Stryker Sonoma & Pulled Pork Sandwiches

The weather here in wine country has been amazing the last few weeks. It makes me yearn for a warm evening on the patio with friends, delicious food and incredible wine. I realize the need to look into investing in a grill because it has been way too hot to cook in the kitchen. Warm weather usually leads folks to the lighter wines, and we are no exception here at Stryker Sonoma. Winemaker Tim Hardin masterfully creates his Zinfandels just for these grilling occasions. Medium bodied, full of bright fruit and balanced character, now the real challenge is finding the perfect pairing.

This past weekend I decided to go with a really easy dinner since it was an especially hot Saturday night. I went shopping at Trader Joe’s, strolled the aisles looking to brainstorm some dinner ideas. Then, I saw the Holy Grail. The sample section was serving pulled pork in smoky BBQ sauce on honey wheat buns. I was immediately sold! It was absolutely delicious and I couldn’t wait to take some home and figure out a wine to pair it with. Most would consider trying to pair pulled pork with wine to be quite the challenge. The smoky sweet sandwiches can really make a wine come across bitter or unbalance.  Well I said, BRING IT ON! 

I wound up trying to go for a savory sweet pairing. So I paired the pulled pork sandwiches with our 2007 Zinfandel from Monte Rosso vineyard. This particular wine is a very fruity and jammy Zin! With hints of ripe apple, black plums and strawberry preserves this Zin has a terrific balance with smooth tannins. This particular Zinfandel paired perfectly with the pulled pork sandwiches. The pulled pork was extremely savory and when combined with the sweet character of the Zinfandel it created quite a mouthwatering combination. Include a Napa Cabbage coleslaw, sea salt kettle chips and you have a very simple meal that is perfect to share with family and friends. Enjoy! ~ Lucy