February Domestic Wine: 2012 Peirano Estate Syrah, Lodi, CALIFORNIA
In 1992, Lance Randolph, the fourth generation of Peirano to farm the 300 acre estate, began making Peirano wine simply for himself and to prove Lodi could produce desirable wines. After considerable praise for his ability to make elegant wines, he decided to start bottling and selling Peirano wine using his estate grown grapes. Since then, Peirano has won numerous awards for producing top of the line wine using many of the old techniques valued by Giacomo Peirano.
The history of Peirano Estate Vineyards is a tale deeply rooted in Lodi history and the importance is felt by every member of the Peirano family. Legend has it that Lodi was named after Giacomo’s famous racer horse, Alta Genoa, he brought from Lodi, Italy. Over the years, the vineyards have grown to not only include the same naturally rooted, head trained Old Vine Zinfandel imported to the United States by Lance’s great grandfather, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Viogner, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Barbera, Syrah and Malbec as well. The difficult times in the Peirano family history, did prove to be challenging but showed their tenacity through desperation and hard times. How, you might ask, were they able to persevere? As Lance Randolph says, “A family that works together stays together, and the vineyards are a big part of our family. It’s as simple as that!”
Vineyard Notes: Lodi’s climate and soil are ideal for Petite Sirah production, which is why the area is the state’s leading producer of this varietal. From the use of ‘head-training’ in the old world manner through careful pruning as well as bunch thinning, we optimize the ripeness that the berries achieve. Hand harvesting the fruit also ensures the fruit is in perfect condition for its upcoming transformation.
Winemaking Notes: To maximize the extraction of the big and bold flavors of Petite Sirah, we use rotary fermentation, which constantly mixes the skins and pulp with the juice so we can get every bit of flavor out of this variety. After malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, which allows the wine to settle as well as slightly concentrate its fruit flavors, as well as round out with touches of oak.
Varietals: 100 % Syrah
Alochol: 14.2% by volume
Tasting Notes: The senses are tempted by an array of black raspberry, spice, coffee, cocoa, cola and white pepper. The palate is filled with ripe boysenberry, black raspberry, plum and sweet black cherry and firm tannins, with a hint of smoke and dark chocolate. Enjoy this wine along with a nice grilled steak, baked potato with all the fixings, and good friends. This is a wine that can please now, as well as age out for many years to come.
Food Pairings: Pair with rich foods that warm you in these cold months! Syrah is a rich and heavy grape that will stand up to all types of foods!
Jim Lutfy’s thoughts: “This Peirano wine is on fire! A great wine to drink now. Deep and rich on the palate, with concentrated flavors. Great with barbequed ribs or chicken. Enjoy!”-JL