, producing a fresher and juicer wine with distinct meaty notes." Although I did not get the meaty tones, I was able to taste the freshness. This specific wine aged in a barrel for one year, but fine Tempranillo wines "age 20+ years." 

My Review: When I was smelling the wine, I got hints of black cherry, black pepper, and mushroom. After I tried the wine, I tasted mostly cherry with an oaky finish. It has a medium body. The wine is not acidic, but the finish is very tannic. It has a small burning sensation after the wine leaves my mouth and travels down my throat. However, the wine is quite pleasant while in the mouth. The reviews online suggested to decant the wine before tasting. The next time I try this wine, I will decant the wine before tasting.