Is it Possible to Craft Old World Wine with Sustainable Farming Practices?

Whine About Wine

Peterson Wines says YES!

PETERSON Zinfandel, California
A true family-owned and operated winery for over 30 years in California, Peterson Winery prides itself with crafting old-world style wines with sustainable farming practices. This Zinfandel is a remarkable example of a traditional field blend, where a small but thoughtful inclusion of other red and white grape varieties adds an intriguing layer of complexity. Despite making up just 3% of the blend, the additional grapes—likely contributing fresh acidity or subtle aromatic nuances—work harmoniously with the bold Zinfandel core. On the nose, the wine immediately invites with an array of dark, ripe berry aromas, complemented by the spiciness of black pepper and hints of earth and oak. These elements create a layered and enticing bouquet. The palate mirrors this complexity, where the flavors unfold like a fruit compote, rich with blackberry, black raspberry, raspberry, and dried strawberry. A touch of dark cherry deepens the fruit profile, while the black pepper and vanillin oak weave into the background, providing structure and supporting the wine’s richness. The tannins are supple, allowing the wine’s bold fruit character to shine without overwhelming the palate. This balance of sophistication and robust flavors makes the wine a perfect companion for hearty dishes like lasagna with béchamel sauce or smoked, dry-rubbed baby back ribs to complement rich, savory meals.
TONNINO Mediterraneo, Sicily
Tonnino is a family-operated winery from Sicily, with three generations of winemaking experience. Their journey began in 1950 when grandfather Paolo started producing grape must for Sicily’s top wine firms, later evolving into bottling their wines. Over the years, they’ve embraced innovation while remaining committed to traditions, always striving to improve quality. Today they continue the handcrafting practices of pruning, training, and harvesting, with a deep respect for the land and a focus on producing pure, natural wines. Surrounded by the perfect blend of sea, mountains, and rich soil, the vineyards yield grapes that capture the essence of Sicily. The Chenin Blanc grapes for this Mediterraneo are harvested in early September, ensuring full ripening to capture the peak of their flavor. In the winery, the grapes undergo a 10-day maceration process at controlled temperatures to extract maximum flavor and color. The wine is then refined for 80% of the time in stainless steel tanks, with the remaining 20% aged in oak tonneaux, which adds subtle complexity before bottling. This wine presents an intense and bright color, leading into a rich bouquet that evokes the Mediterranean with aromas of ripe peaches, honey, and sweet jasmine flowers. On the palate, the Mediterraneo is fresh, fruity, and mineral, delivering a crisp yet rich taste. It pairs beautifully with fish dishes, crustaceans, and white meats.
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