Bonterra Zinfandel 2004

We had this wonderful Californian Zinfandel on my graduation day and it did make my evening very special. The taste was intense and unique. A wonderful combination of dried blueberries, plums and spices. Its grapes are 86% Zinfandel, 11% Petite Syrah and 3% Syrah. The combination is refined and very elegant.

The Zinfandel grape variety is typically grown in Italy. I have already blogged and liked very much an Italian Zinfandel, but honestly, I cannot tell which one is better. The American one has this strong aroma and certain style that is different and better in a way than the Italian. Furthermore, this Zinfandel is said to be organic, and I am much fond of organic foods.

If you have time you should check out the website of Bonterra Winery here. It contents a very colourful and unique way of presenting the wines. Good job!

Zinfandel Redwood California 2007

This is the first American wine I picked from our local Bulgarian supermarket on quite reasonable price (about 7 Euro). Its amazing how the world is becoming so small. Only about 10 years ago it was impossible to find American, Chilean or Argentinian wine in a Bulgarian supermarket.

Second new for me is the variety - Zinfandel, which is very well known and popular in the US, as I have been told. This Californian Zinfandel is grown in Redwood Valley, California and is very close as taste to the Italian variety Primitivo. Actually, only just recently it was recognized as a separate variety (Source) . It is full and rich in flavour and I can feel a spicy note. Very well balanced and fine. I really loved it. We had it with some cheese and vegetable and it went very well. Will definitely taste another Zinfandel soon as well as some more American wines. I am curious what else can be grown in sunny California.