The Lemon Fool

I'm not familiar with the wines of that district per se, but if she hasn't already tried it, Mrs B may like a good bottle of Zinfandel; a robust red that's almost unique to CA and is very likely produced in the Santa Maria district.

BrummieDave wrote:I'm not familiar with the wines of that district per se, but if she hasn't already tried it, Mrs B may like a good bottle of Zinfandel; a robust red that's almost unique to CA and is very likely produced in the Santa Maria district.

Thanks BD, I had to look up Zinfandel when I read your description of a robust red, I was only familiar with the White Zinfandel which apparently outsells the red by 6 to 1. But I was fascinated to see that it is the same grape as Primitivo, a robust Italian red that I certainly like a lot.

John

Yes, wasn't sure if, as a non drinker, you were aware of Zinfandel but it's a nice gift from CA as it's made there and pretty much only there (under that name at least). The white/rose is poor IMHO but I love the red, and it can be quite strong. Also I wasn't sure if you are a US resident anyway, and thus more familiar with CA and its wines generally, but I guess that unless you're sitting at your keyboard when you should be fast asleep, you've answered that too!

FredBloggs wrote:Next week I will be visiting Santa Maria in California... Typically, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gamay, usually go down well too. ...

I can't direct you to a specific source over there but the area specialises in Pinot Noir:

https://www.wine.com/product/cru-santa- ... 016/360873

Shouldn't this be on the drinks board?

I had never heard of white Zinfandel. I don't tend to buy the red either, though Primitivo is a reasonably regular inhabitant of my wine rack.

I can't help suspecting that California, like Germany, tends to keep its best wines to itself and export the rubbish to us. If I had some leisure time over there, I'd make an effort to explore the question.