Wente `Beyers Ranch` Zinfandel 2019
Country
United States
Region
Livermore Valley
Producer
Wente Vineyards
Grape(s)
Zinfandel (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Robust
Oaked Style
Lightly oaked
Body Style
Full bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Not applicable
Alcohol Content
14%
Closure Style
Cork
Organic/Biodynamic
No
Sustainable
No
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
Livermore Valley put California on the international wine map in 1889 capturing America`s first gold medal at the Paris Exposition. Robert Livermore was an English sailor who jumped ship and planted the first vineyards. Marine winds find their way into the valley from San Francisco Bay cooling the gravel based soils. As with vineyard in Santa Clara Valley, wineries struggle with the pressures of urban expansion throughout the Bay area but today, around 40 wineries enjoy a strong reputation for classic wines.
Producer
The winery was established by Carl Wente in 1883 on only 47 acres of land. He trained with Charles Krug of Napa Valley and together with his sons, introduced California`s first varietal wine label, Sauvignon Blanc. This pioneering family have established the Livermore Valley as one of the premier wine growing areas of California and have expanded to over 2000 acres with a further 700 acres in Arroyo Seco.
Tasting Notes
This is California`s signature red grape varietal and it is better know for making blush wines. However its greatest atribute is for full powerful reds that have a delicious spicy character and a decent dollop of alcohol. This lovely example made by the Wente brothers displays a firm round black fruit flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry to start and then evolves through to a chunky finish which lingers smoothly.
Food
French onion soup, cassoulet, barbecued chicken and steak.
