From Pruning to Pouring: Spring Bottling Season Blooms at Zion Vineyards
By Patrick Hayes
Zion Vineyards in May is a time for bottling, weeding, planting, irrigation and growth. The trimming and pruning we did in February and March have benefits visible now. It has promoted new growth that encourages high-quality fruit and ensures the new growth has enough air flow and sun. We planted red clover, a nitrogen producing plant, around the bases of many of our vines this year, to increase our yield. We are seeing small clusters of grapes on the vine already. A good indication of healthy vines.
We’ve bottled 6 New Reserve wines two of which are available to taste and purchase now, the Sangiovese Reserve and the Teroldego Reserve American Oak.
Sangiovese, from the Latin Sanguis Jovis, “blood of Jupiter”. It is one of the most important grape varieties in Italy. Known as the “backbone of Chianti”.” Sangiovese is the dominant grape variety in Chianti blends. Our 2023 Sangiovese Reserve is aged in French Oak it is medium-bodied, rich and dry with a bright acidity. Fruit driven in character with aromas of tart cherry and plum, red currants and blackberries. With grippy tannins and savory notes of saddle-leather, tobacco, sage and roasted pepper. A perfect food wine paired with rich full-flavored meats, Osso Bucco, Lasagna, Chicken Cacciatore and Classic Red sauce pasta dishes, cured sausages and hard cheeses.
The Teroldego Reserve American Oak, this wine aged in American Oak is full-bodied, and well-balanced, with bold notes of vanilla and cherry, blackberry and currants. Big Oak and smoke with notes of tobacco and woodsy spice complement a smooth rounded mouthfeel and velvety tannins. This wine has bright fruit notes, like cranberry and pomegranate, blended in with blackberry and raspberry. Expect spicy pepper, a hint of cinnamon or anise, and black earthiness in there as well. A perfect food wine paired with duck, beef steaks, lamb or braised meats like Osso Bucco and Classic Tomato based Italian dishes. “What Wine Pairs with BACON? You Guessed it, our Teroldego.
Please come on out and join us for a fun time and taste some of our award-winning wines. Visit us at 5 Hidden Valley Road in Leeds. We are just 12 miles north of St George and just off the I-15 in beautiful Leeds Utah. Reservations are not needed We are Open Seven Days a Week, noon to 6 PM. Online at zionvines.com or call 435-216-1340.
