Autumn calls for a return to reds – the perfect wines to pair with those warming winter stews we’ve all been missing over the summer. We asked Rupert Pritchett from Taurus Wines in Bramley what he’s going to be drinking this season and his answer was simple – Zinfandel! The Californian answer to Primitivo, Zinfandel is smooth, rich and well-rounded – and here’s Rupert’s favourites from his selection…
Scotto Old Vine Zinfandel 2022
£14.99
Scotto’s fruit comes from one of the oldest and most distinctive Zinfandel growing regions in Lodi in California. Zin fans (and anyone who is partial to a Big Red) will find much to enjoy here: plush, layered flavours of dark cherry, plum, cassis and wood spice, alongside a good thwack of vanilla and dark chocolate. Silky soft, but nevertheless gutsy, Scotto drinks well with the usual suspects – steak and red meat, but still has enough acidity to cut through richer braises and cheese-based dishes.
Wente Beyer Ranch 2021
£18.99
Wente’s cooler-than-usual vineyard sites dotted around the Bay Area produce a more medium-bodied, but nonetheless soft and smooth style of Zinfandel than some of the other Californian Zins. Steeped in strawberry and black tea notes, its juiciness would be more than welcome alongside a rack of ribs or no-frills burger. And if meat isn’t your thing, then it’s good to know that Wente Beyer Ranch is vegan too – so can be enjoyed by everyone around the table.
Edmeades Mendocino County Zinfandel 2021
£29.99
Lush and velvety, with spicy cinnamon and clove aromas. Baking spices give way to black cherries, blackberries, black currants, a hint of chocolate and dried sage. The texture is round and full-bodied. Infinitely food-friendly, you can drink this with anything from rich stews and barbecued meat and to roasted vegetables, and pizzas. It also goes particularly well with crispy aromatic duck, marinated ribs, and smoky Mexican cuisine.
Taurus Wines are located at Whipley Manor Farm, Bramley, Surrey, GU5 0LL.
Tel: 01483 548484
This article appears in our autumn edition
