I didn’t write a wine blog last weekend as my brother-in-law suffered a heart attack last Friday and I was with my sister at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit over the weekend and in the early part of the week. It’s been a crazy week. Let’s talk some wine.
This past week we celebrated National Zinfandel Day, it was Tuesday November 19th.
I love Zinfandel. Archaeological evidence indicates this grape dates back to 6000 B.C., and is said it has been enjoyed by Popes. It arrived in California in the 1850’s during the California Gold Rush. Lodi California is considered the home of California Zinfandel, however many parts of California are creating outstanding Zinfandel wines. Also known as Primitivo in Italy, this wine is flavorful and full-bodied and the perfect partner for any meat done on the barbecue. Let’s have a look at some of my favorites.
You mention Zinfandel, and the #1 wine people think of the most is 7 Deadly Zins. Getting its name from the 7 different locations the Zinfandel grapes are harvested from, this is considered the flagship Zinfandel. Even when I was telling my co-workers about a Primitivo I recently tried, his first response was ‘Compare it to 7 Deadly Zins’. Jammy fruit with hints of hickory smoke and vanilla. Classic!
I can’t get this Zinfandel here in Nova Scotia, but its a definite purchase when I head home to Newfoundland for a visit. Winemaker Andy Robinson creates a beautiful wine from Sonoma County in the Napa Valley. Given 91 Points by Wine Spectator magazine, this is worth the $33 price tag.
Four Vines Zinfandel hails from the Central Coast California which runs from Santa Barbara to Monterey Bay. Their slogan is ‘We make interesting wines for interesting people’. The slogan represents all different people from different walks of life including Cowboys, farmers, artists and rebels. Sadly, they stopped carrying it here in Nova Scotia, so if you see it, give it a try, and let me know what you think.
This is my ‘go-to’ Zinfandel, another beauty from Sonoma County, Kenwood offers a tremendous value at just $22 a bottle. Kenwood started producing Zinfandel in 1970 and it’s a little unique because its 97% Zinfandel, 1% Merlot, 1% Petite Sirah, and 1% Syrah, so it’s a very interesting wine to drink. I love it because of the complex layers and the great price point.
And now for my wine of the week….
We head to Italy to try a brand new wonderful Primitivo. Salento is a region if Puglia in the southern part of Italy. This medium-bodied wine, which I shared with friends last night, and one of the comments was “this is easy to drink”. And that’s what good wine is all about. It is in the $18 range so it’s a great wine at a great value.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone
Till next week, Cheers
Darlene
Wine-It’s Just My Opinion 