Barra Zinfandel Reserve 2021

Boy has Zinfandel fallen off the consumer radar and what a shame! Although it is not an indigenous variety to California it is so utterly unique and appealing that they claim it as their own and with good reason. What works better with a rack of dry rubbed baby backs or pulled pork than a zesty glass of Zinfandel? (No sauce, that is for beer drinkers, LOL!)

The grapes for their Zinfandel come from a hillside vineyard, Bella Collina, which is also home to some Petite Sirah that is in the blend. The Barra’s age the wine in 30% new French oak which is less intrusive than the more commonly used American oak. As a result this is sophisticated and polished example that is a good reason for why you should (re)discover this variety.

Decant this wine for a half hour and give it a slight chill. Then you are greeted with enticing notes of cooked raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, black licorice, sassafras and caramel. The palate is dry and shows the same concentration and savoriness as the Pinot above, but with little added baking spice on the finish. I love that this Zin is not sweet (which is thankfully a drying trend) or alcoholic (which many are.) If BBQ is not in your wheelhouse then try with a Detroit style sausage and pepperoni pizza, spicy garlic noodles or Lamb Vindaloo.