I love the wine Jeff Emery makes. His talents seem to know no bounds. The wine I’m writing about is the Pierce Ranch 2019 Petite Sirah under Emery’s main Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard label. Emery’s other label, Quinta Cruz, showcases unique grape varieties that originated in Spain and Portugal but are now grown in California.
“The variety known in California as Petite Sirah has its origins in France where it is called Durif,” says Emery. “Grown from vines in the San Antonio Valley appellation of southwestern Monterey County, this release has many layers of complexity including deep bush berries, exotic spices and hints of black pepper.”
More good news: It’s only $20 a bottle. Emery mentions that the wine is unfiltered so it may require decanting before serving. He also suggests pairing the Petite Sirah with hearty foods like stews, roasts and rich pasta sauces. I paired it with a veggie stir-fry, and it turned out to be a great match.
You can sample all of Emery’s wines at his tasting room on the Westside.
Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, 334-A Ingalls St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-6209. santacruzmountainvineyard.com.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
Every time we visit Paso Robles, we head to Allegretto’s beautiful hotel. This stunning property is well worth a visit, not only to feast your eyes on the amazing artwork, both inside and outside, but also to taste their awesome wines. They have their own vineyards and make wine from their estate grapes—during one of our stays, our room overlooked those lush vineyards.
We always enjoy an outdoor tasting, and usually order some heavy hors d’oeuvres, which are served right where you’re seated. It couldn’t be nicer!
Allegretto, 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles, 805-369-2526. allegrettowines.com.
Correction
The article, “Bottle Jack,” published Sept. 29, 2021, stated incorrectly that Corvo makes 2020 Corvo Rosé and 2020 Duca di Salaparuta Calanica Rosato. Two different outfits produce them under the Disaronno International umbrella. The online version of this article, “Bottle Jack Winery Proves that Tasty Malbec Doesn’t Always Come from Argentina,” has been corrected.
