Perfect July 4th Wine

July 3, 1:40 PMSF Wine Pairing ExaminerDanielle Cunningham

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AP Photo/Mel Evans

Our nation’s birthday! Time to celebrate our freedom and our American pastimes: baseball and barbecue. Many countries try but nothing comes close to the American style of barbecue. Whether it is the hearty and robust flavors of spicy Texas tri-tip or the sweet and honey-laced southern ribs, everyone loves a barbecue. The smell of a freshly cued up grill is almost europhic, drawing neighbors closer to your fence in hopes of an invitation. So, while you marinate your chicken and pepper your steak, reach for something other than a ‘cold one.’

Nothing loves a barbecue more than a Zinfandel. In fact, their relationship can withstand strong-flavored foods as well as lighter and international fare. While preparing your feast, consider the flavors in on your grill in order to choose the perfect red Zin.

• Barbecue. Any full-bodied zesty Zin can stand up to a robust sauce. If the sauce is too spicy it will not pair well; spicy flavors deplete the ability to taste dry wines such as Zins. Stick with Central Coast Zins that are robust with jammy flavors of blackberry and prunes but with a smooth pepper finish. Recommendation: Concannon’s Central Coast Zinfandel.
• Roasted meats: grilled steak or lamb. Choose a dense flavored Zin with notes of black cherry and mild pepper. Zin has the acidity and the body to match heavier meats but still retains the sweeter softer side that prevents the wine from overpowering the main dish. Serve grilled steak of lamb with sautéed or grilled mushrooms to appeal to the rich tannins. Recommendation: Cline 2007 Zinfandel
• Cheeses. Creamy or blue cheeses will pair well with Zins that have a port-like quality. Sharp cheeses (gouda, cheddar) pair better with fruit-forward Zins. Recommendation: Big White House, 2000 Zinfandel Port.
• Fish. Please don’t do it. Red Zins are not happy with fish and can be considered a turf kind of wine. Red Zins are too full-bodied and it isn’t fair to the fish or the wine. Reserve fish for Chardonnays or Rieslings.

Whichever Zin you choose, have a wonderful and grill-happy Independence Day!