Happy National ZINFANDEL Day!

I NEED MORE ZIN IN MY LIFE.

I was reminded today was National ZINFANDEL Day and wanted to share some of Game of Seasons favorites off the clock......

Wiki Facts:

Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) is a variety of black-skinned wine grape. The variety is grown in over 10 percent of California vineyards.^[1] DNA analysis has revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grapes Crljenak Kaštelanskiand Tribidrag, as well as to the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in Apulia (the "heel" of Italy), where it was introduced in the 18th century.^[2] The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, where it became known by variations of the name "Zinfandel", a name which is probably of Austrian origin.

The grapes typically produce a robust red wine, although in the United States a semi-sweet rosé (blush-style) wine called White Zinfandel has six times as many sales as the red wine.^[3] The grape's high sugar content can be fermented into levels of alcohol exceeding 15 percent.^[4]

The taste of the red wine depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruit flavors like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas,^[5]whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas^[5] and in wines made from the earlier-ripening Primitivo clone.

Select your food pairings based on the style of ZIN you're serving. Enjoy these quick tips when pairing Zinfandel with food!

MEATS
Zinfandel wine is happiest when paired with anything from the meat aisle, from barbeque pork ribs, leg of lamb or a big, hearty meal.
- Pork
- Beef
- Lamb
- Italian sausage
- Spare ribs
- Brisket
- Venison

POULTRY
A lighter Zinfandel wine is a wonderful red wine food pairing choice for poultry and game fowl, especially when served with a heavier sauce.
- Turkey - try Zinfandel for Thanksgiving!
- Duck
- Quail
- Pheasant 
- Chicken

PASTA
A bigger Zinfandel wine pairs best with tomato-based dishes while lighter Zinfandels make an excellent wine pairing for creamy pastas.
- Lasagna 
- Cannelloni
- Spaghetti

SEAFOOD & FISH
Try pairing Zinfandel with seafood stews and soups, as well as seared or grilled fish.
- Tuna
- Cioppino (Tomato and fish stew)

OTHERS
Enjoy Zinfandel with bold, hearty soups, as well as your favorite kind of pizza! 
- Beef Stew
- Chili
- Pizza

HERBS
Black Pepper, Basil, Thyme, Italian Parsley, Bay Leaf, Fennel

CHEESE
Parmesan, Aged Cheddar, Aged Gouda, Asiago, Dry Jack

xoxox Game of Seasons

Holiday Pairings are coming up soon!