Month: August 2009

'A survey by Full Glass Research found that many consumers aren't aware of petite sirah and that retailers and restaurants don't push the variety. The grape's fans, however, understand that it produces dark, robust, teeth-staining wines with tannins that range from firm, but manageable to very intense and drying.'

'Because they're versatile and food-friendly, we drink zins year-round, with a special preference for those made from the intensely flavorful grapes grown sparingly on old vines. The 2007 Zen of Zin Old Vines Zinfandel (about $8 but often discounted at big box stores and supermarkets), from Sonoma County vintner Ravenswood, fills the bill for us nicely.'