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February Virtual Tasting

Wines of Paso Robles

February 9, 2021 5:00 pm (MDT) / 7:00 pm (EST)

Paso Robles is California’s fastest growing AVA. Since 2000, the number of bonded wineries has grown from 50 to over 200, driven by growth in ownership by small family-owned producers.

Paso Robles makes an amazing diversity of wines, but which ones should you be seeking out? The key styles of Paso Robles wine to pay attention to can be summed up into 5 categories:

  • Zinfandel and blends
  • Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends
  • Rhône Blends including Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, as well as Viognier
  • Cal-Italians including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera
  • Innovative Blends – non-traditional wine blends (mostly reds)

Purchase the Wine

I have selected 3 wine producers known for making high quality examples of the major varietals produced in this renowned wine region. Should you be unable to find these specific producers, please look for 1 bottle of each of the 3 varietal grapes – Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel – produced from grapes grown in the Paso Robles, Central Coast region of California

Daou

Daou Chardonnay Paso Robles 2020 ($16)

Paso Robles, Central Coast, California – Ripe peach, red pear and Gala apple aromas show on the nose of this bottling. Toasty flavors of baked apple and seared lemon are rich on the palate, but hewn in by acidity

Treana

Treana Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($27)

Bold, muddled blackberry, ripe black currants, blueberry syrup, crushed violets, roasted coffee, sweet vanilla, caramel, and clove aromas. Rich and palate coating, the intense black fruit flavors are marked by a distinctive toasted/smoky-oak. The tannins are moderate and velvety

Ridge

Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles ($33)

Sleek and multilayered, with dynamic yet elegant raspberry, grilled fennel and cracked pepper flavors that build structure and richness on the long finish.

Try Some Food with your Wines!

As always, we will explore how well these potent wines pair with food. They should have the balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins to be very enjoyable with a wide range of ‘goodies’ you might want to assemble.  Try one or more of the following:

With Chardonnay

  • Avocado-Guacamole
  • Fatty, mild cheeses – Brie, Camembert
  • Grilled Fish, Shrimps, Scallops, Trout
  • Mushrooms
  • Pasta/pasta salads
  • Risotto, Polenta
  • Caesar Salads

With Red Wines:

  • BBQ Meat
  • Grilled Beef, Lamb, Sausages
  • Hamburgers (especially with cheese)
  • Cheeses (Strong flavored, Blues or hard, salty, aged Goudas
  • Hearty Pasta dishes – Lasagna, spaghetti, and meatballs)
  • Pepper Steak

Preparation for the Event

  • Tasting Glasses – you will need 3 identical clear wine glasses with stems.
  • Environment
    • A computer equipped with a camera and speakers (and/or a headset)
    • A pencil or pen to complete your tasting form
    • A white background for evaluation. This can be a napkin or a blank piece of paper
    • A glass of water
    • A spit bucket, wine opener (or Coravin if you have one)
  • Print out the tasting form and the tasting reference.

Wine Enthusiast Members (included)