Sandwiched among the industrial buildings that line a short block near 2300 South in South Salt Lake is a winery and tasting room -- Utah’s first “urban winery.” It is home to Kiler Grove Winegrowers. Kiler Grove wines are primarily Rhone-style, showcasing varietals such as Grenache, Mourvedre and Petite Syrah. They only produce one white wine so far: Trebbiano.
I think these “local” wines (with grapes mostly from Paso Robles), would be a terrific choice for much holiday fare – from roasted turkey and baked ham to turduckens and tofurkeys – especially the reds.
Kiler Grove’s Interpretation is said to be “an homage to the southern Rhone”—a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Petite Sirah, the latter of which imparts a slight smokiness to this earthy, meaty wine. One of the best wine names ever has to be Zinergy, Kiler Grove’s Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Grenache blend. It’s well-structured, with soft tannins and loads of fruit that remind me of Grandma’s huckleberry jam. For the not-too-faint-of-heart, I suggest trying the big Petite Sirah, brimming with peppery, smoky flavors. This one packs a wallop.
So alongside your holiday meals – assembled from as many locally produced foods as possible – it simply makes sense to go whole hog and pour a local wine.