This week I decided to go for something a bit more traditional than last week's tasting and had a go at one of Roscato's Rosso Dolce Sweet Red from Lombardy, Italy as well as a Belcreme de Lys Chardonnay from California.
The Roscato Rosso Dolce is a non-vintage blended wine, and was a departure from my typical experience with red wines. It was both the first sweet and sparkling red that I've had, and I was very impressed. Coming in at around $10 a bottle, its quality was quite surprising. The winemaker describes it as "Brilliant ruby red in the glass with intense aromas of blackberries and ripe wild berries. This wine is fresh, lively and frizzante with a soft lingering finish," and honestly thats fairly accurate to my experience. I placed its fruity taste more along the lines of cherry than berries, but thats not too far off, as well as noting that it had a distinct 'balsamic' quality to it that I found very pleasing. Its body was silky and smooth, with a subtle tannic finish. This is probably my favorite wine that I've had to date, especially for its price range.
Next up is the 2016 Belcréme de Lys Chardonnay coming in at around the same price point. This one was very curious, as it managed to incorporate many flavors I never would have expected in a wine. It is described as "A bright Chardonnay with fragrant scents of spicy oak and tropical fruit. On the palate this creamy wine showcases juicy flavors of ripe pear and pineapple." With that in mind, one of the most surprising aspects, which I suppose may be the 'oak' they refer to, was that its smell had a distinct sesame scent to it, that came through slightly in the taste as well. It was primarily a sour grape flavor, with hints of other acidic fruits and another surprisingly spicy aftertaste, almost like cilantro. Another good find for its price range, although a bit more niche than the Roscato.
Wines reviewed:
Roscato Rosso Dolce Sweet Red: https://www.wine.com/product/roscato-rosso-dolce-sweet-red/137939
Belcréme de Lys Chardonnay: https://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/chardonnay/belcreme-de-lys-chardonnay/p/114077750
The Roscato Rosso Dolce is a non-vintage blended wine, and was a departure from my typical experience with red wines. It was both the first sweet and sparkling red that I've had, and I was very impressed. Coming in at around $10 a bottle, its quality was quite surprising. The winemaker describes it as "Brilliant ruby red in the glass with intense aromas of blackberries and ripe wild berries. This wine is fresh, lively and frizzante with a soft lingering finish," and honestly thats fairly accurate to my experience. I placed its fruity taste more along the lines of cherry than berries, but thats not too far off, as well as noting that it had a distinct 'balsamic' quality to it that I found very pleasing. Its body was silky and smooth, with a subtle tannic finish. This is probably my favorite wine that I've had to date, especially for its price range.
Next up is the 2016 Belcréme de Lys Chardonnay coming in at around the same price point. This one was very curious, as it managed to incorporate many flavors I never would have expected in a wine. It is described as "A bright Chardonnay with fragrant scents of spicy oak and tropical fruit. On the palate this creamy wine showcases juicy flavors of ripe pear and pineapple." With that in mind, one of the most surprising aspects, which I suppose may be the 'oak' they refer to, was that its smell had a distinct sesame scent to it, that came through slightly in the taste as well. It was primarily a sour grape flavor, with hints of other acidic fruits and another surprisingly spicy aftertaste, almost like cilantro. Another good find for its price range, although a bit more niche than the Roscato.
Wines reviewed:
Roscato Rosso Dolce Sweet Red: https://www.wine.com/product/roscato-rosso-dolce-sweet-red/137939
Belcréme de Lys Chardonnay: https://www.totalwine.com/wine/white-wine/chardonnay/belcreme-de-lys-chardonnay/p/114077750
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