Zinfandel


	Living in Zin: It's not just for the common folk		By Chris A. Hawley Gudlife Webmaster
FOOD & WINE Hearty Meals Romantic Desserts Tropical Feast Thanksgiving up the Wazoo Living in Zin Ten Top Wines Cooking with Wine	Not too many years ago, the name Zinfandel evoked feelings of disdain among wine afficianados. It was thought of as a common, perhaps even vulgar wine, by those who sip haughty cabernets and look down upon such modern conveniences as the screw-top cap, and "box o' wine." But times have changed, and Zinfandel has found refuge in the hearts of common folk and connoisseurs alike. Today it is considered by many to be "the wine of the people." One of the most valuable qualities of the Zinfandel grape is its versatility, which allows the creation of the most stylistically diverse wine made in the United States today. It is white, or pink, or deep red. It is served chilled from the fridge, or wine-cellar cool. It is a gutsy wine perfect for barbecue, or subtle enough for leg of lamb. The ZAP organization (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) tells us that Zinfandel in America dates back to the early 19th century. But its origins remain a mystery. One theory holds that it came from Hungary. But more popular opinion points to it being an all-American grape. Today, it thrives in many diverse environments throughout the country. But it's reputation stems from its proliferation in California. Zinfandel wine is short-lived, compared to some others. A good Zin will keep for only three or four years. It is bottled young, which keeps the tannin low, making it more drinkable sooner after bottling. For this reason, it's seldom counted among collector wines which can range in price from $50 to well over $1000. But for the same reason, a good vintage becomes very popular among hard-core zinners. Here is a sampling of California Zins we think are excellent values. The 1998 Montharen, a coastal zin, has a light, reedy quality. The coastal wines are just that - pressed from grapes that are grown along California's coastal wine regions. The 1998 Easton from Amador County has a tangy, almost hot quality, and a very sweet bouquet. The 1999 Seghesio Family Zinfandel is a delicious wine, with an oaky, more tannic quality, somewhat Cabernet-like. 1997 was a good year for Zins, and we recommend Geyser Peak's Sonoma County Zinfandel, a smooth wine that has aged well, and Ballantine Cellars' Napa Valley Zinfandel, a strong, flavorful wine that has held onto just enough of its tannic qualities. So before you pay $250 for that bottle of beaujolais for your next dinner party, consider a $12-$16 investment in pure pleasure. This Zin's for you!		Links Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Easton Winery Seghesio Family Winery Geyser Peak Winery

Copyright 2004 Chris A. Hawley