With almost 20 years of experience in the Food and Beverage industry I have found one of the greatest adventures to be experiencing the different varietals and vintages of wine. The Wine Bar on Palafox has provided a place to extend my wine knowledge and diversify my palette.
My journey with wine started with Rieslings, and then eventually transitioned into lightly oaked Chardonnays. I found interest in these varietals due to their sweetness and/or lightness. The more I sampled different white wines I began to enjoy crisp Pinot Grigio as well as Chenin Blanc.
However, the biggest transition in my wine journey was moving from sweet and crisp white wines to reds. I will never forget the time in my life, living in Upstate New York, when my best friend ordered a bottle of Chianti at our favorite restaurant. Given my ability to be open-minded I was excited, but also somewhat apprehensive to step out of my comfort zone. And even though I didn’t know it at the time; this moment created my new found love of red wine.
I continued to taste and try different types of reds which helped me form an appreciation for dry Malbecs along with robust Tempranillos. As time has gone on I have found a love for peppery Zinfandels and full-bodied Cabernets.
And as we welcome the holiday season I wanted to share my favorite wine from our current wine list, the 2018 Seghesio Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California. What I enjoy most about this Zinfandel is its balance of light acidity and tannins. The intense notes of dark berries, plums, and vanilla create a rich but soft mouthfeel giving way to a long juicy finish. With a bouquet of cedar, spices and ripe blackberries, to its medium-bodied texture, this wine is sure to please at any gathering, especially during the holidays.
The Seghesio Family Vineyard planted their Italian roots in 1895 and have been producing the best grapes and quality wine from Sonoma County, California for over 125 years. Every bottle that this family makes “is a realization of the dreams and aspirations of an Italian immigrant who came to Sonoma County in the late 19th century to build a family and a future” (Seghesio Family Vineyards).
This wine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with dishes such as pork, chicken, barbecue, or red sauces. I would personally recommend grabbing a bottle of Seghesio Zinfandel and an order of the Pork Tenderloin from our dinner menu. Then sit back and allow these rich and savory flavors to create a perfect balance.
Not looking for a full meal? Perhaps my recommendation of our Gluten Free Chocolate Torte is a better option. The Seghesio would be a perfect pairing to enjoy with this dessert at the end of a wonderful evening.
No matter how you decided to try a Zinfandel, I would recommend grabbing a bottle of the Seghesio before any other. It is an especially great choice to make when looking for that perfect bottle to cozy up with during the holidays.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
– Aleshia Warner
