April marks one of the busiest and most important times of year at Zion Vineyards, as the team moves into bottling their 2023 wines while irrigation of the vines begins for the growing season.
Pruning plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the grapevines. Careful trimming promotes new growth, encourages the vine to yield high-quality fruit, and helps ensure proper airflow and sun exposure—key elements in developing balanced, expressive wines.
New reds arriving on the menu include Syrah, Grenache, and Zioja, a Rioja-style red blend.
The Syrah is deep and full-bodied, with bold notes of black cherry, blueberry, and plum. It is well-balanced with aromas of vanilla, cherry blossom, woodsy spice, and cedar. A soft, lush mouthfeel carries velvety tannins and a lingering finish of anise and dried tobacco, with notes of lightly turned earth. It pairs well with strong, rich cheeses like blue and sharp cheddar or nutty Manchego, as well as tangy barbecue, roast pork, lamb, or duck seasoned with rosemary and thyme. It also complements grilled meats, hearty stews, and flavorful steaks such as ribeye and New York strip.
The Grenache is a dry, fruit-forward wine with bright acidity. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, it features fruit and savory notes of hibiscus, peppery spice, and cinnamon on the nose, with red fruit flavors of candied cherry, strawberry, blood orange, and pomegranate. Soft tannins create a velvety mouthfeel, rounded and silky with subtle leather notes. It pairs with grilled meats, beef steaks, lamb, and roast chicken, along with savory and smoky dishes such as barbecue, carnitas, and game meats like duck and venison. For dessert, it complements dark chocolate and dried cherry bread pudding.
Zioja, a blend of 60% Tempranillo and 40% Grenache, has become increasingly popular. This wine is deep and full-bodied, with bold notes of pomegranate, cherry, blueberry, and blackberry. Aromas of woodsy spice, butterscotch, and cedar lead into a lush mouthfeel with soft, velvety tannins and a lingering finish of cinnamon, tobacco, and leather. It pairs well with aged Asiago, smoked Gouda, and Manchego, and works beautifully alongside a variety of tapas, rich and savory roast pork, lamb, or duck seasoned with rosemary and thyme, grilled meats, vegetables, hearty stews, and desserts such as dark chocolate tortes or pecan pie.
Zion Vineyards is located at 5 Hidden Valley Road in Leeds, just 12 miles north of St. George and just off I-15. The winery is open seven days a week from noon to 6 PM. Reservations are not required. To learn more, visit www.zionvines.com or call 435-849-8376.
