Echo Falls White Zinfandel California > Reviews (5)

I am not a massive drinker, but occasionally I enjoy a nice glass of Rose as it seems to be the only alcohol that I actually like the taste of! For my birthday last year (as it was my 18th) my sister brought me a bottle of this Echo Falls White Zinfandel as its her favourite so she thought I would enjoy it. I have to admit, since that day a year and a half (plus one day) a go, I have loved it and brought it for every night out!

Echo Falls is based in California which did shock me as for some reason I thought it was French. They have been wine making for over 100 years and now have many in their range of wines - all very cheap!

Packaging

Like most wines, it comes in the typical transparent glass bottle. The name is printed on the front along with the brand, same on the gold sticker around the lid. The bottle is very in keeping with the pink colour of the wine by using pink and gold to colour the labels. I like the fact that the bottle is a screw top so you don't need to fiddle about with a cork. The bottle states clearly the units and percentage of alcohol along with nutritional information.

You need to drink the wine within three days of opening as alcohol goes off quickly and can become poisonous. Best served chilled and apparently with strawberries?

Tasting time...

After leaving the bottle in the fridge for a few hours-days, I open it and enjoy. Echo Falls claim that it is fresh and fruity - full of berries. When you open the bottle the alcohol scent fills the air along with a lovely fruity berry smell. If you smell it closely you will be able to pick up on the strawberries and raspberries over the others.

Upon sipping the drink, you can tell it is quite sweet which is when it is at its best. I don't really like dry rose. The drink is very much like fruit juice but with the added kick of alcohol. I can't pin point the taste but to me it is very much like Gallo's rose.

Served chilled or with a spritz of lemonade. I usually have a couple of ice cubes in mine to keep it cold for longer on a warm day. I would not mix it with any fruit juices or other alcohol as its bad to mix drinks and doesn't taste nice with other things.

Can you taste the alcohol? I would say yes. Obviously being wine you expect a little kick to it, and it definitely does have this. The taste however isn't strong enough to give you the attractive 'shot face' (also known as the disgusted face pulled when doing a shot or tasting strong alcohol).

Alcoholic content

At 11%, this is a medium alcohol content compared to other drinks around such as Smirnoff Ice and Vodka. Although, 11% is high and alcohol should not be abused. I cannot comment on whether or not this wine would affect you quickly or not, as everyone handles their alcohol differently. Personally, it hits me after two large glasses and I begin to get tipsy. But someone else may not be affected for longer, or quicker than myself.

Occasion

The wine is not like champagne where it is more for a special occasion. I would say it could be for whenever.

I have drunk this for a night out, dinner with friends or family, weddings and many others. Its a lovely drink which is light and fruity.

Price and availability

In honesty, I have picked this up from my local bar a few times for £6.95 which is very reasonable but obviously more expensive as they need a profit. When brought from the supermarket (Tesco) it is retailed at £5.49 which is an average price for a bottle of rose, although it isn't bank breaking which is good. The price does vary depending on where you buy it from and savings are always on.

In my opinion, this is a very easy drink which is perfect for any occasion. Its fruity content just triples my love.

Always be careful when drinking and know your limit. Don't drink and drive or get too drunk. My list of safe drinking comments could go on forever.