Eric Wayne Wine tips

Good Grapes

Click on this link to get the answer to one of the great wine grape riddles, just where does the Zinfandel grape come from? But wait! There's more!! Another article from the web site ZAP!! (devoted to all things Zinfandel), states that indeed Zin comes from Croatia, but it may not be Plavac Mali. You'll need a PDF viewer to read it.

Below are some of my favorite wineries. Visit their web sites or just look for them in your local market.

Ravenswood Rosenblum Ridge: Zin oh fabulous Zin! The "three R's" of Zinfandel. Always good, and some deals as well.

Sean Thackrey: Red Table wine of the highest order!!!!
Sean Thackrey is one of the most unique, creative wine makers in California. He is also the owner of the most extensive collection of early wine making texts known to man, and he puts his knowledge into his wine, making it in open air casks to naturally ferment, just like in the Renaissance!

Unti: Zin! Sangiovese!! Segromigno!!!
Segromigno is a blend of Sangiovese, Syrah, and Barbera that will make you a believer in Italian-style California wines. The only problem... it's sold in very few places, and I'm not giving up my sources. No way. This small family-owned winery makes some of the most enjoyably surprising Dry Creek wines ever. You will love these wines.

After a trip to Paso Robles I have to swallow my Northern California pride and say that this area of the state is home to some of the most exciting and creative winemakers, making some of the best world-class wines there are. The ratio of "fantastic" wine to " merely drinkable" was very high. On my trip it was 9:2! And the "merely drinkable" was actually very good. And oh the Zin!! Visit the gastro blog for more about Paso.

L'Aventure: Syrah and Rhone blends!!
Stéphan Asseo moved from St.-Emilion to Paso just so he could blend Cab and Syrah, and indeed, he does it exceptionally well. His Syrah is exceptional!

Linne Calodo: Zin and Rhone blends that will make you buy more than your wife said you could spend! Matt Trevisan has proven that he is one of the best wine makers in the state. The one wine club I will never give up. I particularly like the Outsider!

Zin Alley: Zin, oh glorious Zin!!
The best Zin I have ever tasted! Located in the Templeton Gap, where vines of great distinction have grown for many generations. Frank Nerelli is a Grand Wizard of Zinfandel. Dense and fruity, but with a complex structure and body that is not normally associated with zinfandel. If you think Zins are simple, fruit-bombs that have to be consumed young, this one will change your mind.