Attributes:

De Loach Vineyards

Sonoma County, United States

Zinfandel

750 ML

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 85

licorice, pepper, raisin, raspberry

Food Matches:

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Attributes:

X Winery

Carneros/Napa, United States

Pinot Noir

750 ML

Food Matches:

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.

Attributes:

Miguel Torres

Priorato, Spain

Dry Red Table Wine

750 ML

2005: Tanzer Rating: 90

floral

berry, cherry, licorice, mineral, raspberry, spicy, vanilla

sweet

Food Matches:

This harsh, hilly area southwest of Barcelona is gaining a lot of attention for its newly resurrected vines. Volcanic soil and severe weather result in rich, powerful red wines, made primarily from Garnacha and Carignan grapes, and they are high in tannin and alcohol. Grape yields are low, and as a result prices can be quite high.