From: Lodi, CA
Blend: Petite Sirah 65%, Petit Verdot 35%
The Twisted Cedar Native American Wines has been quietly turning heads in the wine world because they’re:
1. truly a Native American winery, wholly owned by the Cedar Band of the Paiute Indians, (one of five constituent Bands of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah),
2. a certified sustainable winery, investing in solar to produce their wines.
3. going about this venture in the smartest way possible, hiring the enologist, Karen Birmingham, who has a long history of technical prowess in her winemaking (she has a BS in Microbiology and MS in Food Science, focusing on wine fermentations from Washington State University, after all) as well as a lengthy history of making wine in Lodi.
Taste: On the nose, the wine exhibits intense aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry, with a hint of vanilla and spice. There is also a subtle earthy note that adds complexity to the wine. The aromas practically jump from the glass and they’re rich and inviting, immediately giving one a sense of the full-bodied character of the wine. On the palate, the wine is bold and full, with flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry, plum, and black cherry, dominating. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a long and satisfying finish. There is also a subtle note of oak that adds depth and complexity to the wine. The texture of the wine is smooth and velvety, with a nice balance between acidity and tannins. The wine is well-rounded and full-bodied, with a great depth of flavor that lingers on the palate.
Pairing: The wine's bold flavors and firm tannins make it a great pairing for dishes with strong flavors and rich sauces. The wine also has a nice balance of acidity, which makes it a good match for dishes with tomatoes or tomato-based sauces. For vegetarian options, the wine pairs well with hearty vegetable dishes that have a similar depth of flavor as grilled meats or stews. The earthy notes in the wine also make it a good pairing for dishes with mushrooms. We’ve provided a list below of some ideas for all your dinner inspiration, plus a recipe for an American classic: Pulled Pork Sandwiches!
General Pairings:
Grilled or roasted meats such as steak, lamb, or pork
Hearty stews or casseroles
Hard, aged cheeses such as cheddar or Parmesan
Dark chocolate desserts
Vegetarian Pairings:
Grilled portobello mushrooms
Lentil or bean stews
Roasted root vegetables such as sweet potatoes or carrots
Ratatouille or other vegetable casseroles
Vegetable lasagna with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
By Melissa Clark
About. One of the wines we fell in love with is the 2019 Twisted Cedar California Petite Sirah (65%), Petit Verdot (35%). This red blend is an excellent example of the quality and character that the Lodi region can offer.
The grape varietals used in this wine are Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, is a grape variety that is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. It is known for producing wines that are deep in color and flavor, with bold tannins and a long finish. Petit Verdot, on the other hand, is a grape variety that is commonly used in Bordeaux blends. It adds depth, structure, and tannins to the wine.
In the 2019 Twisted Cedar California Petite Sirah (65%), Petit Verdot (35%), the Petite Sirah dominates, lending its signature dark color and bold tannins to the wine. The Petit Verdot adds a touch of complexity and structure, making for a well-balanced and full-bodied wine.
