My Zin-fatuation Continues

By / Wine + Drinks / February 19th, 2014 / 2

I just returned from Florida, and while Florida doesn’t have a thriving wine culture, like it’s West Coast counterpart, I always enjoy going for (at the very least) the shopping, wine shopping that is.

Wine shopping south of the border is a different experience altogether, but the real reason I love walking into a US liquor/wine retailer is for the Zinfandel – California’s heritage grape – and one of the best winter warmers you can have. And it’s always in plentiful supply.

The drive down is really what made me crave my beloved Zinfandel (one of my favourite varieties). We passed through BBQ-country, starting in North Carolina and through to Georgia, where the BBQ joint is as prevalent as McDonald’s and Subway are up here … and nothing goes better with BBQ then a hearty Zinfandel.

So while we sit in the depths of this abnormally cold winter I thought it best to reminisce about BBQ, Zinfandel and all things warm.

Ravenswood 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel (California) – $21.95

Smoky-vanilla, plum, spiced cola, red licorice and anise.

Predator 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel (California) – $21.95

This Zin seem to have a smoked meat quality, and I’m really digging it; so should you.

Peachy Canyon 2011 Westside Zinfandel (California) – $26.95

This one’s exciting with its vanilla, cherry, plum, and Christmas spice on the nose; palate adds even more cherry backing it with blackberry jam and mocha.

Domaine de l’Arjolle 2011 Z de L’Arjolle Zinfandel (France) – $19.95

You read that correctly a Zinfandel from France, and the only one: smoky and tarry with vanilla, and blackberry; smooth, supple, and quite complex – one for the curious.

 For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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