Session 8 Wrap Up

Zinfandel
Session Date: October 17th (2009)

The most intimate of all the sessions, with one of the most consistently solid line-up of wines. Everyone seemed to agree that all the Zinfandels/Primitivos showed very well. If there was any doubt about the validity or quality of these wines, it was quickly banished. The question remains: do people like or still like Zins after this session?
This was the first session with wine-related quizzes, which seemed a success. Maybe even better prizes next time? Thanks to all who attended and brought interesting wines.
Scroll down for a list of wines tasted, pictures and a list of attendees.
Next session: February 2010

Wines Tasted

Joel Gott (California) Zinfandel 2007

Ridge (Sonoma) Three Valleys 2007

Castello Monaci Primitivo Piluna 2007

Victory Vineyards Parcel 31 Zinfandel 2007

Dry Creek (Sonoma) Heritage Zinfandel 2006

Dry Creek (Sonoma) Heritage Zinfandel 2007

Layer Cake Primitivo Puglia 2007

Pictures


Attendees

CDM, KDM, CBL, JK, AH, CH, GA, AP

Session 8 - Zinfandel

Zinfandel
Session Date: October 17th (2009)

For Session 8 - the Pwc will be tasting Zinfandel wines (and its twin, Primativo). Zins are perfect Fall wines, and this session hopes to introduce you to or reacquaint you with this varietal.

Often overlooked in conversations about the finest wine, Zinfandel has moved up the ranks. Once known mostly as fruity, non-challenging blush wine, Zins now demand attention with their full-bodied, garnet, brambly selves.

Most of the wines in this session will be large and in charge. Zinfandel tend to give off aromas and flavors of plums, dark berries, pepper and spices (maybe some chocolate out there as well?). These wines are mouth filling, with higher alcohol and smooth tannins. Very Autumnal and very American. Are you psyched yet?!

Primativo, identical to Zinfandel and grown around Pulglia, Italy, tends to be a bit quieter. These wines seem to embody that picture of Italy you have in your head: rustic, soft, rich and sunny as hell.

Will many of the Zinfandels be too heady and hot? Will the Primativos be vastly different than the Zinfandels? Will we all lose our minds? Please join us for Prentiss Wine Club Session 8.

Session 8 Needs-to-Know:

• Pwc opens at 6pm with appetizers, conversation and an appertif. Tasting begins promptly at 6:45pm.
  
• Please bring a bottle of Zinfandel or Primitivo. The recommended price range is $15-20.
• Please bring an appetizer, finger food, or cheese for the group. Pairing suggestions can be found below in Suggested Zinfandel food pairings.
• RSVP to cblukens@gmail.com by October 12, 2009. You will then receive further details.
  
• Email cblukens@gmail.com (or post a comment to this blog) with your questions or comments.
  

New for Session 8

1. Tasting will be done in Rounds (similar to Flights, but with a single glass). Rounds allow us to sample 3 wines in quick succession, making it easier to compare, contrast, and converse.
   
2. In the second round, the wines will be tasted blind. If your wine participates in the Blind-a-Round, you will receive a gift!
3. Hopefully, the raffle will be expanded. But we'll see. (Update: 3 raffles in production!)
   

Suggested Zinfandel food pairings

The focus is on wine, not necessarily wine/food pairings (but we have to have snacks and a few things will be provided). Any of the following food items pair well with Zinfandel. Feel free to bring anything listed here as a finger food, appetizer, or small dish:

Rich/Strong cheeses, meat, Mexican, mushrooms, pasta, peppers, pizza, sausage (esp. pork), grilled/root veggies, tomatoes, soy sauce.

Credits
Texts:
*Dorenburg, Andrew & Page, Karen. What to Drink with what You Eat. (New York: Bulfinch, 2006)
*Gasnier, Vincent. A taste for wine. (New York: Doring Kindersley, 2006)