Thanks to regular opportunities to taste premium Zinfandel from producers in California, I’ve learned more and more about the stories behind this favorite variety. Many call Zinfandel “America’s grape” and others refer to it as “the American spirit captured in a bottle.” I know it, too, as a wine that offers a rich, flavorful palate profile with an uncanny ability to complement a range of foods I love.
In fact, my most recent Zinfandel tasting (a virtual “watch party” on Facebook) was with those from Zinfandel Advocates & Producers. Highlighted were three exceptional wines (sent to me as samples) and suggestions for mouthwatering food pairings. You can find some incredible recipes here. Inspired?
One of those who knows the nuances of Zinfandel and foods to match is 30+ year restaurant and hotel industry veteran Chris Shackleford, Chef and Sommelier at Trelio Restaurant in Clovis, California. His culinary and cultural influences include those from local farms to table, France, Spain, Germany, Asia, Latin countries and of course, America. At Trelio, though, the focus is Italian cuisine that’s on the highly regarded, seasonal menu.
During the “watch party,”, Shackleford explained that “food can be tailored to meet any type of Zin. Acidity, spice, sweetness are balancing factors in this wine that can bridge a lot of gaps on menus and with a variety of cuisine.”
As an example, Shackleford demonstrated the process of making Inihaw na Manok – Filipino BBQ Chicken with its “funky elements” of banana ketchup, cane vinegar, goghujang chile puree, fish sauce, Sprite, brown sugar, star anise, bay leaf, allspice, annatto seeds and more. He added that “tacos, sausages, charcuterie, even sauerkraut are delicious with the right Zinfandel.” And don’t forget that “barbecue grilling is Zin’s sweet spot,” he reminded the captivated guests. Duly noted…
Taste California Zinfandel!
Matt Cline, who founded popular Cline Cellars with his brother, and his wife and business partner, Erin, established three Wine Company in 2006. Located in Contra Costa County, the family winery focuses on sustainable viticulture and hands-on-experience. Matt Cline believes that “the dirt, micro-climate, and sustainable wine growing from vineyard to bottle form the cornerstone of good winemaking.”
The wine we tasted, three 2016 Zinfandel Live Oak ($36) offered intense notes of black pepper, herbs and eucalyptus on the nose. The concentrated, silky palate burst with raspberries, boysenberries, prunes, blackberries, bramble and pepper framed with firm acidity and slight grip of tannins. This lush blend of mostly Zinfandel as well as field blends of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Mataro, Alicante Bouschet and a touch of Mascat of Alexandria was a stunner. Suggested pairings were pan seared duck with fig reduction sauce, grilled rib eye steak or grilled peaches, three mouthwatering choices.
The owner of Rock Wall Wine Company, Shauna Rosenblum, introduced Maggie’s Vineyard 2018 Zinfandel Reserve ($50), an elegant blend of predominantly Zinfandel with Semillon, Muscadelle and Palomino. Shauna admitted that she puts her “heart and soul into every wine” but with this, “I saw a raw and intense version of my heart and soul.” In 2018, her father, who loved the fruit at Maggie’s Vineyard (a heritage vineyard that was planted in 1901 and is among the oldest vineyards in Sonoma Valley) leased the land. Soon thereafter, he and his team began farming. Sadly though, Shauna’ father passed in September 2018, about six weeks before harvest. Shauna took the helm and managed the process. Now, every sip elicits deep emotions.
Bright ruby red in the glass, notes of mint, green tea, wet moss, herbs, vibrant cherries, juicy raspberries, spice and peppercorn on both nose and palate offered a restrained version of classic Zinfandel. Balanced with vibrant acidity and velvet tannins, this wine was incredible. I sipped this wine with pulled pork sandwiches, yet grilled avocado with olive oil and lemon juicy tucked into a taco promises to be nirvana! Shauna declared, “I’ll drink this wine with anything… including Lucky Charms!”
Martinelli Winery was represented by Julianna Martinelli, 4th generation member of an iconic grape growing family of Sonoma. Tuscany-born Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli planted three acres of Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley in the 1880s. The vineyard is known as Jackass Hill (“You’d have to be a jackass to farm a hill this steep!” reportedly said Giuseppe) and is the steepest non-terraced hillside vineyard in the County. Lee Martinelli, Giuseppe and Luisa’s grandson planted a Zinfandel vineyard on a rocky knoll above the Martinelli Tasting Room. A hearty variety with thick skin, Zinfandel is truly the family’s heritage grape.
The 2018 Zinfandel ($58) burst with deep, rich aromas of brown leather, boysenberry, spice and hint of plums. On the palate, flavors of dark and juicy raspberries, purple plums and blackberries were intense and lifted with just-right acidity and tannic structure. Only 100 cases were produced. Julianna stated that “Zin wants to please you… not just with pizza, burgers or pasta. Zinfandel pairs easily with Mexican and Asian foods, too – anything with spice!”
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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