Surdyk's Price

As March approaches, I look forward to warmer temps and the opportunity to take the cover off the grill and use fire and smoke to create boldly flavored meals. The grilled meats and vegetables cry out for a wine equally rich and bold to enhance the meal, and there is no wine better suited to this than those made from Zinfandel grapes. The gnarled old vines in Lodi, California have been producing small yields of intensely flavored grapes for over 100 years. They create wines of power with gobs of dark fruits, lush tannins, and thankfully enough bright notes of acidity to keep the wines perfectly balanced. I am not a fan of huge, extracted Zins that are solely about dark fruit and brute power. That is why I so enjoyed sipping this Alveo Zinfandel made by Klinker Brick Winery and discovering the rich dark fruit was balanced by lively acidity and a long, velvety finish. Klinker Brick winery was founded in 2000 by owners Steve and Lori Felton, who carry on five generations of grape farming dating back to 1893. They use sustainable farming practices to produce wines from 750 acres of vineyards in the Lodi AVA, and have incorporated the sixth generation of the Felton family in key roles of the business. The Alveo Zinfandel in the glass exhibits a light purple color that shimmers with brightness. The nose begins with lush red and black fruits, slight earthiness, warm baking spices, and hints of vanilla. Rich dark fruit flavors envelop the palate with enough bright acidity to provide focus and a long silky finish. Pair this with anything grilled, meat-sauced pastas, blue cheeses, Aged Cheddar or Gouda, and don’t forget to grab a slice of flourless Chocolate Cake in the Cheese Shop! Enjoy this incredible value Zin at all of your picnics and dinner parties this year, and I am sure your guests will be quickly asking for another glass, and another and… Cheers!