Wednesday, July 27, 2011

What's in My Glass Wednesdays! Bare Bones White by Mazza Vineyards

Absolutely adored this wine when I first got a taste!  In a recent visit to Erie, I fell in love with the concept of producing thrifty, white blends fit for your every-day consumer.  (By thrifty, I'm talking approximately $10 for a good-quality white wine.)  "Bare Bones White" caught my eye.

The "Bare Bones" series is created as a second label for Mazza Vineyards.  If you haven't been up to Erie, you should definitely plan a visit to this winery:

Mazza Vineyards
Wish I snagged a better picture!
(Photo by author)

Tell me the label isn't catchy?  On the back, there is an explanation on what is in the bottle with emphasis that there is no oak, no tannins, no extras - "just the bare bones."  I encourage all of you to try this one out.  It is, as it was intended to be, a basic table wine composed of hybrid, and European wine grape varieties and but very well done.  Who is this wine for?  I'd so Riesling lovers, naked-Chardonnay lovers, and white wine drinkers.  Cheers!

Label for "Bare Bones White"
(Photo from Google Images)

Bare Bones White

The D-2010 Scale 
Bare Bones White by Mazza Vineyards (Erie, PA)
Appearance (10 points possible): light yellow in color, clear - 10 points
Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): This wine is a floral bouquet of aromas plus peach/apricot, pineapple, and citrus. - 19 points
Taste (10 points possible):  Light bodied, very floral and fruity on the palate.  Nice crisp of acidity to match the flavors and a hint of sweetness in the finish. - 6 points
Balance (5 points possible): Wine was well balanced as a simple, light, white wine. - 4 points
Finish (5 points possible):  Lingering finish with pleasant floral and citrus notes.  A touch of sweetness makes this a nice pairing wine. - 4 points
Packaging *Introduction to the D-2010 Scale*
Quality of Package (5 points possible):  Glass quality is made for basic table wines.  Bottled with a screw cap.  Complete package for a cost-efficient time. - 3 points
Label Marketability (10 points possible):  I think this label and name is quite clever.  With the added message on the back of the label, this is a sure fire hit! - 9 points
Other (5 points possible): Well, ok... no extras, so I guess we'll take some points away in this category (not that making good wines is all about the package, but still, it counts!).  I do, however, think this bottle has good marketing potential. - 2 points
Total Points: 87 points
Overall Thought: I think this is a super awesome deal of a wine that is perfect for these hot summer days that many of us are experiencing in the eastern U.S.  (Not on the east side?  Then this will pair well with your cooler nights!)  It's a great food wine, wine-opener (aka the wine you'll drink before dinner), or every-day summer wine.  On the winemaking side, I love that this is a blend of 4 varieties: Vidal Blanc, Cayuga White, Traminette, and Riesling.  It's definitely worth the buy and I know I'm hoping to stock up in my cellar!  
Food Pairings:  What doesn't go with a simple, light-bodied white wine?  Well... who knows!  I'm thinking this would be great with all of your veggies fresh from your garden, seafood - honestly - grilled fish or jerk seasoned fish, and probably grilled chicken.  Anything light and simple, much like this wine.
Cost: $9.95 - what a bargain!
Splurge Factor (out of 4): 1 - not only in your budget, but it'll get you lovin' PA wines.
Where to buy:  You're probably going to have to visit Mazza Vineyards (or search on their website, listed under "Premium Wines" for Mazza Vineyards in PA.

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