More than Manischewitz: Moriah's Wine Blog

This past Wednesday, two friends and I went to Eggleston, VA to Palisades Restaurant for their special Wines Around the World Argentina vs. South Africa. The drive to the restaurant was absolutely terrifying but I was excited to try the food and wine once we got there. Below is the menu from dinner, provided by the restaurant. Africa Braai Spiced Pork Shoulder  African BBQ spiced pork shoulder, features cloves, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, turmeric & coriander Barista 2016 Pinotage Chicken Peri Peri Chicken dish marinated in paprika, ginger, and lemon Simonsig 2015 Chenin Blanc Argentina Lamb Locro Andean Stew with beans, squash, and potatoes Alta Vista 2013 Cabernet Savignon Salmon Cakes with Chimichurri Spiced salmon cakes with chimichurri made with cilantro, basil, scallions, jalapeños, and honey Alta Vista 2015 Torrontes  The plating was nice--I wasn't sure what to expect from this so but I was pleasantly surprised that althoug...

Name: Casa del Maia Variety: White Zinfandel Region: Puglia Country: Italy Year: 2016 Price: $6.95 Shop/wine critic/winery review: From the heart of Italy’s Puglia region, this wine has an enchanting play of light and color bursting with fruit flavors. My review: This wine smelled like strawberries and tasted sweet and acidic with fruity berry and floral rose flavors and a fuller body. The wine was smooth and light. I tasted this wine without food. 

Name: Anderra Variety: Carmenere Region: Valle Central Country: Chile Year: 2013 Price: $7.95 Shop/wine critic/winery review: Dark color. Earthy, fruity oaky aromas of black currant, dark, toasted oak, vanilla, and coffee with a body and a finish. Dark and rustic with generous oak, juicy tannins and a tart, dry finish. My review: This wine had plum, blackberry, and smoky smells. It tasted acidic and oaky, in contrast to it’s smell—perhaps it was barrel aged? I thought this wine would also be better with food. I tasted this wine without food. 

Name: Castle Rock Variety: Pinot Noir Region: Sonoma County, California Country: United States Year: 2011 Price: $8.95 Shop/wine critic/winery review: For an affordable bottling in a difficult year, this wine packs decent luggage. There's a nice mix of red fruit, earthy funk and brown spice on the nose, followed up by a soft, full mouthfeel that's dominated by warm red fruit and supported by an ample, acidic backbone. My review: This wine had a fruity smell of blackberry and plum with a spice on the end of the nose. It had a heavier body and was slightly tannic with berry flavors. It had a complex flavor—it was smoky, like oak and tobacco. I think this wine would be excellent with food. I tasted this wine without food.