‘Women, Wine, & Snuff’ – The Poetry of Wine
July 7, 2009 by Sean
Filed under Inspired Posts, Matt Fender
Give me women, wine and snuff
Until I cry out “hold, enough!”
You may do so sans objection
Till the day of resurrection;
For bless my beard they aye shall be
My beloved Trinity.
July 2009 Wine Club Newsletter
July 1, 2009 by Ivy Kupec
Filed under Inspired Posts, Monthly newsletter
The All-American Zin
July is the month of patriotic parties and prolific grilling, so we suggest including, along with your typical American beer and colas for quaffing, a quenching Zinfandel. Believe it or not, this true-blue, American wine is perfect for the ‘cue and just the ticket for ribs, peppery burgers and steaks, marinated meats, and hearty or spicy grilled fare.
Okay, you Vintelligent folks who read the wine blog from a few weeks back, yes, Zinfandel reportedly originated in Croatia and Italy, but it has been so entrenched in American culture since its introduction in the 1820s that people literally forgot where the grape came from, and they were certain its roots were in the United States. Now 95 percent of all Zinfandels are made in the U.S.A. American winemakers love it because it is incredibly versatile; wine drinkers love it because of the variety it then affords – from semi-sweet blushes to robust reds to sweet dessert wines.
For your Independence Day festivities, just remember that red Zinfandels also tend to have higher alcohol levels, so between the heavy food, the warm sun and the very drinkable wine, you may need a nap before the evening fireworks!
Dry Creek 2007 Heritage Zinfandel
Sonoma County
With a lot of Zinfandel and a little bit of Petite Sirah, this wine’s ”red, white and blue” most likely comes from its raspberry and blueberry aromas with hints of white pepper and chocolate. Its nine months in American and French oak is noted also on the palate as the fresh berry fruit mingles with the creamy oak. Alcohol levels are at 13.5 percent, so not as high as they can be in some Zins, and the smooth tannins help give this wine a nice, long finish. Wine Spectator recommends drinking now through 2012.
- Ivy
