Akron Life September 2022

GOOD EATS

U N C O R K E D

by Eric Van Sant

Gnarly Head California

In celebration of the zin fandel grape, Gnarly Head wines derived its name from the gnarly appear ance of knotted, twisted zinfandel grape vines that were some of the oldest growing in California. The Gnarly Head winemakers sourced grapes from those old vine zinfandel vine yards dating back over a century to make a juicy, bold zinfandel. Though zinfandel remains the star of the winery that launched in 2004, it now offers a wide range of affordable varietals, including old vine zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon. This September, look out for new labels featuring Grateful Dead references on both wines, which are great to uncork in the fall. OLD VINE ZINFANDEL Sourced from 35- to 80-year old gnarled vines in California’s Lodi region, this red wine is dark and inky in color, almost a deep purple. On the nose, encounter notes of blackberry and dark currants. Full and round on the mouthfeel, the tannins and acidity are pres ent but softer than other full

with bright tannins, lush acid ity and a lingering, soft finish. This is a good fit for those who enjoy a full-bodied red wine but don’t like the big tannins that other California cabernets can have. Serve it with red meats or Asian-style barbecue fare. Find these wines for $9.99 at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market and Buehler’s Fresh Foods locations.

bodied reds. Zinfandel is perfect with burgers, pizza, short ribs and wings — a crowd pleaser at the last cookouts of the year. CABERNET SAUVIGNON Grapes from a California appel lation make up this classic cab ernet sauvignon, dark red and ruby in the glass. It’s full-bodied on the nose, with notes of cur rant, Bing cherry and black pepper and rich on the palate

WI NE WI SDOM

Vines are adult after 7 years, and they are considered old vines after 25 years.

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

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