Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) is a variety of black-skinned wine grape. The variety is grown in over 10 percent of California vineyards. DNA analysis has revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grapes Crljenak Kaštelanski and Tribidrag, as well as to the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Apulia (the “heel” of Italy), where it was introduced in the 18th century.The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, where it became known by variations of a name applied to a different grape, likely “Zierfandler” from Austria.
Fast Facts: 2021 Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel, Contra Costa County, California ($13.99 @Trader Joe’s in California) Today’s online edition of Decanter reported that veraison (that celebrated harbinger of harvest when wine grapes begin to blush and change color) has begun in the vineyards of northern California. They talked with winemakers from Napa, from Sonoma – … Read moreIf You Love BBQ, Get to Know this Grape, and this Wine
Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Zinfandel, Lot #233, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) Just in time for barbecue season and the first days of summer. There are few red wine varietals that are as good a match for grilled food as Zinfandel is. It was born for the role! … Read moreGot ‘cue? Then get your hands on this Zin!
Fast facts: 2020 Ocean View Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, California ($14.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) 2019 Opolo Summit Creak Vineyard Zinfandel, Paso Robles, California ($12.99 @Costco, California) We say “finally” in our subject line not to imply that we have been keeping you waiting for our red wine picks for the Thanksgiving holiday, … Read moreFinally, a Pair of Thanksgiving Red Wines – one each from TJs and Costco
Fast Facts: 2018 Simi Winery, Red Wine Blend, Sonoma County, California ($9.99* @Costco in California – Item #1487627) 2018 Hook or Crook Cellars, Field Blend, Lodi, California ($5.79* @Costco in California – Item #1529759) We love the in-store discounts that Costco is known for. Here are two wines that would be good values before … Read moreDualing Red Blends from Costco – Both Under $10 if You Act Fast
Fast facts: 2020 Trader Joe’s Reserve Zinfandel, Lot #71, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to some of the most beautiful wine growing regions in the world, and Dry Creek Valley is among my favorites. Studded with knarly old growth vineyards, it’s an unpretentious premium … Read moreA Delicious Dry Creek Zinfandel from Trader Joe’s – Just Add BBQ!
Fast Facts: 2019 McClean Vineyards, Love Red Blend, Paso Robles, California ($11.49 @Costco in California – Item #1528847) So I admit that it was the “packaging” that stopped me in my tracks for this wine. I am so shallow sometimes. In lieu of a traditional paper label, this wine comes in a gorgeous silk-screened … Read moreAll You Need is Love – a groovy Costco wine that is perfect for BBQ
Fast Facts on this Week’s Featured Wines: 2015 Scotto Family Cellars, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California ($7.99 @Trader Joe’s in California) 2016 Bonterra, Red Blend, California ($8.99* @Costco in California – Item #1372641) *net price after $2 .00 discount The calendar says this is the last week of winter. So we have a pair … Read moreA yummy OVZ from TJs and an organic red from Costco – fire up the BBQ!
Fast facts: 2016 Trader Joe’s Reserve Zinfandel Lot #185, Amador County, California ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) 2017 Trader Joe’s Reserve GSM Lot #187, Central Coast, California ($9.99 @Trader Joe’s, California) It’s hard to believe, but Labor Day is right around the corner. So if your plans, like ours, include firing up the grill and using … Read moreTrader Joe’s has two great wines for your next BBQ – just $9.99 each!
Fast facts: 2016 Kirkland Signature Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma County ($9.99 @Costco; California) In past posts like the one for the Jack London Merlot https://wordpress.com/post/vinopointer.com/339 I have discussed the consumer benefits to certain wine varietals going out of vogue. In addition to Merlot, you could add Syrah and Zinfandel to the current list. For whatever reason, … Read moreCostco Delivers a Big Red Wine
Fast facts: 2015 Kirkland Signature Sonoma County Zinfandel $9.99 (@Costco; California) 2016 OZV Lodi Zinfandel $9.99 (@Trader Joe’s; California) With summer just a few short weeks away (per the calendar anyway) we thought it was a good time to feature a grape variety that pairs especially well with all things barbecue. Old vine Zinfandel is … Read moreA BBQ Wine Battle Royale – Costco vs. Trader Joe’s Zinfandels