Del Barba Vineyards Zinfandel2023

Zinfandel has flourished in California since the mid-1800s, when it hitched a ride from Boston, Massachusetts with Frederick Macondray, a sea captain, banker, and avid greenhouse gardener. The grape caught on quickly because it was both easy to grow and could make delicious wines. Californian Zinfandel is fruit-forward with bursts of jam, cherry, blueberry, and plums, accompanied by licorice, spices, and pepper. It's on the bolder side and generally has a relatively high alcohol content, ranging anywhere from 14-17% abv, so sip (and hydrate) accordingly.  Zinfandel's strong flavor profile can stand up to robust flavors. It's outstanding with spice-rub BBQ, mature cheese, and roasted veggies like peppers and squash.