Scotto Family Wines Old Vine Zinfandel

Scotto Family Wines Old Vine Zinfandel: A Rich Californian Zinfandel for Bold Palates

Introduction

Calling all Zinfandel lovers! If you're searching for a robust, fruit-forward red wine bursting with Californian sunshine, look no further than the Scotto Family Wines Old Vine Zinfandel. This exceptional Zinfandel hails from Lodi, a region renowned for its exceptional old vine Zinfandels.

Vineyards and Winemaking

The Scotto family has a long and storied history with Lodi grapes. They meticulously hand-harvest these old vines, coaxing out the essence of concentration and flavour that comes with age. The grapes are then gently crushed, undergoing a 9-day fermentation on the skins. This extended contact period imbues the wine with vibrant colour, bold tannins, and intense flavours. Finally, the Zinfandel spends a further 22 months ageing in French oak barrels, adding a touch of elegance and complexity to the final product.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The Scotto Family Wines Old Vine Zinfandel boasts a deep, inky purple hue that hints at the richness to come.

Aroma: On the nose, a captivating bouquet unfolds, brimming with ripe dark fruits like blackberry, plum, and black cherry. Hints of spice, pepper, and toasty oak add a touch of complexity, hinting at the time spent in oak barrels.

Palate: The first sip of this Zinfandel is a revelation. Full-bodied and bursting with flavour, it delivers a powerful punch of ripe dark fruit, complemented by hints of jammy sweetness and subtle baking spices. The well-integrated tannins provide a pleasant structure, while the oak ageing adds a touch of vanilla and toasty notes that linger on the finish. The alcohol content typically sits around 13.5%, offering a balanced and approachable drinking experience.

Food Pairing

The Scotto Family Wines Old Vine Zinfandel's bold personality makes it a fantastic food pairing partner for a variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions to tantalise your taste buds:

• Grilled meats: This Zinfandel is a perfect match for grilled meats like steak, burgers, and lamb chops. The wine's rich fruit flavours stand up well to the smoky char of the grill, while the tannins help to cut through the fat.
• BBQ: Take your barbecue experience to the next level with this Zinfandel. The wine's bold fruit character complements smoky barbecue flavours beautifully, making it a crowd-pleasing choice.
• Hearty stews and casseroles: The rich flavours of this Zinfandel can hold their own against robust stews and casseroles. Consider pairing it with a hearty beef stew, a spicy chili, or a lentil and sausage casserole.
• Hard cheeses: Zinfandel pairs excellently with aged hard cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and manchego. The wine's tannins help to cut through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a delightful textural contrast.
• Chocolate: For a truly decadent treat, pair this Zinfandel with a dark chocolate dessert. The wine's rich fruit flavours will complement the chocolate's bitterness, creating a luxurious and satisfying finish to your meal.

Conclusion

The Scotto Family Wines Old Vine Zinfandel is a superb example of what California can achieve with the Zinfandel grape. It's a full-bodied, flavourful wine that is sure to please lovers of bold reds. With its versatility in food pairing and its attractive price point, this Zinfandel is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

At The General Wine Co., we are proud to offer the Scotto Family Wines Old Vine Zinfandel.  Visit our website or store to purchase your bottle today!