Are you seeking a well priced red blend that is just as delicious on its own as it is with casual foods during the week? Look no further than 2022 Saracina “Soul of Mendocino” Red Blend priced at a mere $28. Sent as a sample, I’m now a fan of the winery and in particular, this luscious wine, a newly released blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Carignan. Of course, as a taste-test, I sipped this keeper without food, but once paired with an easy dinner of Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwiches, chips and an assortment of cheeses, I’m now hooked on both the wine and the pairing.
If you’ve never heard of Saracina Vineyards, read on. Found in northern California near the Upper Russian River and foothills of the Mayacama Mountains, Saracina Vineyards, in Hopland, is a 400-acre ranch that’s also California Certified Sustainable. With 140 year-old olive trees, vegetable gardens, beehives, goats, alpacas, and plenty of wildlife, this is a stunning property that was established in 2001. And a fun fact… Mendocino County’s first wine cave is at Saracina Vineyards! For more information, check out their website HERE.
Photo Credit: Saracina Vineyards
By all accounts, their original “Old Soul” red wine, a field blend, has been a signature offering since the 2002 vintage. Its new name, “Soul of Mendocino” as of the 2021 vintage, indicates a “new chapter” going forward. The newly released 2022 wine was aged in French and American oak for 18 months; for five months, native malolactic fermentation occurred. When a field blend is done with skill (like this), it is worth taking more than one sip. In the glass, the wine showed colors of an intense hue of dark purple. I found aromas of herbs, dark and rich plums that led to savory flavors of spice, wood, and dark fruit compote on the round palate. Soft tannins and vibrant acidity framed this lush, mouthwatering wine with every sip. Well done.
Honestly, I could pour the “Soul of Mendocino” at an elevated dinner party and guests would be thrilled. I opted to open it, though, on a recent Wednesday night with my hands-down favorite sandwich, the BLT. At times I’ve added avocado, hard boiled egg, or sliced turkey to the sandwich, but this time around, I went old school. Just enough mayo and Dijon mustard were spread on toast after which I layered crisp, farmer’s market lettuce, home grown tomatoes, and plenty of perfectly cooked bacon. Served with sides of lightly salted chips and a plate of hard cheeses, this pairing is now added to my “Deliciously Easy Dinner Playlist.”
But why does this wine and food combination work? The dark fruit, spice and savory herbal notes as well as the velvet-like tannins and vibrant acidity of the Soul of Mendocino worked well with the meaty notes of the bacon, the acidity of the tomato and the flavors of the creamy mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on toast. The red blend was a delight to sip thanks to its balance and lingering finish; it was textured with a round mouthfeel. A sip of the wine, a bite of the BLT, and another sip resulted in a surprisingly magnificent pairing.
It’s your turn! Grab a bottle of 2022 Saracina “Soul of Mendocino” Red Blend and craft your own iteration of a BLT. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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