Here is what we decided today to pair with today’s dinner– Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausages.
Today’s Zinfandel Pick
Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel is a popular wine produced by Ravenswood Winery, located in Sonoma County, California. The wine is made from Zinfandel grapes, which are known for their bold and fruity flavors. Ravenswood Zinfandel is typically a full-bodied wine with rich, dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum, along with notes of spice and pepper. It is often aged in oak barrels, which can impart additional flavors of vanilla and toast. This Zinfandel is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, pizza, and pasta dishes. It’s also great without food.
Ada— Some reviews I’ve read of this wine describe it as blackberry, raspberry with hints of spice and pepper. I could actually taste these in the wine!
The wine was bold yet smooth and fruity. The colour was a dark rich red. It paired well with the spicy sausage but would be extremely versatile for other flavourful meats. Definitely a keeper.
My rating-
Rick— A very nice bottle of wine. Deep garnet in colour and very aromatic. Consitent across the meal, so a good pairing. It was gone before I knew it, so there’s that.
My rating-
Ravenswood Zinfandel Taste Profile
Ravenswood Zinfandel typically has a deep, dark color and a rich, full-bodied taste. The wine is known for its bold fruit flavors, with blackberry, raspberry, and plum being common notes. There are also often hints of spice, such as black pepper and cinnamon, along with a touch of vanilla or oak from the aging process. The tannins in Ravenswood old vine Zinfandel are generally moderate to high, which gives the wine a slightly dry finish and helps it pair well with rich, flavorful foods. Ravenswood Zinfandel is a complex, flavorful wine that is sure to please fans of full-bodied red wines like us.
Tasting Profile
Description
Varietal
Zinfandel
Region
California, United States
Appearance
Color: Deep ruby red to purple hues. Clarity: Clear and bright.
Aroma
Intensity: Medium to high intensity. Primary Aromas: Ripe blackberries, dark cherries, brambly fruits, and black plum. Secondary Aromas: Hints of black pepper, baking spices (cinnamon, clove), and sweet vanilla. Tertiary Aromas: Subtle earthy notes and smoky nuances.
Palate
Body: Medium to full-bodied. Texture: Smooth, velvety tannins. Flavor Intensity: Bold and pronounced flavors. Primary Flavors: Blackberry jam, raspberry, black cherry, and dark plum. Secondary Flavors: Spicy notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Vanilla and toasty oak undertones. Tertiary Flavors: A touch of leather, tobacco, and dark chocolate. Acidity: Moderate to high acidity, providing structure and balance. Sweetness: Dry wine with minimal residual sugar. Finish: Lingering finish with a combination of fruit and spice flavors.
Ravenswood Winery
Ravenswood Winery was founded in 1976 by Joel Peterson, who is often referred to as the “Godfather of Zinfandel.” Peterson was one of the first winemakers in California to focus solely on Zinfandel, and he quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, flavorful wines. Today, Ravenswood Winery is owned by Constellation Brands, but the winery continues to produce Zinfandel and other varietals using traditional winemaking techniques. Ravenswood Zinfandel is available in a range of different styles, including single-vineyard wines and blends, and is widely distributed throughout the United States and other countries.
Ravenswood Winery is located in Sonoma, California, United States. The winery is specifically situated in the Sonoma Valley region, which is known for its excellent wine production and scenic vineyards. Ravenswood Winery has become well-regarded for its dedication to showcasing the unique character and expression of California Zinfandel grapes.
Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausages
We like these sausages because they are gluten-free (I have Celiac disease) and they’re nice and spicy. Pure pork too, with no added fillers. We’ll also be having baked Russette potatoes and a vegetable side.
Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausages are a popular brand of sausages known for their spicy and flavorful taste. Johnsonville is a well-known American company that specializes in the production of various sausage products. Their Hot Italian Sausages are one of their most popular offerings.
These sausages are made using a blend of premium pork, herbs, and spices, which are mixed together to create a distinct and robust flavor profile. The spices typically include fennel, garlic, red pepper flakes, and paprika, among others. The combination of these ingredients gives the sausages their signature spicy kick.
Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausages are typically sold in links and are perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or cooking on the stovetop. They can be enjoyed on their own, added to pasta dishes, used in sandwiches or pizza toppings, or incorporated into various recipes that call for Italian sausages.
One of the key features of Johnsonville sausages is their commitment to quality. The company takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and employs stringent quality control measures throughout the production process. This ensures that their sausages maintain a consistent taste and texture.
