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Is Grenache the new Zinfandel

Back in the late 80's I can recall drinking Zinfandel from California that was usually about 11-13% abv, briary, fruity with a strong berry character, moderately tannic and was a great change from Cabernet/Merlot based wines. Through the 90's the ripeness and alcohol skyrocketed and seeing 16% abv wines was not unusual. Overly oaky, deeply concentrated and highly alcohol ic I moved away from these wines as I didn't enjoy them in the least.

A few years ago I noticed that I was seeing more and more Grenache based wi nes from California to compete with the Rhone and Spanish Garnacha wines th at I enjoyed so much. These wines were ripe and fruity but well balanced a nd done in a food freindly style that made them appealing on a restaurant w ine list or to enjoy at home with casual dinners as the wine complimented s o many different food styles. These days I'm finding more and more Grenache wines from California but I notice a trend in ever increasing ripeness and alcohol. Is it just me?

Reply to
Bi!!
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The good news is that it would be hard for a CA wine to compete with a Tempranillo or Grenacha from Spain. I am buying some really nice wines for under $20 and every day wines for around $10.

Reply to
Jcoulter

t was usually about 11-13% abv, briary, fruity with a strong berry characte r, moderately tannic and was a great change from Cabernet/Merlot based wine s. Through the 90's the ripeness and alcohol skyrocketed and seeing 16% ab v wines was not unusual. Overly oaky, deeply concentrated and highly alcoh olic I moved away from these wines as I didn't enjoy them in the least.

wines from California to compete with the Rhone and Spanish Garnacha wines that I enjoyed so much. These wines were ripe and fruity but well balanced and done in a food freindly style that made them appealing on a restaurant wine list or to enjoy at home with casual dinners as the wine complimented so many different food styles. These days I'm finding more and more Grenac he wines from California but I notice a trend in ever increasing ripeness a nd alcohol. Is it just me?

Some of the Grenaches have become cult wines with ridiculous prices. I agre e with Bill, it is hard for CA to compete with Spain on Grenache. France ei ther for that matter. As to the Zin, it does keep getting more and more rip e and this is making very high alcohol out of balance wine such that it is not selling well anymore. Many vineyards are pulling Zinfandel and planting something else.

Reply to
lleichtman

Bill, one factor might be that the vines are getting older and producing more intense wines than they used to, though of course that wouldn't affect either the ripeness or the oak use. I've never been overly impressed with the CA Grenaches I've tried, but I did have a very nice one from Birichino a few years ago.

Mark Lipton

Reply to
Mark Lipton

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