Zorvino Vineyards Pearz

A fun and fruity local wine for summer

Zorvino Vineyards opened in 2001 as a fulfillment of a dream by owners Jim and Cheryl Zanello to capture the memorable experiences they had on a trip to Italy and especially the visits to wineries. Now, they have an 80-acre property, grow grapes, and host weddings and parties in the beautiful post-and-beam function facility.

Using grapes from across the world, including California and Chile, they craft a variety of single-varietal wines including a Pinot Noir and Carmenère. A Sangiovese, their best-selling wine, is very full yet very soft on the palette. Their Old Vine Zinfandel from grapes from 100-year-old vines grown in Lodi, Calif., is a big red with a mouthful of dark fruit flavor.

White wine offerings include a Sauvignon Blanc with citrus and mineral tones, and a sweeter Riesling that is perfect with spicy foods. They also produce a unoaked Chardonnay, called Skinny Guinea White, perfect with light foods.

Fruit wines run the gamut too. The 2010 Zorvino Vineyards Pearz ($10) is light and fruity, and tastes of citrus, white grapes and pears. It is made with local New Hampshire pears. Other fruit wines are a bit sweeter, including Peachez, Cranbreez and the Bacca Z, filled with the flavors of plum and dried fruit.

Their Gold Medal Winner at the Big E in 2012 was the Papa Z’s Bluez, which evokes blueberry pie and graham cracker with a touch of tartness in the finish.

Look for a variety of themed dinners hosted throughout the year.

Zorvino Vineyards
226 Main St., Sandown
(603) 887-8463, zorvino.com
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wines are available at the winery, NH Wine & Liquor Outlets, Hannaford, Market Basket and a variety of specialty markets.