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Archive for category California

Wine of the Day – Zinfandel

Jan 2

Posted by greatWineSource in California, Croatia, Reds, Wine of the Day | 2 Comments

Wine of the Day for January 2, 2010

Zinfandel

Today I’ll be sharing a few tidbits of information about another favorite of mine: Zinfandel.

Zinfandel is a black grape that originated in Croatia, and until Cabernet Sauvignon took over in 1998, the Zinfandel was California’s most popular grape. This black grape varietal is used to make colorful, full-bodied, jammy wines with raspberry, blackberry, oak, hints of cinnamon and spice aromas and flavors and often ends with a peppery finish. I just love this wine with barbequed foods, pizzas and chili.

Zinfandel - a black grape varietal

Zinfandel - a black grape varietal

If you have the opportunity to try an “old vine” Zinfandel, do take advantage. Old Vine Zinfandels are made from vines that have been producing grapes for over 40 years. We had an Old Vine Zinfandel that came from vines 75 years old and I can tell you, it was an amazing, well-balanced, firm and fruity wine.

Zinfandels are generally not age-worthy. In other words, you’ll want to enjoy them usually within 5 years. If you are looking for a wine that has a little bit of kick, though, this one is for you.

For those of you who are more familiar with the “white” Zinfandel wines, those wines are made from these same black grapes, but the pressing and fermentation process is different to remove the deep color and retain light sweetness.

A side note – when you enjoy your Zinfandel, I would recommend drinking in moderation. On occasion, while visiting with my sisters, I’ve enjoyed nearly a whole bottle and wake up the next morning with my right eye hurting … must be a slight allergy to the wine. Oh well, that won’t stop me from enjoying it, just not enjoying it in high quantities in one sitting anymore. :)

Cheers to full glasses all around!
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Wine of the Day – Cabernet Sauvignon

Jan 1

Posted by greatWineSource in California, France, Reds, Wine of the Day | 4 Comments

Wine of the Day for January 1, 2010

Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy New Year everyone! Can you believe another year passed already? I’ll probably still put the “2009” date on my checks and documentation for a few more weeks yet until the “2010” is embedded in my brain (isn’t it funny how that “09” wants to hang around?)

Today I thought I’d share Cabernet Sauvignon as the Wine of the Day. The reason? It’s one of my favorites and it was the wine that my husband and I celebrated with at Little Sweden on New Year’s Eve. We enjoyed a Charles Krug 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, and much to my surprise, my husband drank more of it than I did! Why? We didn’t go out – we’re not one for going out on New Years, and because I forgot to bring my good wine stems, we used the little ones that were in the condo – you know the little Libby style. So, he got about two sips out of a glass, and just kept re-pouring. Luckily it was a very good wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon grape

Cabernet Sauvignon grape

Cabernet Sauvignon is a hybrid offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc (bet you didn’t know that). This gorgeous wine is often blended with other wines to create the Bordeaux style of wine (Bordeaux wines are only produced in France – more on Bordeaux in another WOTD). It is high in tannins (causes bitter taste) so properly aged or decanted Cabernet will be most enjoyable.

Surprisingly, I’ve experienced new wine drinkers at my wine tastings actually finding Cabernet Sauvignon to their liking. This surprised me because Cabernet is a full-bodied dry wine and most new wine drinkers like the lighter sweet wines. But, I believe this is because Cabernet has such an abundance of aromas, fruit flavors and complexity, that it provides the interest on the palate for the newbies.

Aromas and flavors you may experience in different Cabernets: vanilla, molasses, tobacco, black currant, mint, cherry, cassis, and others. It is a wine that generally ages very well. Check with your vintner or wine consultant on the ideal age for your wines.

I love Cabernet on its own, but it is enhanced with proper foods. If you love food with Cabernet, it pairs well with robust meals and foods (venison, lamb, portabello mushrooms). My favorite treat to have with Cabernet (and really any red) is Sartori Bellavitano Reserve Gold. This cheese is without a doubt the best to pair with your full-bodied reds. I also like to pair it with Werther’s Original Caramel Chocolate, Dark with 42% Cacao. You might try it with bitter dark chocolate, but I prefer my chocolate creamy, so highly recommend the Werther’s.

I’ll leave you a toast to close out this post and to ring in the New Year.

May all of your days be blessed, all of your troubles be few, and may you always have great wine and great friends surrounding you. Cheers!

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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