We’re right in the middle of National Grilling Month. But really anytime you can fire up your grill without wearing a winter coat, is a terrific time to throw lunch or dinner on the grill. If you really want to do it right, pair that grilled goodness with Zinfandel.
Well made Zinfandel is eminently food friendly and incredibly delicious. I’ve participated in some terrific Virtual Tastings with ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) recently. You can read about both Zinfandel, America’s Favorite Grape to Grill With and Zinfandel A Perfect Foil for Every Flavor you Grill through these links. A couple days ago I took part in ZAP’s first Facebook Live tasting which included three wineries and a Zin Loving Chef. The whole thing is archived and viewable through ZAP’s Facebook Page.
I gathered with a couple of friends and we enjoyed a cookout of salad, grilled vegetables, grilled potatoes and steak. All of those flavors worked beautifully with the Zinfandel. The trio of Zins that were lined up for the tasting all have engaging winery stories. Three Wine Company is a project from one of the Founders of Cline Cellars, a terrific producer of Zin in their own right. Rock Wall Wine Company is Shauna Rosenblum’s winery. As the daughter of Legendary Zinfandel producer Kent Rosenblum she has Zin in her blood. Martinelli in the Russian River Valley is a highly esteemed multi generation Sonoma County producer, most famous for Zinfandel.
Three Wine Company 2016 Live Oak Zinfandel ($36)
This Contra Costa County Vineyard dates back to 1885. In addition to Zinfandel (77%), there’s also Petite Sirah (12%), Carignane (9%), and Alicante Bouschet (2%) in this wine. Red and black raspberry, bramble and plenty of black pepper spice are in evidence here from the first whiff to the last sip. A kiss of toast show up on the finish. Acid and tannins are both firm, portending a long life ahead for this Zin. If you’re going to drink it now a couple of hours in a decanter will allow it to more readily express its charms. It’s a sure fire match for that Burger topped with hickory smoked bacon and blue cheese you’ve been meaning to grill for yourself.
Rock Wall Wine Company 2018 Maggie’s Vineyard Zinfandel Reserve ($50)
This Sonoma Valley Vineyard was planted in 1901 as a Field Blend. In addition to Zin there’s Sémillon, Muscadelle, and Palomino inter-planted. From the word go this wine impresses. It starts with boisterous and incredibly pleasing aromatics. Due no doubt, in no small part to white varieties that are part of the picture here. Red raspberry, cherry and plum are all evident along with savory herbs, white pepper and bits of red currant. The finish is long, persistent and incredibly pleasing. This was my first time having this wine and it won’t be my last.
Martinelli Winery 2018 Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel ($58)
The Russian River Valley is one of the great AVA’s for Zinfandel. And as it happens, Martinelli is one of its renowned producers. The vineyard itself was planted about 100 years after their famous Jackass Hill plot which dates to the 1880’s. The vines were grafted with bud wood from that old Vineyard. If you like cherries you’re going to love this wine. Red and black cherries drive the aromatics. More cherries on the palate are joined by red raspberry. Bits of espresso and kirsch liqueur emerge on the long, lingering finish. The friends I was tasting with opened a bottle of the 2013 vintage as well so we compared them. Visually the 2013 was showing some age. But on the mouth and nose similarities were apparent. In both cases the wines opened nicely over the evening.
There are so many stories when it comes to Zinfandel. The number of well known, old vineyards is impressive to say the least. It’s always fascinating to taste these wines from historic vineyards, particularly when they’re still growing wine as compelling as this trio.
Throw something on your grill, drink some Zinfandel, repeat. It’s good for you!