Zin and Thanksgiving
I am a huge fan of Zinfandel. Not the pink stuff that became popular when wineries had too much Zinfandel to get rid of, but the intensely fruity red wine.
Zinfandel seems to be all but a native of the US. While its roots are to be traced back to Europe, as with almost all wine grapes (Vinifera) there is some question as to where it originated. Much speculation centered around the Italian Primativo grape, but there is evidence to suggest that the Zinfandel is an older variety. Where ever it started, it ended up in California over 150 years ago.
Average age of the vines is one of the most important factors in the quality of grapes. Zinfandel has been around a long time, and many of those very old vines still contribute to the wines you can buy today. It is for this reason, and the relative bargain prices of Zinfandel, that I can whole heartedly appoint it my bargain grape of choice. The term "Old Vines" or similar is usually a good sign.
Thanksgiving dinner is traditionally a melange of flavors. This makes selecting a wine for it difficult. Zinfandel tends to be very fruity, and just like cranberry sauce, the fruity flavors go great with everything at the table.
Until you get to the top Zins, almost all are priced under $20, and many under $10. Don't shy away from those Zinfandels priced in the $30-$50 range either. These can be some of the best wines you can find for any price.
Which Zins do I buy?
Frog's Leap
Ravenswood
Renwood
Ridge
Rosenblum
Steele
Most produce single vineyard designated Zins that are especially fun to try. There are also many more producers than I list that make great Zinfandel. The fun of wine is in getting out there and trying new things. Let me know what you discover.
As always, these and many more fine wines can be purchased from my friends at Wine.com
Zinfandel seems to be all but a native of the US. While its roots are to be traced back to Europe, as with almost all wine grapes (Vinifera) there is some question as to where it originated. Much speculation centered around the Italian Primativo grape, but there is evidence to suggest that the Zinfandel is an older variety. Where ever it started, it ended up in California over 150 years ago.
Average age of the vines is one of the most important factors in the quality of grapes. Zinfandel has been around a long time, and many of those very old vines still contribute to the wines you can buy today. It is for this reason, and the relative bargain prices of Zinfandel, that I can whole heartedly appoint it my bargain grape of choice. The term "Old Vines" or similar is usually a good sign.
Thanksgiving dinner is traditionally a melange of flavors. This makes selecting a wine for it difficult. Zinfandel tends to be very fruity, and just like cranberry sauce, the fruity flavors go great with everything at the table.
Until you get to the top Zins, almost all are priced under $20, and many under $10. Don't shy away from those Zinfandels priced in the $30-$50 range either. These can be some of the best wines you can find for any price.
Which Zins do I buy?
Frog's Leap
Ravenswood
Renwood
Ridge
Rosenblum
Steele
Most produce single vineyard designated Zins that are especially fun to try. There are also many more producers than I list that make great Zinfandel. The fun of wine is in getting out there and trying new things. Let me know what you discover.
As always, these and many more fine wines can be purchased from my friends at Wine.com
posted by Wineguy at 8:12 AM
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