As we gather round our tables to celebrate Thanksgiving, thoughts turn to gratefulness. The usual suspects first enter my mind: food, family, health, shelter. Then, Mommelier attended a “5 Deadly Zins” wine dinner at Hoboken’s classic Amanda’s Restaurant and now my gratitude has shifted to include another category. This year, I am thankful for and proud of America’s wine grape heritage – Zinfandel!
Perhaps the only wine grape varietal “native” to America[1]. Zin is to American wine heritage as Edward Hopper is to American art. Introduced during the Gold Rush in the 1850s, Zinfandel is now the third-leading wine grape in California. Zin evokes Americana even in its tastes. It ranges from zesty, berry ripe full-bodied reds to soft, simple blushes to nearly combustible fortified versions. It’s a collage of the different strokes for different folks that epitomize our country. Plus, it is typically high in alcohol with most around 15% abv; a sure way to keep you smiling through even when Uncle Eddy is telling the same store for the 100th time. While you’re shopping for Zinfandel, be on the lookout for ones from California’s Dry Creek Valley. These tend to be a source of high quality old-vine fruit for Zinfandel and are quite sumptuous.
At the “5 Deadly Zins” wine pairing dinner last year, J and I opted for the communal table. It was a great chance to taste some Zin and meet new people. We lucked out and had a great combination of both. Sitting at that long table, tasting some great food that was very well-paired with the Zinfandel wines, J and I felt like we were truly experiencing an American Thanksgiving in spirit. We were gathered with people we didn’t know, shared in lively conversation, good food & wine, left with a better understanding of Zinfandel, a greater sense of community, and walked away knowing a great couple who have since become our friends. Stuff that Mommelier is all about!
Bring the American wine spirit home to your Thanksgiving table with a bottle or a few of Zin. I swear it’s not a sin. Swirl, sip, sigh.
So, now that you know how awesome Zinfandel is to drink, what should you be buying? Here are 5 suggested Zins that come in a range of styles for you to enjoy now and throughout the year. Read 5 Zins to Try Now
[1] The DNA of the Zinfandel grape has been traced back to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and the Primitivo grape of Southern Italy.
Photo “Fine table setting at home” © fym1321 – Fotolia.com
