Tasting - Malesan Bordeaux Red

Name: Malesan Bordeaux Red
Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc

Region: Bordeaux
Country: France
Year: 2014
Price: €5.87

Winery Review: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc; the 3 most emblematic varieties of the appellation Bordeaux, assembled to a surprising Malesan red! Malesan red is aged in oak barrels for six months, giving it time to work its intensity and tannins. A dress with a deep red, with beautiful garnet. A fragrant nose, fruity aromas sustained by a thin and discreet woodwork. A mouth, soft, fruity and slightly vanilla. Perfect on stews, red meats such as duck breast ... Without forgetting the cheeses and chocolate desserts.

My Review: Since I was in France I had to try the local flare. This Bordeaux was cheap and such a pleasant experience. The nose was earthy with hints of mushrooms, blackberries, and licorice. The taste also had some earthy tones with hints of dark berries and a bit spicy which comes from the Cab Franc. It was super smooth with an easy finish. This was great little wine and a quality find. This would pair well with some mature cheese.

Tasting - Barros Porto Ruby Port

Name: Barros Porto Ruby Port
Variety: Port

Region: Porto
Country: Portugal
Year: NV
Price: €6.50

Winery Review: Matured in oak; a sweet, elegant, richly flavoured but nonetheless fresh-tasting ruby port. Vanillin and spice-tinged berries and plums caress the nose. Delicious served with fruit, ice cream or cheeses!

My Review: I was in Porto and I had to get Port wine! This wine is very fruity on the nose with hints of red fruit specifically raspberries with a tinge of chocolate. On the palate more raspberries came through as it was still very fruity. I also got chocolate. This wine was also very hot which makes sense since it is 19.5% alcohol. It is smooth but super sweet so I cannot have too much in one sitting. This would pair well with a chocolate mousse.