Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/818616
54 / the tasting panel / may 2017 G narly Head was started in 2004 by Delicato Family Vineyards with the goal of making wines that were easy to drink and paired well with food. Seeking out Zinfandel vines in the Lodi AVA, Gnarly Head Winemaker Scott Jones crafts big, fruit-forward wines that give due credit to the older, gnarled vines that the grapes are harvested from. Bold wines need bold food, and what better cuisine that the smokiness of grilled meats? Steven Raichlen is an author and culinary host well known for his barbecue prowess, and it's no surprise that Gnarly Head would choose him to develop reci- pes that would make the perfect pairing with Gnarly Head. We spoke with Raichlen to learn more about his inspirations for the recipes. Why is barbecue such a great pairing with Gnarly Head wines? Barbecue, with its intense smoke and spice flavors, calls for a wine big enough to stand up to it. Big fruit. Big wood. Big flavor. The sort of wine that is Gnarly Head's speciality. The gnarled vines of Lodi, California, produce full-bodied, juicy wines. (right) Author and barbecue master Steven Raichlen. narly Head was started in 2004 by Delicato Family Vineyards with the goal of making wines that were easy to drink and paired well with food. Seeking out Zinfandel vines in the Lodi AVA, Gnarly Head Winemaker Scott Jones crafts big, fruit-forward wines that give due credit to the older, gnarled vines that the grapes are harvested from. Bold wines need bold food, and what better cuisine that the smokiness of grilled meats? Steven Raichlen is an author and culinary host well known for his barbecue prowess, and it's no surprise that Gnarly Head would choose him to develop reci- pes that would make the perfect pairing with Gnarly Head. We spoke with Raichlen to learn more about his inspirations Why is barbecue such a great pairing with Gnarly Barbecue, with its intense smoke and spice flavors, calls for a wine big enough to stand up to it. Big fruit. Big wood. Big flavor. The sort of wine that is Gnarly Head's speciality. The gnarled vines of Lodi, California, produce full-bodied, juicy wines. (right) Author and barbecue master Steven Raichlen. GRILLING GETS GNARLY From Vine to Grill PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN RAICHLEN PHOTO COURTESY OF GNARLY HEAD WINES by Jesse Hom-Dawson