This month, we are promoting Californian Zinfandel wines as part of the Zin & Grill campaign.

For those looking for some sustainable meat to grill alongside these powerful Californian reds, look no further than Sussex Grazed. 

Sussex Grazed  is a local meat box scheme run by the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership as part of the National Trust led Changing Chalk project.

 The project aims to promote and protect biodiversity on the Sussex Downs, by working with local livestock farmers to manage our precious and rare chalk grasslands.

The livestock such as cattle and sheep are vital to this work, to support the native flora and fauna, promote carbon capture and protect the soil. They work with agroecological or regenerative farmers, who have the greatest respect for the environment and the welfare of their animals. 

 

ZINFANDEL & LOCAL MEAT

Zinfandels are often powerful wines with ripe bramble berry, cherry and plum fruit flavours. With oak aging, they develop sweet spice notes, rounding out tannins and softening the wine. These robust wines can easily handle red meat with spices, herbs and a little char.

Here are are few special pairings for Sussex Grazed Lamb, Venison and Beef:

#1 Sussex Wildlife Trust Hogget (Lamb) loin chops/chump steaks x  Varner Wines Foxglove Zinfandel 2021, £22.99

Bursting with ripe bramble fruits: blackberry, plum, and cherry, layered with warm baking spices, think black pepper and cinnamon. A subtle floral lift and a hint of savoury with a  herbal lift add depth, typical of Foxglove's understated elegance.

Hogget is the name for 1-2yr old lamb, by this age the meat has developed a deeper and more savoury character. Marinade the chops Indian style, or just season with plenty of salt and pepper; this meat has such excellent flavour, it can be savored very simply cooked. 

#2 Daniel and Jodie Simpson/ The Deer Project Venison Loin x  Robert Biale Party Line Zinfandel 2022,£35.49

A throwback to the old days of Zinfandel when California’s winemaking families made wine for everyday consumption. In old Napa, it was on the “party line” (i.e. a shared/public telephone line) that the “Black Chicken” code was used to order bootleg Zinfandel during Prohibition. 

No chicken match here though... South Downs Venison is much more sustainable...

Unlike the cattle and sheep which can have an environmentally positive impact on the Downs, the Venison numbers are out of control, leading to malnourished herds and devastated eco systems.  

A fun and lighthearted style of Zinfandel that is made to enjoy now. Layers of strawberries, red liquorice, black cherries and raspberry, soft mid-palate tannins and a long and juicy finish.100% Burgundy oak barrels of which 25% new, aged for eleven months.

Zinfandel is a great wine pairing for venison, especially when the dish features barbecue-style preparations or berry-based sauces. The wine's ripe fruit and peppery notes can complement the richness of the venison.

Pair with venison tenderloin, bbq’d sweet & spicy marinade, or perhaps Grilled Venison Brochettes with Redcurrant Dressing 

#3 Clapham Farm Beef Burgers x  OLD VINE ZINFANDEL, GNARLY HEAD 2022, £23.99

This Zinfandel is a bold wine grown from some of the oldest vines in California. Gnarly Head’s untamed vines produce full-flavoured grapes, dense with aromas of blackberry bramble, juicy plum, and toasted oak (from French and American barrels). This medium-bodied wine boasts a balanced acidity and supple tannins for those who like unique, big wines.

The oak influence concentrates the flavours in the wine and makes this Zinfandel the perfect partner for beef burgers. Why not try the Clapham Farm beef mince simply seasoned for homemade patties! 

How can I buy Sussex Grazed meat?

The scheme works on a share basis, so preorders are made for collection on a specific day. You can order a fresh box of meat e.g. quarter of a lamb from a specific farm or Deer Stalker.  (You can buy individual frozen cuts, from previous shares, if you just want to dip your toe in the water.) 

The next share/collection will be at theSaddlescombe Farm Heritage Open Day on Saturday 30th August for the fresh beef boxes.

For any pre-orders of exclusively frozen items, this can be collected on Friday 29th August from theFood Partnership Clubhouse. Visit the site below for more information.