2022 Jessie’s Grove Cinsault – Truly Elegant and Feminine
What is Cinsaut?
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Cinsault (sin-soh) also spelled “Cinsaut” is a red wine grape varietal that is found in the hot and sunny climate of Southern France and typically goes into red wine blends in Southern Rhone, Languedoc, Roussillon and Provence. In California, Cinsaut thrives in the Lodi region of San Joaquin Valley as well as along parts of the Central Coast where temperatures can be very warm. Cinsaut is used to generally produce red wines with aromatic and floral qualities and if well-made are typically smooth with subtle tannins. Jessie’s Grove Vineyards & Winery elected to add this 2022 great wine to their Provence line up.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Jessie’s Grove Winery and Vineyards is located at 1973 West Turner Road in Lodi, California. The unassuming single lane road leading to the vineyard and tasting room, indicates the demeanor of what you are about to experience—understated, homey and it brings one back to the “casual family element” of the winery. Jessie’s Grove is the site for the oldest producing Zinfandel vines in the Lodi Appellation. It is named for Jessie Spenker, daughter of Joseph and Anna Spenker, who founded the ranch and land in 1868. The property is 320 acres with 265 acres planted in vineyards. The Zinfandel vines were planted in 1888 and are still producing an incredible ancient Zinfandel wine. Here on the plot of land between highway 5 and highway 99 on West Turner Road is the home of a host of varietals- some unique, some traditional but all exceptional.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
I visited the winery in July 2023, and was hosted by owner Greg Burns and winemaker Tana Cole. The addition of a fully functioning outdoor bar to host customers wine tasting is a great addition especially during their concert series.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine on the eyes is translucent with light brick red with lavender hues and low viscosity. On the nose, fragrant and floral aromas waft into the olfactory senses with red fruits of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. On the palate, the fruits are perky and bright bursting with freshness. The finish is soft with almost absentee tannins and those that are present are soft and round. The grapes came from Bechthold Vineyards that were originally planted in 1886. Aged in neutral French oak barrels and only 165 cases were produced. Priced at $55/bottle and a very versatile wine.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was chosen this evening to go with a new dish (new to us) called Emily’s Chipotle Chili. With a spicy hot dish, wanted a soft & mellow and low tannin wine. The chipotle chili ingredients consisted of Italian sausage, ground beef, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, minced garlic, diced white onion, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney & chili beans, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and seasoned with salt & pepper. Topped with small pieces of cilantro. This dish was definitely on the “warmer and spicy” side of the equation. Served only with a fresh garden salad. The wine was a welcome accompaniment! While the food and wine pairing played well, I would like to try the wine with a calmer dish to appreciate the refined nuances of this wine.
Sláinte,
Michael