Sips & Snacks in October

Wine

Zinfandel

-The history of Zinfandel-

Serve at 60-68°

Although Zinfandel's roots go back to Croatia, it has made it's way to the United States and is now most widely produced in California's wine country. Zinfandel was first known for sale during the Gold Rush (between 1852-1857) and is now the third-leading varietal grown in California's 58 counties. In Italy, the same grape is known as Primitivo and has many of the same qualities as the California Zinfandels, yet it does lack some of the spice and the blue/black fruit notes of the California grape. This is much to the credit of the soil and climate California can offer.

Zinfandel is typically full of dark fruit: Plums, dark cherries, blackberries, and blueberries are common notes, those fruits are beautifully married with plenty of spice, ranging from peppercorn to star anise. If the Zinfandel has been aged in new oak, you can expect cinnamon, clove, caramel, vanilla, and other classic baking spices to shine.

Zinfandel vs Cabernet

They are both fruit filled and a bit "spicy". Zinfandel is also known for being high in alcohol content, which can give it a bit of a kick. Cabernet is known for its more complex flavor with notes of black cherry, and cedar, as well as a hint of vanilla. It is usually more tannic than Zinfandel, which can give it a more structured mouthfeel.

Another key difference between Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon is how they age. Zinfandel is known for being a drink now wine, meaning it’s best enjoyed within a few years of bottling. Cabernets, on the other hand, can be aged for several years, or even decades, to develop a more complex flavor profile.

Enjoy my two choices for this month - both coming from California. My Sweet Spot is from the Paso Robles region and my Special Day is from the Napa Valley region. One is a bit lighter than the other and both are awesome choices in two very different price points.

Sweet Spot Zinfandel-

Castoro Cellars Double Black Zinfandel Paso Robles - $13.99

A great value when looking for an easy drinking Zinfandel that pairs with many foods. This would be incredible with BBQ or your favorite Italian red sauce. It is dark fruit forward yet has the perfect amount of spice to balance the jammy sip. You'll love this one! It's the easy pour you're looking to put with any meal or snack.

Special Day Zinfandel-

Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2020 - $46.99

Powerful and spicy, this incredible favorite of mine has more body than most Zinfandels but still has the fruity notes you expect from the varietal. With mild hints of vanilla and black pepper it makes this a lovely wine with spicy dishes, beef, game, and bbq. If you're wanting to celebrate something special, choose this one and if you're in Napa Valley you should visit the Frog's Leap Winery. It is at the top of my list each time we visit. The wine tasting and grounds are incredibly well done, and their gardens are a must see!

Food Pairing

If a lovely glass of your favorite Zinfandel was searching for the perfect mate, here is what should be on that list.

Meats: smoked pork, spicy sausage, duck

Seafood: blackened fish, tuna

Veggies/Fruits: grilled peppers, eggplant, cranberries

Spices/Herbs: pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon

Cheeses: smoked gouda, parmesan, feta

Sauces: spicy, bbq, cajun, tomato

Dessert: carrot cake, spice cake, gingersnap cookies

Try this month's Sweet Spot wine with one of my favorite new dishes!

I have been working on perfecting this for a few years and I think you'll love it as much as my family, too!

Deconstructed Lasagna

by As Noted By Me

Cocktail

Apple Cider Mimosa

This simple, fun mimosa is Fall in a cute coupe glass. It is a perfect tailgate cocktail or the best way to kick off your upcoming Thanksgiving celebration. I'm a sucker for anything with bubbly ;) The Mocktail version is simply a substitution of n/a champagne, n/a Prosecco or club soda.