A Zinfandel Weekend in Amador: Terra d’Oro
LOCATION: 20680 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth
COST PER TASTING: $5 – $10
Expansive vineyard views and a multitude of grape varieties can be found at Terra d’Oro winery. The property is dog and family friendly, with rolling hills, a manicured lawn and gardens and plenty of space for outdoor tables. On hot days, misters keep wine tasters cool under a trellised back patio with a separate area for wine club members. The wine club is 4 shipments a year of 3 bottles, rarely exceeding $100 per shipment. Guests can come picnic, bringing in their own food and blankets to enjoy an afternoon in nature tasting wines that range from artisan, with only 71 cases produced, to larger production wine that can be found all over the country.
Terra d’Oro’s vineyard history dates back to 1970 when Walter Field and Cary Gott partnered to purchase the land in Amador County. The early days of this winery were full of success and experimentation, as California Zinfandel was beginning to gain recognition worldwide. It was around this point, current vice president and general manager, Jeff Meyers, joined the winemaking team as oenologist in 1981. By 1982, Meyers, alongside Jeff Runquist, became the wineries leading winemakers. Since then, the winery has grown with the guidance of the Trinchero Family (Terra d’Oro was the Trinchero’s first ever winery acquisition in 1988) to become the Italian variety focused winery it is today. The first vineyard in Amador to grow and plant Barbera, Terra d’Oro now boasts over 500 planted acres of vines in five estate vineyards (ranches), with about 18 different varieties all tended to by viticulturist Mellissa Bordi. Terra d’Oro sources from just two outside vineyards including Deaver Vineyard, for their old vine Zinfandel. Terra d’Oro kept their spirit of experimentation, currently doing trials to test concrete tank fermentation, extended skin contact fermentation, dry farming, and has been organically cultivating their Barbera since 1970. Today, Winemaker Emily Haines uses her expert blending skills and the diversity of grapes at Terra d’Oro to highlight the beauty of Zinfandel in styles that range from entry level to artisan.
Wines:
2018 Terra d’Oro Zinfandel, Amador County |14.5% ABV, $18 | 15,000 cases
This wine is welcoming with aromas of ripe melon, juicy peach, and summer orange blossom, on the palate blackberry pie, quince and lemon curd envelop the tongue. This wine is easily approachable for the novice palate and food friendly. Suggested Pair: A selection of cheeses from Dedrick Cheese in Placerville (@dedrickscheese)
2018 Terra d’Oro Home Vineyard Zinfandel, Amador County | 15.5% ABV, $30 | 600 cases
The fruit for this wine comes from just four acres out of the total 600 acres that comprise the Terra d’Oro estate. Handpicked, de-stemmed and gently pressed, this wine exhibits qualities of a beautifully balanced, fruit forward, plush style Zinfandel. Robust notes of raspberry, and red cherry on the front palate, with subtler vanilla, crème brûlée, and blueberry fruit undertones on the back palate, smooth and balanced tannin structure lingers with warm spice on the finish. Suggested Pair: Spiced meat or cauliflower curry hand pie from Justin Lewis Pantry in Amador (@Justinspantry)
Taste Restaurant and Wine Bar’s Organic Duck Confit in Plymouth (@Taste_restaurant)
2019 Deaver Vineyard Zinfandel, Amador County. 15.5% ABV $30 | 600 cases
The driest and most austere of Terra d’Oro’s vineyard designate wines come from Deaver Vineyard, planted over 100 years ago. Higher in acid than the Amador and Home Vineyard Zinfandels. Deaver Ranch Zinfandel displays notes of tart fruit, red raspberry and black cherry juxtaposed with toasted cedar, cocoa and baking spice on the finish. Potential for longevity in ageing with proper cellaring. Drink now or in 5-10 years. Suggested Pair: Grilled Deaver Ranch lamb pops with local fig or cherry jam