Sometimes you do a wine tasting and only one wine stands out to you. That was the case of the Wine Review Council experience recently.
We have been blessed with wine from “P.S. I Love You”, a group of wineries specializing in Petite Sirah. This is how
we got to know Trentadue Vineyard and Winery in Geyserville, California, in the Alexander Valley.
As we poured the wine, we saw that gorgeous deep purple color reminiscent of Petite Sirah. The La Storia 2018
Estate Bottled Petite Sirah came from very small and dehydrated grapes offering both a color and then a nose of blueberries and blackberries. It has a smooth mouth feel of soft tannins which we all enjoyed. Because the grapes were aged in both new oak French and American barrels for 15 months, we also found reflected in the nose a bit of vanilla fragrance. As we tasted the wine, there were hints of cocoa and that perfect Petite Sirah flavor of dark fruit. The Petite Sirah grapes were blended with a small amount of Zinfandel, Sirah, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Carignane that rounded out this elegant wine.
Here’s just a little history of Trentadue Winery. Trentadue vineyards became a reality in 1959 when Evelyn and Leo Trentadue who loved their apricot and cherry orchards where they lived in what is now Silicon Valley moved to Geyersville to avoid the rapid development of the area where they lived.They bought 208 acres of land and started their vision.
The philosophy of a winery can often be found in the philosophy of the winemaker. Miro Tcholakov, the winemaker at Trentadue Winery, shares, “My philosophy in a nutshell is to make the best wine possible from the grapes grown on the Trentadue Estate with the greatest respect to specific terroir, allowing every vintage and variety to express itself without restriction.” He has learned that each crop is different and full of surprises.
Tasting Room hours are Wednesday-Monday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays. Trentadue Winery is available for several guided tours and tastings by appointment only. For reservations, visit their website at Trentadue Winery, or call them at (888) 332-3032.
Petite Sirah pairs well with chocolate. Below is a recipe we made to pair with this dry but fruity wine.
French Chocolate Mousse
Stir and scald in a saucepan over low heat 2 cups milk, ¼ cup sugar, 3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Pour part of these ingredients over: 4 beaten egg yolks.
Return the sauce to the pan. Stir the custard constantly over low heat until it thickens. Strain it. Cool by placing the pan in cold water.
In a separate bowl, whip until stiff: ¾ cup heavy cream.
Add: 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons brandy or rum.
Fold the cold custard into the whipped cream mixture until it is well blended. Fill custard cups or martini glasses with the mousse. Chill thoroughly before serving. Serves 6.
