ZINFANDEL SMACKDOWN: A HORIZONTAL TASTING

BARRAMUNDAYS, WINE & VINYL
California's Great Grape


Zinfandel gets a bum rap.
Part of the reason is that White Zinfandel is so wildly popular. Although made from the same grape, the wines couldn't be more different. The same high sugar content of the Zinfandel grape that makes the white version so sweet makes red Zins high in alchohol: as high as 15%. The wine's flavor profile includes red and/or black fruit, bramble, spice, and pepper, although this can vary depending on when the grapes are picked, climate, and other factors. A Zinfandel can be lush, spicy, full-bodied and mouth-coating, or lighter-bodied and fruity.

All our Zinfandels tonight are from the North Coast region of California, and all 2009. I wager what will make this Battle interesting is terrior, and especially the personality of the wine-makers. It seems California really likes to have fun when making this kind of wine, and I believe these three will all be very different.

Frei Brothers Reserve 2009 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Using a modern approach, good portion of the grapes used to make this wine are left whole, thus reducing harsh tannins while allowing vibrant red berry flavors to com through. 5% Petit Syrah and 4% Syrah are added to round out the flavor.

Manifesto! 2009 Lodi Zinfandel

The grapes rest on their lees, and the wines are all natural and sustainably farmed in Lodi just south of Sonoma and Napa. While the Lodi appellation lacks the pedigree of the other two counties, I think the wine-makers want it that way, a little "punk rock" in every glass.

Folie a Deux 2009 Dry Creek Vally Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Folie a Deux literally means "a madness shared by two". It will come as no surprise that this winery was founded by two psychiatrists in 1981! 10% Petit Syrah is added to enhance the mid-palate flavors.

DJ Ilmo will be spinning eclectic lounge while we DRINK THE WINE..
and eat the cheese, from Saxelby's.


TONIGHT
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC