From: Lodi, California
Varietal: Zinfandel
Taste: The 2020 Twisted Cedar Native American Zinfandel is a striking deep ruby color in the glass, exhibiting brilliant clarity and an inviting appearance. On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries, black cherries, and black figs, intertwined with dried fruit aromas like prunes and raisins. Earthy notes of farmland and toasted wood add complexity, while subtle hints of vanilla and spice provide a warm, inviting backdrop. The first sip reveals a lush, full-bodied wine with well-integrated, mouth-gripping tannins that give structure and support to the rich fruit flavors. The palate is a delightful dance of ripe and dried fruit expressions, with blackberry, black cherry, and fig taking center stage, complemented by earthy undertones and a touch of toasted oak. The wine's acidity is well-balanced, providing freshness and lift to the dense fruit flavors. A lingering finish leaves a lasting impression of warm spices, vanilla, and velvety tannins.
Pairing: The 2020 Twisted Cedar Native American Zinfandel is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, thanks to its robust flavors and well-structured tannins. It works particularly well with red meat dishes such as grilled steaks, slow-cooked short ribs, or lamb chops, where the rich fruit flavors and tannins complement the savory, juicy meats. Additionally, the wine's earthy undertones make it a great match for dishes featuring mushrooms or roasted root vegetables. For those who enjoy a little heat, the wine's spice notes will complement spicy dishes, such as barbecued meats or fiery curries.
For vegetarian options, the 2020 Twisted Cedar Native American Zinfandel pairs exceptionally well with hearty dishes that feature robust flavors and textures. A mushroom stroganoff or a vegetable-based lasagna with rich tomato sauce and plenty of cheese would complement the wine's fruit and earthy notes. Alternatively, a lentil shepherd's pie with a mix of root vegetables and a rich, flavorful gravy will stand up to the wine's bold character. For a spicier option, consider pairing the Zinfandel with a spicy eggplant curry or a vegetable jambalaya, where the wine's fruit and spice notes will harmonize beautifully with the heat and complexity of the dish. Finally, for a more casual pairing, a gourmet veggie burger with all the fixings or a grilled portobello mushroom cap topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese will make for a satisfying and delicious experience.
Garlic Braised Short Ribs With Red Wine
By Alison Roman
About. The 2020 Twisted Cedar Native American Zinfandel, produced in Lodi, California, is an outstanding and unique wine that has been making waves in the wine world for several reasons. With its exceptional flavor profile, sustainable production methods, and deep connection to Native American heritage, this Zinfandel is an unforgettable addition to any wine enthusiast's collection.
A Unique Blend: The 2020 Twisted Cedar Native American Zinfandel is composed of a unique blend that includes small percentages of Barbera, Petite Sirah, and Teroldego, which contribute to its rich, complex taste. On the palate, one can find mouth-gripping tannins and a delightful array of ripe and dried fruit expressions, such as prune, raisin, black fig, and black cherry, along with earthier tones of farmland and toasted wood.
Award-Winning Flavor: At the 2021 London Wine Competition, the Twisted Cedar Zinfandel was awarded a 94-point scoring gold medal and the Best Wine by Varietal for their Zinfandel. This delectable red wine offers a luscious blackberry flavor, a hint of spice, soft tannins, and a touch of vanilla, all of which come together to create a truly memorable wine experience.
Sustainable and Vegan-Friendly: The Twisted Cedar Wine brand is wholly owned by the Cedar Band of Paiute Indians, one of the five constituent Bands of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. Sustainability is at the heart of their operation, with the winery being certified sustainable by the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing. Twisted Cedar is also a vegan-friendly wine producer, ensuring that their wines cater to a broad range of consumers.
Tribally Owned and Operated: Twisted Cedar wines are a true tribute to the proud Cedar Band of Paiute Indians. The brand provides significant benefits to the Band's community, such as employment opportunities and program support on the reservation. By choosing Twisted Cedar wines, customers are supporting a local business and a community that often gets overlooked.
A Skilled Enologist at the Helm: Twisted Cedar has enlisted the expertise of enologist Karen Birmingham, who boasts an impressive background in winemaking. With a BS in Microbiology and an MS in Food Science, Birmingham has focused on wine fermentations at Washington State University and has a lengthy history of making wine in Lodi. Her technical prowess is evident in the exceptional quality of Twisted Cedar wines.
