Ziveli Winery - Syrah

I have really enjoyed my visits to Ziveli.  This family winery is very homey, and the wines have such unique taste. I think I have interacted with all the members of the family on my visits and each of them is eager to make you feel at home. I recommend this winery for a little day trip for someone to take a relaxing drive out and to enjoy a glass of wine. Ziveli calls home about 7 miles east off 99 and Shaw. Your drive will take you through beautiful vineyards and the drive is spectacular. The winery is kind of hard to get to if you don’t know where you are going but easily found if you GPS. It is kind of hidden when you turn off the main road off Shaw. Don’t be fooled this place is one of the San Joaquin Valley’s hidden gems. If you would like to visit more than one winery that same day, I would like to suggest Moravia Wines which is only about a 5- or 10-minute drive from Ziveli Winery.

In an earlier I did a review of John Nale’s Alicante Bouschet, which I have honestly fallen in love with. However, this is not the only wine in the Ziveli portfolio worth trying.

Today I am please to introduce Ziveli Winery’s 2016 Syrah. So far, I would say that this is one of my two favorite Syrah’s I have enjoyed that are produced in the Central Valley. This Syrah starts out with a bit of a punch on the opening palate. As such, we don’t want to be eating food alongside Syrah that’s in bland in taste. The first thing that comes to my mind is dry-rub brisket or well-seasoned pork, which is both juicy and savory. This wine goes well with foods that have some fat content. This Ziveli Syrah is juicy, savory, spicy, and you experience black and blue fruit punch backed by tannin and cracked pepper spice. This 2016 Ziveli Winery Syrah provides for those that have it in their glass the taste of delightful dark fruit, blackberry, and a hint of dark chocolate. While this wine is not sweet, the fruit make it very enjoyable and both those that are new to Syrah or red wines and those that have been enjoying them for some time will find very pleasant. 

Food Pairing: May I suggest, some roasted duck or quail. Don’t be afraid to utilize your spice cabinet. Syrah is ideal for holiday dinners where guests want deep flavor to match joyous conversation. Other Syrah food pairings we’ve had success with include: any pizza with meat on it, garlic mashed potatoes, grilled meats with dry rub, grilled veggies, and venison.

Cheese: Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Parmesan

Last I looked they are out of the 2016, or at least it wasn’t listed on among the wines. I am not sure that they have released their 2017, I will have to check with John next visit.

A little more about Ziveli Winery, the winery itself. 

The tasting room is a small little barn that is very tastefully decorated and reminds me of a rustic barn. It would be a great venue to host a wedding or a private event. I know I said barn but… it just has that little magical feeling when you walk through it. The wine bar is nice, a little small, but plenty of room to feel comfortable and not crowded while enjoying your tasting. Some seating if you decide to purchase a bottle and enjoy it there.

The Nale family if I can remember everyone: John and Rondi Nale (Dad and Mom, John is the wine maker), Caleb and Jasmine Nale, Caleb is Vineyard Manager & Jasmine is the Culinary Director, Cole Nale, Assistant Winemaker, Hanna, and Hunter are Assistants to all sorts of tasks. You will often find Hunter busy preparing wood-fired pizza among other tasks and Hanna is often found behind the wine bar on the weekends and often busy in coordi

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