What kind of a Zinfandel drinker are you? A blush Zin person? A full bodied, almost raisiny full power Zin drinker? Maybe you don’t know anything about Zin but have have cracked a White Zin joke before. Rediscover Zin with these 5 great wines that showcase this grape’s amazing ability to transform into different styles of wine.
Turley White Zinfandel, Napa Valley – brought to you by one of the MOST FAMOUS Zinfandel producers in California this Zin is medium blush in color, high aromatic and smells like a dozen roses, high acidity with an undercutting of lemon citrus to clean the palate, low alcohol. Drink this wine young and fresh so look for the latest vintage to fully get the fresh fruit character. Can we say delish! Will have you rethinking your white Zin jokes…at least it did for me. Available at these stores for about $25 a bottle – click here.
Candor Red Zinfandel ‘Lot 6,’ N.V., Paso Robles – full of bright red fruits, baking spice, black pepper, and vanilla. Strong oak flavors on this full-bodied zin. Mix of old vines (some older than 50 years!) and new vines. 14.5% abv. Produced in the well known Lodi region. The “N.V.” stands for non-vintage meaning it is blended from different years. Full of character and charm. $14 a bottle. Available at Empire Wine.
Cake bread Cellars Zinfandel 2012, Lake County in the Red Hills Appellation – A delightful mix of red fruits (raspberry, red plum) and black fruits (blackberry, dark cherry), dark chocolate, fresh acidity, fine grained tannins. 95% Zinfandel, 5% Syrah. Lovely with grilled meats and red sauce pastas. A class act of zinfandel. About $30 a bottle available at various retailers. 
DeLoach “Forgotten Vines” Red Zinfandel, Sonoma – DeLoach makes a number of delectable Zinfandel wines. This one, their “forgotten vines” is more on their entry price level and divine. Filled with dark fruits such as blackberry, black plum, blueberry. Hints of dark chocolate and warm baking spices (oak). These “forgotten vines” are a mix of primarily Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouchet that all grow in the vineyard site. Around $30 a bottle. Available at various retailers. 
Four Vines 2008 Zinfandel Port, Paso Robles – this is a Fortified Port wine that is just a yummy way to end a special meal shared with some blue cheese. It is unctuous, filled with red fruits, the grapes are left as late as possible to harvest making them intense in flavor. Really well balanced and not too syrupy. Around $20 a half bottle at various retailers. 
Swirl, sip, sigh….
Interested in learning more about Zinfandel and why it’s a great wine to pour at your Thanksgiving table? Click here.
