Zin Is Defintely In: ZAP’s Zinfandel Tasting, San Francisco

Sideway’s Miles Raymond said, “Let me show you how this is done. First thing, hold the glass up and examine the wine against the light. You’re looking for color and clarity. Just, get a sense of it.OK? Uhh, thick? Thin? Watery? Syrupy? OK? Alright. Now, tip it. What you’re doing here is checking for color density as it thins out towards the rim. Uhh, that’s gonna tell you how old it is, among other things. It’s usually more important with reds. OK? Now, stick your nose in it. Don’t be shy, really get your nose in there. Mmm… a little citrus… maybe some strawberry… ”

That’s all well and good, Miles, but you might want to check out the latest Zin numbers and see what you’re missing!

An estimated 9,000 people attended the 16th Anniversary Zinfandel Advocates & Producers Tasting on January 27 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco:

• There, 273 Zinfandel wineries poured at least one wine each, with a total field of wines available to taste approaching 550; the wines were primarily the 2004 vintage and barrel samples of the 2005.

• A mariachi band greeted tasters at the entrances to the two pavilions, embodying the theme “Viva Zinfandel!�

• More than 1,500 pounds of international cheeses and 8,000 half-loaves of French baguettes were consumed.

• More than 300 volunteers helped keep the event proceeding smoothly.

• Zinfandel Advocates & Producers has been told that this is the biggest single varietal (wine) event in the world and possibly also the largest single-varietal single-day wine event worldwide.