SippitySup

2011 Artezin Zinfandel Mendocino County

Artezin Zinfandel Mendocino County

Bright red fruits, especially raspberry and pomegranate, are the prominent aromas in this classically-styled Artezin Zinfandel from California’s Mendocino County. The flavors, however are mostly dark fruits, followed by nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. I love how these spices tie into the flavors of the Pork’s spicy chutney, and though rich and round, the wine’s medium body does not overwhelm the pork. This is not one of those powerhouse zins. In addition, the wine exhibits an herbal quality, which emulates that found in the pancetta wrapping.

Zinfandel is truly America’s red wine grape variety. Or is it? Just within the last 40 or so years, Zinfandel has gone from being seen as uniquely American, to being identical to Primitivo, Plavac Mali, Dobričić, Crljenak Kaštelanski, and (most recently) Tribidrag. This is all very impressive science, but to me not very important. After all, even grape varieties whose origin is not so controversial–like Pinot Noir–express themselves so differently from one place to another, that where any particular grape comes from originally becomes irrelevant.

Grant Henry

Grant is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute (now the International Culinary Center) in New York City. He is recognized as a Certified Specialist of Wine by the Society of Wine Educators. Currently living in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, Grant is a sales rep for a small wine distributor specializing in boutique wineries from around the world. When not selling wine, drinking wine, or talking about wine he can be found making delicious dinners for his friends and family, or entertaining his son. Grant puts the “Sip” in Sippity Sup through his creative wine pairings. He is also the author of the Wine Notes for the book “Savory Pies”. His three favorite wine words are dirt, acid, and gravel. Greg and Grant are brothers.

Pairs With How to Cook Pork Tenderloin. Definitively Speaking.

Price $18

Also pairs well with Asian food, barbecue, beef, cheese, grilled meats, hamburgers, lamb, pizza, pork, and sausage, .

  • Category Red Wine
  • Varietal Zinfandel
  • Region Mendocino County CA