Akron Life February 2023

GOOD EATS

U N C O R K E D

by Eric Van Sant

Terra d’Oro Plymouth, California

ZINFANDEL A perfect expression of Amador County zinfandel, 93 percent of the grapes used for this wine ($18.99) are estate fruit picked at night. It’s fermented in stain less steel and then aged in a mix of American and French oak barrels. With full notes of jam and blackberry on the nose, it’s full and rich on the palate with highlights of cacao and clove through the finish. This is a perfectly rounded bottle of wine, and it pairs well with full bodied Italian fare or grilled lamb skewers. ZINFANDEL PORT If you are a fan of ports, this wine ($22.99) is a must-try. These zinfandel grapes are harvested last in the season to allow for maximum sweetness and reduced acidity. Once the wine reaches the correct sugar levels during fermentation, unaged grape brandy is added as part of the fortification process. This stops fermenta tion and leaves the fortified wine with a subtle sweet edge. Aged in a variety of Hungarian, American and French oak bar rels, this wine is smooth and velvety soft, making for an ideal after-dinner aperitif year-round.

Located in the Sierra Foothills of California, Terra d’Oro Winery is led by winemaker Emily Haines and has over 800 acres of vineyards, all sustainably farmed. “Terra d’Oro” means “Land of Gold” in Italian, and its history spans back to the gold rush of the late 1800s. Italian immigrants Sierra Foothills, and they brought vine cuttings that they planted to ensure that they would be able to enjoy one of their favorite things — wine, primarily zinfandel. Now, the region is best known for its qual ity zinfandel. Haines joined Terra d’Oro in 2017 with a degree in biotech nology and biochemistry from Eastern Washington University. After falling in love with wine while working part time at a tasting room, she decided to quit her research job and go into winemaking. Following sharpening her skills in Washington at Wahluke Wine Co., she moved to Terra d’Oro, where she continues to refine the wines produced. Here are some standouts to try. traveled to California to find fortune in the

finish cuts through for a linger ing, enjoyable experience. Try it with Asian cuisine. Find Terra d’Oro wines at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s and Discount Drug Mart locations.

MOSCATO This wine ($13.99) is a great moscato for the person who doesn’t care for moscato. Bright and floral on the nose, this moscato is sweet but not overly cloying. You will not feel that your mouth is completely coated, as the acidity on the

[ Eric Van Sant is a sales manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

39

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m