Here is what we decided to pair with today’s dinner– Gyro.
Today’s Pick – Ironstone Merlot
Ironstone Merlot is a red wine produced by Ironstone Vineyards in Lodi, California. The winery has been producing wine in Lodi since 1948. The Ironstone Merlot 2019 received a score of 91/100 from Natalie MacLean and a rating of 85 from Wine Enthusiast, while the Ironstone Merlot 2020 received a rating of 87 from Wine Enthusiast. The wine is described as food-friendly, juicy, and well-balanced with fresh acidity. The alcohol content of the wine is 14% to 14.5%, and the bottle size is 750 ml. The price ranges from $14 to $18 depending on the vintage.
Ada— This wine was extremely aromatic. I smelled it as soon as we poured it, even being 1/2 room away. I totally tasted and smelled the smokiness. It was heavy on berry flavour, delicious with the strongly flavoured chicken we had. These full bodied reds go really well with strong flavours, even if white meat.
My rating-
Rick— Ada’s idea of a Gyro for dinner is different than what I expected — it was BBQ chicken with a different spice from the usual. Gyros are described at the bottom of this post. OKay. It was very good!
The wine was bolder than I expected for a Merlot, but did not disapoint. Very aromatic, dark berries and smokey. One to add to Rick’s favorites list.
Yummy — go buy some!
My rating-
Ironstone Merlot Taste Profile
Ironstone Merlot is bursting with luscious fruit and soft tannins with excellent drinkability. It has rich, ripe black cherry and black plum flavors that lead to a hint of vanilla and toast. The taste ranges from fruity to spicy, depending on the particular type of grape used in production. Merlots often have gravel, tea, and forest floor secondary notes, and, depending on the barrel treatment, they can also display cola, cacao, vanilla, or more subtle mushroom and white pepper notes. Because of Merlot’s lighter tannin structure, there tends not to be an intense sensation of astringency in the mouth. (source: Wine.com, Common Grape, Winetraveler).
Characteristic
Description
Taste
Medium to full-bodied
Tannins
Soft and velvety
Acidity
Moderate acidity
Fruit Flavors
Ripe plum, black cherry, blackberry
Other Flavors
Hints of cocoa, vanilla, and oak
Aromas
Red fruits, sometimes with floral notes
Complexity
Generally straightforward, easy-drinking
Ageability
Best consumed relatively young, within 3-5 years
Pairing Suggestions
Pairs well with grilled meats, roast chicken, and pasta dishes
Ironstone Winery
Ironstone Vineyards is a well-known winery located in the Lodi AVA (American Viticultural Area) of California, USA. The winery was founded in 1948 by John Kautz and has since grown into a prominent and respected producer of wines.
Key points about Ironstone Winery:
History: The winery takes its name from the iron-rich decomposed granite soil prevalent in the region, which contributes to the vineyard’s unique terroir. The Kautz family has been involved in grape growing and winemaking for several generations, and they have played a significant role in promoting the Lodi wine region.
Location: Ironstone Vineyards is located in Murphys, California, within the Sierra Foothills AVA. While the winery is based in Murphys, they also own and manage vineyards in the Lodi AVA, which is known for its exceptional Zinfandel and other varietals.
Vineyards: The winery owns extensive vineyard holdings across California, which allows them to have control over the grape-growing process and maintain consistent quality in their wines. They grow a wide range of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and more.
Wines: Ironstone Winery produces a diverse portfolio of wines, ranging from reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Syrah to whites like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Viognier. They also produce blends and special reserve wines.
Visitor Center and Heritage Museum: Ironstone is known for its stunning visitor center, which features beautiful gardens, tasting rooms, and a wine shop. One of the highlights of the winery is the Heritage Museum, which houses an impressive collection of gold rush-era art, memorabilia, and an extensive 44-pound crystalline gold nugget, one of the largest ever found.
Sustainability: Like many modern wineries, Ironstone is committed to sustainable vineyard practices and environmentally friendly winemaking techniques.
Ironstone Winery
What’s a Gyro?
A gyro (pronounced “YEE-roh” or “ZHIHR-oh”) is a popular Greek dish that consists of seasoned meat, usually beef, lamb, or a combination of both, cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is traditionally seasoned with various herbs and spices, giving it a distinct and flavorful taste.
The gyro is typically served on a flatbread known as pita bread, which is often warmed or lightly toasted. It is then garnished with various accompaniments such as:
Tzatziki Sauce: A yogurt-based sauce made with cucumber, garlic, and herbs, which adds a refreshing and tangy element to the gyro.
Tomatoes: Sliced ripe tomatoes add juiciness and freshness.
Onions: Thinly sliced red onions or white onions provide a mild crunch and flavor.
Lettuce: Some gyros include fresh lettuce for added texture and a hint of green.
Optional Additions: Depending on personal preferences, other additions may include feta cheese, olives, and hot sauce.
Gyros are a popular street food and a fast-casual item not only in Greece but also in many other countries around the world. They have become a beloved dish due to their delicious flavor and the convenience of being served in a handheld wrap, making them an on-the-go favorite.
