If you are a SAHM or a parent, you will not be surprised to read that my plans for Wednesday’s Taste and Play were interrupted.  Shocking, I know.  But when your sweet boy wakes up from his nap with a fever of 102 just as your guests arrive, that happens.  Fortunately, all the moms and my sister, Nikki, took it in stride.  I quarantined him in my room and went back and forth while they tasted and played.  It made for a lovely afternoon for them, but not the best for my tasting, so my “notes” will be brief.

We started with the 2011 Castillo Perelada Garnatxa Blanca ($12).   This is my first White Grenache, so I can’t compare it to others.  It was really interesting and different.  By the time I was able to taste this pour, my glass had already warmed.  After chilling it again, it was a totally different wine.  Crisp, huge mid-palate, and a smooth, long finish.  It was hard to discern specific fruits.  There were herbal, grassy characteristics and more citrus than tropical or stone fruits.  An intense, crisp white.  That doesn’t seem to happen too often. The ladies gave it a thumbs up.

We then moved to 2010 McPherson Viognier,($13).  As typical of many Viogniers, this one has a lovely nose.  Jasmine or honeysuckle and peach.  Stone fruits with a sparkle of citrus, honey, and a long creamy finish.  This wine feels and tastes and lovely as it smells.  I can’t say the same for our last tasting.

I wanted to ladies to try a dry Rosé, and when I saw that this one was Alicante, I wanted to try it.   I chose a 2010 Acquagiusta Rosato ($15) out of Tuscany.  The website describes it as having a “notable aromatic persistence.”  I would agree with that, I just wish it was an aroma I wanted to continue smelling.  Some people enjoy the “brett” (barnyard) qualities found in a lot of Italian wines.  I do not.  A bit can add an earthy complexity, too much can detract from what might have been a tasty wine.  I will just say that this wine had too much in the nose for my taste.  Granted, the taste was much more enjoyable than the aroma.  I got some strawberry, some greens.  Overall, there just wasn’t enough going on for me to really get excited about it.  I have not found too many Rosés at this price point that I love.  I did really enjoy Chateau L’Ermitage.  If you have one, please share it in the comments.

So which wine was the favorite?  Three cheers for Texas Wine winning this Taste and Play.  The McPherson was the unanimous favorite.   Texas Wine Gal informed me that they have an Albarino available at their Tasting Room.  Can’t wait to get to try it!  In the meantime, I will be picking up more of this Texas winner.  So what did you think?  Were you able to try any of these wines?  I look forward to reading your comments.  Have an idea for the Summer edition?  Share that as well.  Cheers, y’all!