Fall for Cool California Red Wines

It’s harvest time in California wine country and we just returned from visits to Napa Valley, Sonoma, Monterey, and Lodi. We spent a lot of time amongst the vines with the vineyard workers, many of whom were born in Central America and Mexico. In the evenings it gets chilly when the sun goes down and when we sat down together for dinner we were treated to great dishes from their native countries. There was always plenty of delicious California red wine to accompany the carne asada, carnitas, y chuletas de cerdo. The wine also kept us warm and kept the conversation lively. Here are some of our favorite red wines from the vineyards we visited. 

Buena Vista The Count Founder’s Red Wine 2012, Sonoma County, $20

Founded in 1857 during the Gold Rush era, Buena Vista is said to be the first winery in Sonoma to produce fine wine. The original proprietor was “Count” Agoston Haraszthy who brought French vines to plant in California. Buena Vista The Count Founder’s Red Wine 2012 is a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Carignane. It pairs perfectly with carnitas tacos.

GIFFT Red Blend 2011, Monterey, $20

This yummy red wine is specifically crafted for Today Show host Kathie Lee Gifford by Scheid Vineyards in Monterey. It’s a blend of 10 different grapes, but the majority is velvety Merlot. It's rich in fruit flavor with just a touch of florality. Try it with costillas al horno and carne asada. 

The Calling Pinot Noir 2012, Russian River Valley, $37

The Calling is a collaboration between sportscaster Jim Nantz and Peter Deutsch Jr. and the name refers to pursuing your calling or your passion in life. It’s made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Dutton Ranch in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, and it's luxurious with intense fruit flavors. Try pairing it with your favorite pollo a la brasa recipe. 

Next, more red wines to get you through the season… [pagebreak]

Caricature Old Vine Zinfandel 2012, Lodi, $15

Lodi has some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the California—many of which were planted by settlers who headed west for the gold rush.  Caricature Old Vine Zinfandel is lovingly crafted by The Lange Twins Winery, founded by fifth generation California grape growers. We think it’s a perfect match for spicy food or tomato-based dishes, like chili con carne. 

Paraduxx C Blend 2011, Napa Valley, $52

Owned by Dan Duckhorn of Duckhorn Winery, Paraduxx makes wine that breaks the strict Bordeaux style mold. Their C Blend has classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of Zinfandel. The Cabernet Sauvignon has rich flavors of berries and chocolate while the Zinfandel adds juicy fruit flavors and freshness. Open this special wine when you make a big guiso for your family on a chilly Sunday afternoon.   

Taken Red Wine 2011 Napa Valley, $30

Childhood friends Carlo Trinchero and Josh Phelps combined their winemaking skills to make this delicious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. It has big fruity aromas of blackberries, black plums, and cherries with refreshing minerality and soft vanilla notes in the finish. We grilled some double cut chuletas de cerdo rubbed with poblano mole and paired it with this wine and it was a match made in heaven. 

Raymond Estate Collection Merlot 2012, $38

Raymond Winery is owned by charismatic Burgundian-born Jean Charles Boisset who brings his French winemaking skills to Napa Valley. The winery is a must-visit on your next trip to Napa because of its beautiful gardens and tasting rooms. Ask nicely and the friendly staff might show you the sexy Red Room or the playful Crystal Room. We love the Raymond Estate Collection Merlot paired with pernil and carnitas. The luscious flavors of anise, black cherry, and blueberries nicely complement the touch of spice in your abuela’s recipe.