Easton Wines From the Sierra Foothills

We just brought in two wines from Easton, a producer in California's Sierra Foothills. One is a Zinfandel from Amador County. The other is a Sauvignon Blanc.

Where the wines come from

The Sierra Foothills run along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, east of Sacramento. It is gold rush country, and grapes have been grown there since the 1850s. Some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California are in Amador County.

The vineyards sit higher than the valley floor. Warm days and cool nights let the grapes ripen while holding on to their acidity.

The Zinfandel

Zinfandel is the grape Amador County is known for. It works well with food that has some smoke or char to it. Think burgers, ribs, pizza and anything off the grill. It also holds up to tomato sauce, which a lot of red wines do not.

The Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice when you want a white with some snap to it. It goes with goat cheese, salads, shellfish and lighter fish dishes. Serve it cold, but not ice cold, or you lose some of the flavor.

Ask Sam

Our general manager, Sam Phillips, picks the wine for the shop. He holds a WSET Level 3 certification in wines. If you want to know how these two compare to what you usually drink, ask him next time you are in.

Itasca Wine & Spirits is a locally owned wine and spirits shop at 706 North 1st Street in Minneapolis' North Loop. We pour wine tastings every Friday, and you can order online through DoorDash.