Zinfandel has become known as “America’s Grape Varietal” through its popularity in California, and around the United States. Recently researchers have found it appears to have originated in Croatia, where it is known as Crljenak Kastelanski, and southern Italy, where it is known as Primitivo. The Zinfandel grape tends to produce powerful, spicy reds with forward raspberry and pepper notes that works perfectly with summertime barbecue. Here are five picks for this weekend’s barbecue.
2014 Decoy Sonoma County Zinfandel -$25.00
A deep dark purple colored wine with rich fruit aromas, this zinfandel has layers of wild blueberry, blackberry and spice. Nice medium tannins, balanced acidity and the right amount of juicy fruit flavors with toasted oak to round out the finish.
2014 Boneshaker Zinfandel – $20.00
Signature deep purple with a hue of red color, the Boneshaker Zinfandel showcases dried plum, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and vanilla in its aromas and flavors. It finishes off with dark chocolate and spice notes.
2013 Beyer Ranch Zinfandel – 18.00
The nose has fruity aromas of plums, blackberries and raspberries fused with spicy sensations of coffee, pepper and chocolate. On the palate, the wine is smooth, pleasurable and elegant with intensity and persistence in the finish.
2013 Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel $20.00
A classic zinfandel with fruity aromas of raspberry and blackberries combine with subtle notes of vanilla and white pepper. Delicate well-structured tannins provide an elegant mouth feel and a long finish.
2012 Brazin Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi $18.00
Wonderful Old Vine Zinfandel that is incredibly food friendly. Alluring aromas of blackberry jam with blueberry and mild black pepper notes. On the palate, flavors of black cherry, blueberry and blackberry pie are combine with mocha and vanilla. The bright fruit flavors, balanced acidity and tannins are complemented by a soft, round mouth-feel and a long finish.
