Tradewinds Pineapple Wine NV

Tradewinds Pineapple Wine NV

Origin: California
Blend: Pineapple
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2011
Purchase Price: $8.99 (750ml bottle)

Our review: This gold-colored wine has a fragrance of — not surprisingly — tropical fruit and flowers, and though pineapple can be discerned, it is not the dominant aroma. Rather sweet on the palate, and in particular at first, a moderating acidity develops to lessen the sweetness, though this would never be considered a "dry" wine by any means. A hint of spice, possibly orange zest, is also present. There isn't much of a finish.

Our rating: We were pleased with this simply crafted wine. It is not cloyingly sweet, which we confess we feared, and paired quite nicely with our Sunday brunch dishes. We also think it might work well with some East Asian cuisines. It's not a wine we'd serve very often, but it does add a festive, tropical sense to a meal. It seems priced a little high for what it is, but overall, we'd rate it Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: This bright luscious off-dry wine blooms with the rich heady flavor of the queen of tropical fruits. Vivid aromas of plumeria and orange blossoms are layered with delicate hints of vanilla and exotic spices. The crisp lively texture finishes long and clean with the taste of fresh pineapples.

Winery website: Tradewinds Tropical Wines.

Brassfield Serenity 2009

Brassfield Serenity 2009
Origin: California
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, and Semillon (proprietary blend)
Alcohol Content: 13.7%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: December 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Citrus, herb, and green apple aromas are exhibited by this pale, greenish-gold wine. The fruit flavors on the palate have a similar profile, mostly citrusy but with a bit of an edge. The finish is more rounded and smooth, pleasant though relatively brief.

Our rating: Definitely not a wine to be served alone, this blend requires food to help balance and enhance it. We found that we enjoyed our second glass far more than the first; maybe breathing a bit or simply warming up a bit helped improve its overall composition. Generally, we find that wines that have more of a citrus character pair better with seafood, but we served our bottle with a chicken and pasta dish, and we think poultry is probably the best way to go here. In the end, we have to say we liked this wine's complexity, and rate it on the very high side of Above Average. (We rated the Brassfield Serenity 2007 Above Average, nearly Excellent. Based on our notes, it was lighter in character than this vintage, though we also mentioned that it, too, had an interesting complexity. And not that price necessarily means anything, but we paid nearly 50% more for the 2007 vintage than the 2009 one.)

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The distinctive and intense fragrances of gooseberry, green apple, pineapple and juniper berry are followed on the palette by Honeydew melon and kiwi. A perfect balance of acidity with a hint of sweetness makes this wine a perfect match to spicy pan-Asian flavors, Tex-Mex or exotic Indian cuisine."

Winery website: Brassfield Estate Winery.

Schmitt Sohne Liebfraumilch 2008

Schmitt Sohne Liebfraumilch 2008
Origin: Germany
Blend: Riesling, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, and Kerner (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 9.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $4.99

Our review: Golden straw in color with aromas of apple and peach, and floral notes with honey. Quite sweet on the palate, but also a little bitter. The finish is a bit chalky.

Our rating: As this wine was new to us, we weren't quite sure what to do with it, so we served it with dessert, probably not a terrible choice but not terribly inspired either. Even now, we're still not sure -- but think it probably best pairs with something like a Sunday brunch buffet, where there are a variety of foods to choose from. It's low alcohol content also suggests it might be an appropriate "early in the day" wine. We rate it on the low side of Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Schmitt Söhne GmbH.

La Petite Tour Classic White Table Wine 2009

La Petite Tour Classic White Table Wine 2009
Origin: California
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Our review: Light golden yellow in color, this wine has aromas of citrus and lemon grass with slight floral notes. The fruit flavors, which are more tropical in character, are full and rounded on the palate with a good acidic balance. The finish has a very slight sweetness to it.

Our rating: We could not find any information about the grapes used in this white wine blend (which seems to be exclusive to Wine Insiders), but the citrus (and to a lesser extent tree fruit) character suggests that it may be primarily (or mostly) pinot grigio. We enjoyed its full flavor, and served it with an appetizer platter, with which it paired quite nicely. Overall, we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent. The price indicated is suggested retail; if coupled with a package deal, it is less, in which case this wine is a very good value.

Taste profile from the vendor: "Delicately aromatic with flavors of ripe pear and surprisingly bright citrus notes in a medium bodied, delicious to the last drop quaffer."

Winery website: None found.

Big House White Wine 2009 3L Box

Big House White Wine 2009 3L Box
Origin: California
Blend: "A varying mixture of Mediterranean varieties" and believed to include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Malvasia Bianca, Orange Muscat, and Muscat Canelli
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: 3L Box
Purchase Date: July 2010
Purchase Price: $17.99

Our review: Light gold in color, this was has aromas of tree fruit (apple, peaches) with significant notes of citrus. Relatively light-bodied, the fruit flavor is smooth on the palate, is primarily apple, and is nicely balanced. The finish, however, isn't all that harmonious and is slightly unpleasant, astringent with too much minerality.

Our rating: We served this wine as we think is intended, straight from the refrigerator. And our review is based on the wine at this temperature. But we found that it tends to get better as it warms up a bit, becoming slightly more floral and sweet with an improved finish. We reviewed the Big House White 2007 in a bottle a year or so ago, rating it Average. We think this 3 liter box isn't quite as good, but still rate it Average. (Note: we couldn't find the exact blend of grapes used in this wine, and simply copied the general description from the winery's website.)

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Big House Wine.

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2008

Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2008
Origin: Orvieto, Italy
Blend: Grechetto (40%), Procanico (20%), other white varietals (Verdello, Canaiolo Bianco, 40%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: July 2010
Purchase Price: $8.99

Our review: Greenish yellow in color, this wine has aromas of tree fruit (apple, pear) with significant floral notes. Velvety smooth on the palate, the fruit flavors have a good acidic balance. Some minerality and a touch of spice, maybe nuts, appears in the lengthy finish.

Our rating: This wine will make any meal more enjoyable. We paired our bottle with pan seared chicken breasts and vegetables, a fine choice. We rated the Ruffino Orvieto Classico 2007 just Average (it contained a significantly different percentage of blended grapes), but this one is much better: we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Colour: Brillant straw yellow. Aroma: The bouquet is very fruity and flowery with fresh notes of meadow flowers, citrus fruits, golden apple and fig. Tasting profile: The taste is refreshing and smooth thanks to the balance between structure, acidity and fruity notes. The aftertaste is long and fragrant, with hits of fresh almond."

Winery website: Ruffino.

Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2008

Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2008
Origin: Branco, Portugal
Blend: Moscatel (30%), Viosinho (20%), Arinto (20%), Fernao Pires (20%), Gouveio (10%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Light gold with green highlights, this wine has a dusky aroma of tree fruit with notes of honey and spice. Very smooth, almost creamy on the palate, the fruit flavors are initially quite bold before mellowing into the exceptionally long, evolving finish.

Our rating: This is a very interesting white wine blend, best served with grilled fish or chicken. Take the time to savor the complexity of the palate; there's really quite a lot going on. Despite the temptation to call it slightly "oaky", especially in the finish, the bottle label states the wine experienced no oak aging. We rather enjoyed our bottle, and rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent. (Last year we rated the Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2007, similar bottle but a completely different blend, just Average.)

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Quinta de Ventozelo.

Brassfield Serenity 2007

Brassfield Serenity 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Proprietary blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, and Semillon (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2010
Purchase Price: $12.99

Our review: Straw in color, this wine has aromas of tropical fruit, vanilla, and sweet spice. Very flavorful on the palate, there's an initial sweetness that is rapidly balanced by a moderate acidity. The characteristic fruit flavors tend to dissipate into the finish, which is lengthy but otherwise rather unremarkable.

Our rating: This is a nice wine to serve as an aperitif or with light appetizers. It's not overly complex but does seem to bring out the key notes of each of its component wines. It's certainly one that your guests will want to talk about, as it will probably be perceived slightly differently by everyone. It is our first experience with this proprietary blend, and we rate it Above Average, nearly Excellent.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Shows a brilliant entry of honeydew melon aromas, and fresh minty qualities reminiscent of a Caribbean Mojita. Tropical fruit cocktail flavors are perfectly balanced with the palate-cleansing acidity that lingers to a wonderfully long, bright finish. The soft, round mouth-feel along with a touch of sweetness is perfectly balanced with the acidity to deliver a palate cleansing freshness to pan-Asian cuisine, spicy Thai, or as a cocktail aperitif."

Winery website: Brassfield Estate Winery.

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV

Jean-Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Blend: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard (percentages unknown)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Our review: Golden yellow in color, this sparkling wine produces an abundance of bubbles. The bouquet is of red and green apples and honey. The palate improves on the nose with expressive fruit flavors. The finish has some mineral character and is slightly astringent.

Our rating: We enjoyed our bottle at a "champagne" brunch. It is food-friendly, pairing well with the wide variety of dishes at our buffet. We don't recommend it as a sipping wine, though. The blend apparently changes considerably over time; one page of the importer's website says the blend is of ugni clanc, colombard, and chardonnay; the technical sheet (from the same website) says chenin blanc, ugni blanc, and various other grapes. The label, which we think might be the most accurate for the bottle we tasted, states ugni blanc, folle blanche, colombard. We're not sure what to make of this, only to say that the bottle we reviewed here may not be the bottle you buy. We rate ours about Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Nose: Bright and fruity, this wine exudes aromas typical of chenin blanc: apples, apricots and a hint of honey. Palate: An explosion of fine bubbles followed by a smooth, fruity finish."

Winery website: Boisset Family Estates (importers).

Hugues de Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2008

Hugues de Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2008
Origin: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Blend: Picpoul (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: A light lemon yellow in color with strong, pleasant aromas of tropical fruit and honey, this wine has considerable mineral character on the palate. The fruit flavors are balanced with a somewhat assertive acidity. The dry finish is uncomplicated and clean with a definite citrus (lemon) character.

Our rating: A nice wine, but pricey at $10. We served our bottle with an appetizer platter but it would go well with most fish dishes. Our rating: On the high side of Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Big House White 2007

Big House White 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Muscat Canelli (29%), Viognier (25%), Sauvignon Blanc (18%), Malvasia Bianca (18%), Vermentino (6%), Muscat de Gaillo (4%)
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Suggested retail price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow in color, this wine has a pleasant blend of citrus, apple, and peach aromas with floral overnotes. Of medium body on the palate, the fruit flavors are nicely balanced with a crisp acidity. The finish is surprisingly long but seems in contrast to, and in some ways conflict with, with the initial experience.

Our rating: A good sipping wine or one to serve with a light lunch or to accompany a picnic. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Presents itself like a true Bomba de Fruita, showing a strong floral nose that’s balanced with honeysuckle, white peaches and even lychee. The palate opens up to summer cantaloupe, peach, apricot and tropical fruits, ending with a nice pleasant finish."

Winery website: Big House Wines.

St. Julian Simply White NV

St. Julian Simply White NV
Origin: Lake Michigan Shore, Michigan
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: March 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review and rating: A very pale yellow, this wine has aromas of yellow delicious apples, honeydew melon, and a touch of vanilla which are carried forward onto the palate. Full-bodied, the sweetness of the fruit flavors diminishes somewhat into the finish which is brief but otherwise without much character. Our score: It's probably not surprising how much a label influences our opinion of a wine. Yet this generic white wine from Michigan is surprisingly good, though admittedly overly sweet. Probably not generally available outside the Midwest, it's a good choice for a cheese and cracker platter, or even with (dare we say it) popcorn while watching a DVD at home. Average for what it is, maybe a touch better.

Taste profile from the winemaker (from the bottle label): "The aroma of fresh-picked grapes, sweet fruit flavors and crisp lingering finish make Simply White one of life's simple pleasures."

Winery website: St. Julian Winery.

Shoofly Buzz Cut White Blend 2007

Shoofly Buzz Cut White Blend 2007
Origin: McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Langhorne Creek, Australia
Blend: Viognier 35%, Riesling 26%, Chardonnay 16%, Verdelho 14%, Semillon 9%
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A lush blend of juicy, tropical Verdelho and exotically perfumed Viognier combine with Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling to create a refreshing, firmly structured wine. Rich and vibrant flavors of tropical fruit, apricot, and grapefruit work wonders on the palate."

ABC Wines review: This white wine blend has a fragrance of melon and other tropical fruits with distinct floral notes. The wine is of medium body on the palate with full fruit flavors continuing to develop into the finish which adds a touch of acidity and is of moderate length. This would be an ideal wine to serve with spicy Asian cuisines. Our score: We were dubious at first about the blend but this wine surprised us. Attractively priced, it is Above Average.

Winery website: Shoofly Wines.

Hey Mambo Swanky White 2007

Wine: Hey Mambo Swanky White 2007
Origin: California
Blend: Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Sauvignon Blanc (percentages not known)
Alcohol content: 13.5%
Bottle closure: Zork
Purchase Date: January 2009
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The hue of brilliant canary diamonds, this wine bursts open with aromas of a summertime farmers market, with ripe apricots, peaches, lavender bouquets and orchid blossoms. Not to be taken lightly, this swanky white is passionately floral and delectably juicy. Its layers of crisp acidity unfold amid flavors of fresh lime, gala apples, grapefruit and lemongrass."

ABC Wines review: The zork is new to us, but is easy to open and has a nice cork-like "pop" to it when pulled. The wine is very fragrant with notes of tree fruit blossoms, peaches, and a little honey. An acidity rapidly develops on the palate slightly masking the fruit flavors of which green apple and lime are the most discernable. The finish is quite pleasant, long and smooth. This would be a very versatile wine on the dinner table, pairing well with a wide variety of dishes. Our score: Well Above Average.

Winery website: TOG Wines.

San Sebastian Reserva White Wine NV

Wine: San Sebastian Reserva White Wine NV
Origin: St. Augustine, Florida
Blend: Unknown
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Blended to perfection this dry white wine showcases the best characteristics of several of Florida’s Hybrid Bunch grapes. This wine complements many types of fish and poultry dishes or possible just for sipping and relaxing."

ABC Wines review: This wine has a tropical fruit and honey blend of aromas. A bit crisp and slightly overly acidic on the palate, the fruit flavors lack any real balance or depth. The finish has a somewhat unpleasant woodsy characteristic possibly due to excessive oak cellaring. Our score: We served our bottle with Friday night sandwiches and chips, actually not a bad choice. Florida is not known for its wines, but there are far worse wines from far better known regions. On the low, very low, side of Average.

Winery website: San Sebastian Winery.

Rene Barbier Catalunya White Wine NV

Wine: Rene Barbier Catalunya White Wine NV
Origin: Catalunya, Spain
Blend: 40% Xarello 30% Macabeo 30% Parellada
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: October 2008
Purchase Price: $5.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Lemony yellow in colour with elegant, greenish tones. Intense aromas of mainly apple and pineapple with a light citrus background. In the mouth it is fresh and tasty with a light acidity and balance."

ABC Wines review: A greenish yellow in color, this wine has floral aromas of red and yellow apples with some mineral notes. A very slight initial sweetness on the palate quickly evolves into a citrus flavor with a balanced acidity. The finish isn't notable but does linger. Our score: Priced very attractively, this is a light, fun wine that can be enjoyed at parties. Above Average.

Winery website: René Barbier.

Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine NV

Wine: Maui Blanc Pineapple Wine NV
Origin: Maui, Hawaii
Blend: 100% Pineapple
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $9.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A soft, semi-dry wine made from the juice of Maui grown pineapples. Its pineapple flavor is subtle with a lingering finish. This wine can be served for all occasions and is a great compliment to Pacific Rim cuisine."

ABC Wines review: A golden yellow in color, this wine has (not surprisingly) a strong aroma of fresh pineapple with a few herbal notes. Rather sweet on the palate (but not excessively so), the flavors lack depth and complexity. The finish is surprisingly long and smooth though is missing a bit of acidity for balance. A nice wine to serve with spicy Asian dishes. Our score: Better than we expected but priced on the high side. Average at best.

Winery website: Maui's Winery.

Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2007

Wine: Cister da Ribeira White Wine 2007
Origin: Douro, Portugal
Blend: 30% Codega do Larinho, 30% Gouveico, 20% Viosinho, 20% Rabigato
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: August 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Appearance: Clean, clear, and bright pale yellow color. Nose: Tempting floral notes mixed with tropical fruits and citrics. Mouth: Good acidity, refreshing and soft, well-balanced."

ABC Wines review: A pale silver-gold in color, this white wine blend has a pleasing fragrance of tropical fruit (pineapple) and tree fruit (pear) with citrus notes. Slightly acidic on the palate, the flavors are muted and seem rather diluted. The finish brings out more acidity, though not to excess, but doesn't otherwise develop the flavor any further. A light wine to be served with light dishes, or even as an aperitif. Our score: Average, possibly a bit better.

Winery website: Quinta de Ventozelo.

Rosenblum White Wine 2005

Rosenblum Château La Paws Côte du Bone Blanc White Wine 2005
Origin: California
Blend: 32% Viognier, 32% Chardonnay, 31% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Roussanne and 2% Marsanne
Alcohol content: 14.6%
Bottle closure: Synthetic cork
Purchase date: March 2008
Purchase price: $11.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "This lovely wine shows refreshing pear, melon and mango in the bouquet, followed by flavors of apple, peach and creamy vanilla."

ABC Wines review: This white wine blend presents aromas of ripe tropical fruit with notes of honey. The palate has an initial burst of herbal sweetness followed immediately by a tart acidity. The fruit flavors are oddly somewhat muted and diffuse. The oak cellaring (only 5% but seems more here) is brought out in the earthy, dry finish. Our score: Average, maybe a bit lower.

Winery website: Rosenblum Cellars.

Mas de Caralt White Wine 2006

Mas de Caralt White Wine 2006
Origin: Spain
Blend: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada (no percentages given)
Alcohol content: 11.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $5.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "The long and clean finish makes this wine a great food companion. It is dry and balanced wine that pairs well with pasta with creamy sauces, grilled fish and soft cheeses."

ABC Wines review: This vintage white has aromas of citrus and herbs on pouring. Semi-dry, the overall taste is rather flat though not unpleasant. Mineral notes add a bit of crispness. The finish is smooth and increasingly dry. This wine would pair better with chicken dishes than fish. At $6 (on sale), it represents a terrific value. Our score: Average.