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Zintastic! anise. You may also detect chocolate, caramel, vanilla, cedar box and leather in your glass. Another important detail to remember about Zinfandel is its alcohol content – to achieve ripeness, Zinfandel must be left to hang on the vines longer into the season than many other varieties. This can raise the alcohol levels significantly even though Zinfandel hides it well amongst lavish fruit. In fact, depending on your preferred Zinfandel bottle, you may see the alcohol percentage listed on its label ranging from 13 percent to 17 percent. Many producers will also add small amounts of other varietals such as Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan to Zinfandel to give the wine more structure or complexity. CLINE CONTRA COsTA ANCIENT vINEs zINfANdEL uSA $27.99 396564 Made from grapes sourced from 80 to 100 year old vines, this complex Zinfandel is laden with aromas of dried cherries, sweet tobacco, prune plums and hints of white pepper. it’s supple and intense with flavours of spice and mocha. dANCING BuLL zINfANdEL uSA $12.99 131623 Entice your inner weekend warrior with aromas of red summer berries and blackberry, mocha and Szechuan peppercorns. on the palate this crowd pleaser is supple with plenty of spice and a creamy texture. ZINFANDEL IN THE SUMMER Why would you commit to Zin just when we are thinking about crisp, summer sippers on the patio? Because of the perfect barbecue weather of course! Zinfandel with its sweet fruit, spice and structure is the perfect cohort to tangy, spicy barbecue sauces, meat and summer berry sauces – not to mention dark chocolate. Zinfandelmarinated meats and spice rubs, bean chili made with dark chocolate and smoky adobo sauce, pulled pork or barbecued ribs, thin-crust grilled gourmet pizza topped with caramelized onions and Manchego cheese, all of these flavours love Zinfandel. When you are planning a summer menu with deep, rich flavours, smoky, sweet, fETzER vALLEY OAKs zINfANdEL uSA $14.99 234617 This is an easy-drinking, affordable Zinfandel with cherries, tobacco and spice aromas. it’s medium- bodied with red fruit, wood spice and fine tannins on the palate. KENwOOd zINfANdEL uSA $23.99 403345 This somewhat intense, earthytasting wine is suited to grilled meats. it presents spiced, stewed fruit and mixed ripe summer berry aromas. on the palate, expect peppery spices and fine mouth coating tannins. spicy and earthy, think Zinfandel. Don’t forget the cheese! Aged, crumbly cheeses as well as spiced and smoked cheeses pair nicely with Zin. Adding sauces made from summer berries or sweet balsamic to fatty meats like lamb and duck are a natural with Zinfandel wines. Imagine juicy burgers laden with roasted peppers, onions, pomegranate ketchup and blue cheese or baguette crostini grilled and topped with double cream brie and warm blueberry and cracked pepper compote. Mix it up, follow your own recipe, but any of the above suggestions will take your summer barbecue from so-so to succulent with the addition of Zinfandel. BONTERRA vINEYARds zINfANdEL uSA $19.99 69013 bonterra comes from organically grown vines. Expect aromas of raspberry and spice followed by strawberry and rhubarb crumble. The palate is dried fruit and spices. bonterra Zin is earthy and has hints of chocolate. 87 points Wine Spectator GNARLY HEAd OLd vINE zINfANdEL uSA $19.99 297929 This Zin presents tart red fruit, rhubarb, coffee, vanilla and spiced dark cocoa. it is an easy-drinking, medium-bodied wine that is smooth and perfect for a summertime barbecue party. TASTE 61