Today is National Zinfandel Day. While I normally do not get worked up over the various (and numerous) national and international wine days, today I am going to make the exception.

Why?

Good question.

First, Zinfandel is largely considered “America’s Grape” (even though, as with almost all wine grapes, the modern Zinfandel traces its roots back to the Mediterranean basin). Given both the contentious election that we all just endured (and some say we are still enduring–don’t get me started) and the pandemic that is raging further out of control, I feel the need to find something about this country that I love to celebrate.

Second, earlier this year, I did a bit of research on Paso Robles, one of several regions in this country known for producing great Zinfandel, to write a piece for ZAP, the Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (if you have not yet checked out that article, you can find it HERE). I was set to travel to a few of the other regions that produce outstanding Zin, to hopefully write a few more such pieces, but well, we all know how those travel plans turned out.

Third, I was sent a few outstanding bottles of Zin to taste today and I normally try to do what I am told (OK, that is pretty much a lie, I hate being told what to do). And these wines are likely to be pretty fantastic:

• 2018 Robert Biale Vineyards, Coombsville, R.W. Moore Vineyard Zinfandel, $65
• 2017 Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Alexander School Reserve Zinfandel, $45
• 2018 Hartford Family Winer, Russian River Valley, Fanucchi Wood Zinfandel, $60
• 2017 Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Miljenko’s Old Vine Zinfandel, $125

Last, I was invited by the kind people of ZAP to partake in a Facebook Live session this evening at 6:00 p.m. (CST, 7:00 Eastern and 4:00 Pacific–you poor saps in the Mountain time zone can figure it out from there) and all of you are invited to join in! So grab a bottle of Zin and come join the party with this link:

https://www.facebook.com/ZAP.org/videos

There are plenty of really well-done videos there about many of the legendary Zinfandel vineyards throughout California, like this one on the Ueberroth Vineyard which I wrote about in the ZAP piece in February.

https://fb.watch/1Q_HgTfBu_/

Remember to join me today, at 7:00 Eastern (4:00 Pacific) for the Facebook Live event!