2022 Lavender Ridge Vineyard Grenache and Seared Bluefin Tuna
The Winery
Photo from Lavender Ridge Wines Facebook posting
2018 Lavender Ridge Vineyard tasting room is located in the town of Murphys in the lower Sierra Nevada foothills. The tasting room is located at 425 A Main Street and specializes in Rhone varietal wines. They include Cotes du Calaveras Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Rolle, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose, Grenache, Cotes du Calaveras, Mourvedre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, Vin Doux and Anniversaire Blanc. They also feature an artisan cheese selection that is unique and has something for just about everyone. To read more about Lavender Ridge, see three previous articles:
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Purchased this wine in April 2024 when visiting Murphys for the day. This wine stood out as one of the better wines enjoyed with wonderful cheese pairings.
First on the eyes an almost translucent light red coloring and medium viscosity. It had a similar look to a light Pinot Noir. That is where the similarity ended. On the nose, a bountiful bouquet of floral aromas wafted into the senses. On the palate, a rich combination of flavorful strawberry and raspberry notes greeted the imbiber. Secondary flavors of light cranberry and clove with other exotic spices came through while sipping and on the elongated finish. The acidity was dominate also on the finish but perfect for the food pairing.
The wine sells for $28/bottle and comes in at 14.4% alcohol.
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
An unusual pairing this evening but research suggested this would be a good pairing. Paired this evening with a marinated Bluefin tuna steak. Marinate was soy sauce, toasted sesame seed oil, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, olive oil and black sesame seeds. Seared for a few minutes on each side on the BBQ at 1400 degrees. Served rare on the inside. Served with a drizzled “special sauce” that sauce included toasted sesame seed oil, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, wasabi and ginger made paste and refrigerated. The food and wine pairing was very good with the rich texture of the tuna and spices contrasting with the refreshing mouthful feeling and lightness of the Lavender Ridge Grenache. Had never tried pairing a light red wine with tuna before and while perhaps not my first choice, it was remarkably good.
Sláinte,
Michael