The Zinful Life

So, it's obviously summertime, and here in Southern California, that can cause a girl to feel a little steamy.  I usually try to cure that feeling with a glass of Prosecco or Rosé, but I've been venturing a tad more frequently into the land of reds.  Not the usual suspects, but something a little more spicy --that trickster of the wine world, that rogue grape, the Zinfandel. 

Now, for a long time, I was tempted to put Zinfandel into a box (well, not literally, although maybe I'll write a post on box wine sometime later, if I actually drink some), thinking that it was good for one thing:  drinking with food.  And once upon a time, that may have been true.  But more adventurous winemakers have been experimenting with the grape, and the result is a luscious collection of styles that are more versatile than a lissome wine groupie has the right to expect. 

I've already written about the deliciousness of wine associated with Black Chickens, but I had a few selections this past week that are also worth mentioning:  2006 Peachy Canyon "Incredible Red,"  2004 Brown Estate Chiles Valley, and 2005 Quivira Dry Creek Valley.  (Yes, it's only Wednesday, but I'm on a mission here.)

The Peachy Canyon was my libation of choice after a long day spent on airplanes and in meetings.  I chose it partially because it was there, waiting in my wine rack, but also because I needed something with a little personality to go along with my daily dose of the Daily Show.   Just the right touch of sweet fruit, followed by a bit of acid -- could it and Jon Stewart be a better match?  And at $12, it's a great cheap date.

I was lucky enough to have the Brown Estate over Sunday Supper at Lucques.  I highly recommend indulging in both, if you have the chance.  Simple and yet decadent (kind of like the food), the Brown was luscious with jammy blueberry and a hit of caramel, with that spicy Zin finish.  It retails for about $40, when you can find it -- Brown Estate makes great wine and has a charming backstory that has given it a bit of a following.

The Quivira was consumed at a wine bar in Los Feliz, accompanied by some totally unhealthful but spectacularly delicious Italian/Brazilian stuffed pizza thing dubbed a piadina.  Great with the piadina, but also very nice on its own, the Quivira actually sports little bit of Petite Sirah in the blend that gives a little extra punch to the finish.  It generally retails for about $20. 

Sometimes, a little extra heat can be liberating.  Zinful, even.  Enjoy it.

(As always, you can use the Snooth search box in the sidebar to find these wines in your area.  Helps fund the Wine Giques wine habit, you know?)

Comments

[Tasting Notes]

All this talk about juice is making me thirsty.

[Angela Wilson Gyetvan]

Well, I guess you better drink something then. Put on some spicy music to go with the Zin, will you?