Valentine’s weekend 2021 looks much different than what we experienced in 2020, doesn’t it? Instead of booking a reservation to our favorite restaurant weeks in advance, we’ll be lucky if we can even find a restaurant that’s open or has enough available seating! Well then. It looks like a take-out night with someone or something special (puppy lollygagging on the lap, Netlix series binged for the tenth time, or a real human who will share that romantic evening) is in order. But don’t forget the wines from the Zonin family! Love comes in all sorts of shapes, forms… and flavors!
This year, the iconic Zonin family from northern Italy is celebrating their 200th anniversary of winemaking. Since 1821, seven generations have led the largest private vine growing and winemaking company in Italy. In 2014, Domenico Zonin, President of Zonin1821, took the reins from his father Gianni Zonin who had run the company for forty years.
The ancestral home is located in Gambellara, in the province of Vicenza. There, the family began to produce wines in the early 1800s. “Commendatore” Domenico Zonin, born in 1899 and who passed at 101 years, initiated “an aggressive marketing strategy” in the mid-1900s. Clearly, he poised the family to embrace the inevitable changes in order to create the internationally recognized business it is today. As an homage, the Zonin family now includes “Vintners since 1821” on their logo.
Photo Credit: Zonin1821
How are we able to celebrate the legacy of the Zonin family? By pouring their delicious and affordable wines this weekend! Whether you’re cooking a fancy (or not so fancy) dinner at home, ordering from your favorite take-out spot, or simply popping some popcorn (don’t forget the butter!), one of the four wines profiled below (and sent as samples) will be just what you’ll crave!
Next, pop the cork of Zonin Prosecco DOC Rosé ($14.99). This gorgeous wine is of Pinot Noir and Glera, the only two varieties allowed for a rosé of Prosecco. Beautifully aromatic with hints of wisteria, notes of crisp red apples, wild strawberries and raspberries on the palate led to a crisp, elegant finish. Like Zonin Prosecco DOC Cuveé, this is dairy-free, gluten free and vegan friendly. Pair both Prosecco wines with anything from appetizers to salads to vegetarian dishes to favorite entrees… all the way to desserts!
From northeast Italy is Ca’Bolani Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC Aquileia ($16.99). This beautiful estate within the Zonin family extends for over 890 acres and is uniquely positioned between the Adriatic Sea and Friuli, north of Venice. On the nose, I found mesmerizing aromas of peaches, pears and gardenia flowers. The rich, flavorful palate suggested flavors of bright citrus, lemon, and minerality that led to a vibrant, crisp finish. Trust me, this isn’t one of those weak, watered-down Pinot Grigios… the Ca’Bolani is one to find. Pair with your favorite sushi, Greek food, or Mediterranean dishes.
You’re planning to pick up that heart shaped pizza, right? How about the wine? You’ll love a glass or two of Castello di Albola Chianti Classico DOCG ($16.99) for that perfect pairing. From Tuscany, Castello di Albola sits on the highest elevated vineyards throughout all of the Chianti Classico DOCG appellation. Their wines have earned the iconic “Gallo Nero,” a symbol that guarantees the highest standards in winemaking for the Chianti Classico category… and this wine proves it. Ruby red in color with subtle shades of garnet, aromas and flavors include lush strawberries, dark cherries, rich and juicy plums, and a touch of earth.
Raise a glass to the wines from the Zonin family, celebrate their legacy and savor the romance this weekend.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
