Pick a Red Wine
October 13, 2011 5:32 AM Subscribe
Please help me find a red wine for a tasting competition!
I am going to an event tonight and I'm required to take two identical bottles of red wine. One is wrapped in paper and one is set aside as a prize. Everyone at the event (all of whom have brought two bottles) tastes every wine and ranks them. The person who brought the winning bottle gets all of the prize bottles.
So - what should I bring? In a blind tasting where people are sipping all types of reds, do you think something bold and tannic like a Cabernet would shine or do you think people will gravitate towards something more fruit-forward and lighter? I need a wine that stands out and is memorable but is also easily drinkable without food. Right now I'm leaning towards a $14 Zinfandel but I'm open to any and all suggestions.
I am going to an event tonight and I'm required to take two identical bottles of red wine. One is wrapped in paper and one is set aside as a prize. Everyone at the event (all of whom have brought two bottles) tastes every wine and ranks them. The person who brought the winning bottle gets all of the prize bottles.
So - what should I bring? In a blind tasting where people are sipping all types of reds, do you think something bold and tannic like a Cabernet would shine or do you think people will gravitate towards something more fruit-forward and lighter? I need a wine that stands out and is memorable but is also easily drinkable without food. Right now I'm leaning towards a $14 Zinfandel but I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Here in the press (and at our table), the McManis Petite Sirah (2009) has made quite a splash (hah) as best-wine-for-bucks. It's below your price but to me it tastes rather more like a c. $17 wine, and it makes a somewhat lighter impression than many Zinfandels, without lacking in character. Fwiw, obviously. IANYWW (wine winner).
posted by Namlit at 6:07 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by Namlit at 6:07 AM on October 13, 2011
It might help if you added your location to this question. I doubt it's available where you are, but I've never failed to impress folks with wines from Caparone. They're extremely unique Italian varietals grown on the central coast of California, unfiltered with wonderful depth and complexity. The Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Aglianico are all outstanding.
posted by Lieber Frau at 6:07 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by Lieber Frau at 6:07 AM on October 13, 2011
Wyndham Estate's Bin 555 Shiraz is very nice and a great value for money.
posted by three blind mice at 6:08 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by three blind mice at 6:08 AM on October 13, 2011
depends on how into wine the crowd is.
Assuming they aren't the type to have done a tasting of 9 '70 Rioja, and you aren't tasting with food (and they have typical "southern" palates) you want to find something that is a parker-esque fruit bomb with low tannins, low acids, some residual sugar, and is deep purple in the glass.
Or in other words a Zin or a totally spoofed up Cab.
If they are into wine, then you need to give a better sense of palate.
posted by JPD at 6:09 AM on October 13, 2011
Assuming they aren't the type to have done a tasting of 9 '70 Rioja, and you aren't tasting with food (and they have typical "southern" palates) you want to find something that is a parker-esque fruit bomb with low tannins, low acids, some residual sugar, and is deep purple in the glass.
Or in other words a Zin or a totally spoofed up Cab.
If they are into wine, then you need to give a better sense of palate.
posted by JPD at 6:09 AM on October 13, 2011
Response by poster: It won't be a wine crowd. It's a cystic fibrosis benefit and it will mainly be tired residents who want to try a bunch of different wines. I like the zin and petite sirah ideas. I haven't had that McManis, but that will be something a little different. Plus, it's such a pretty wine in the glass.
Where can I sign up for the next 1970 rioja party, JPD?
posted by robstercraw at 6:25 AM on October 13, 2011
Where can I sign up for the next 1970 rioja party, JPD?
posted by robstercraw at 6:25 AM on October 13, 2011
I'm a big fan of Zins, but in the interest of trying something different, you might consider a Cote de Rhone. I'm sorry I don't remember the particular brands I've had, but it's a very sturdy yet fruity blend.
posted by Gilbert at 6:48 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by Gilbert at 6:48 AM on October 13, 2011
The conventional wisdom amongst wine geeks is that the bigger, fruitier, and smoother the wine, the more it will stand out in a comparative tasting and "shadow" anything smaller, more subtle, etc. JPD has it on the nose. I'm not familiar with Birmingham wine shops, but go to any decent wine shop and use the magic words: "fruit bomb." The staff will know exactly what you mean. I can't promise you will win, but that will give you the best chance.
posted by wnissen at 6:59 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by wnissen at 6:59 AM on October 13, 2011
Response by poster: I bought a Joel Gott 2008 Zinfandel. I will l y'all know who wins. Thanks for the advice!
posted by robstercraw at 8:32 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by robstercraw at 8:32 AM on October 13, 2011
Response by poster: Well, the winner was a $11 bottle of McMannis Cabernet! My own notes on it, while we were still blinded, was that it was a "breath of fresh air. A standout with body in a sea of fruit bombs." I guess everyone else had the same idea - it was like Zinfest 2011. We had a great time. Thanks for all the advice!
posted by robstercraw at 9:21 AM on October 16, 2011
posted by robstercraw at 9:21 AM on October 16, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
I'm a huge fan of the Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel at Trader Joe's (which retails for around $12). It tastes even better after you've drunk a big California Cab...
posted by BobbyVan at 5:53 AM on October 13, 2011