2015 Zuidema Grenache – “Cherry Cola, Rhubarb and Fig Newton”
This evening was a 2015 Zuidema Grenache (his 2nd release) and it continues to delivery a refreshing and fulfilling experience. You can read more on the background of this project at https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2017/12/13/zuidema-wines-old-world-techniques-in-a-new-napa-vineyard/ . His Clone 515 Grenache from Chateauneuf du Pape heritage continues to produce a delightful wine. Minerality and a rustic flare still persists in the wine, but the 2015 is aromatic with black cherry and as Rudy states “notes of cocoa and fig newton”. Add to this plum and soft tannins it surrounds the spicy edge of this wine. Rudy describes it as “the aromas are made up of white pepper, bright rhubarb, strawberry and blood orange peel. The bright acidity in the mid palate bursts with mixed berries, holiday spice and layers of anise and tarragon”. Even the finish gives a hint of the Old World with it being rustic and not perfectly polished in a positive manner. On the eyes the color being ruby to brick red with a medium body with a distinct brilliant clarity. On the palate cherries and holiday spices with cranberry fruit, having an old oak flavoring, yet showing the minerality of dry farming.
Tonight this was paired with slow cooked chicken and medium/hot salsa with corn and black beans served over cauliflower rice with a side salad. The wine cooled down “the heat” and provided a nice fruit balance to the spicy salsa. A worthy wine for the cellar and thinking it may go very well with a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.
Slainte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://zuidemawines.com/
California Wines & Wineries 