A Zinfandel Weekend in Amador Series: Vino Noceto
LOCATION: 11011 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth
COST PER TASTING: $10 ($1 for members)
This red barn style tasting facility features beautiful vineyard views and plenty of outdoor seating. The winery has a casual wine country vibe with a community centered atmosphere. Though the winery location is certainly noteworthy, it’s winemaker Rusty Folena’s expertly produced wines that ultimately take center stage. Made with respect to Italy’s strictly regimented vinification practices, most of the wines found at Vino Noceto are single vineyard designated and see a few years of barrel and bottle ageing before ever hitting the shelf.
Before you get too excited, there is an important caveat to note for Zinfandel lovers who may have otherwise found the holy grail of quality wine in Amador County. Vino Noceto is a white unicorn among black stallions in Amador as they are the only winery exclusively focused on producing wines made from the Sangiovese grape with the exception of one very special Zinfandel vineyard: The Original Grandpere. Considering the wineries proven track record producing excellent wines across the board, coupled with the presence of head of sales, Tyler Lee who curates a uniquely entertaining tasting experience (there is even a surprise “Pick-me-up” wine gelato available for purchase at the end of your tasting) – Vino Noceto is not one to be missed.
About the Zinfandel
The Zinfandel at Vino Noceto is sourced exclusively from the Original Grandpere Vineyard. This vineyard was propagated over 150 years ago, just 10 years after California became a state. The Vines are own rooted and dry-farmed with sandy soils that prevent vineyard pests like phylloxera from prevailing. The Zinfandel produced from these vines is austere and elegant.
This vineyard is also unique in that vineyard owner, Terri, does not allow any outside wineries’ staff to come in to “check on” or manipulate vines in any way until they are harvested and ready for pick up. All of their vineyard practices are executed internally by the owner and her team.
Wine:
2016 “OGP” Original Grandpere Vineyard Zinfandel, Amador County| 14% ABV, $44 | 345 cases produced (36 Magnum bottles produced)
Traditional in style and rustic in favor, this wine presents sophistication and refinement with herbal notes of dried eucalyptus bark and black peppercorn leaf on the nose. Medium in intensity and tannin, aged leather and tobacco notes balance fruit heavy characteristics of red raspberry, red cherry and wild blackberry on the palate. Pure fruit dominates the forefront but not a “jammy” Zinfandel. Firm tannin structure and focused acidity makes this wine capable of ageing at least 5 years for a better integrated fruit balance. Drink now through 2027-29. Suggested Paring: Hearty Minestrone soup with beef bone marrow bone broth and crusty Italian bread from Camden Spit and Larder ( @camdenspitandlarder )