Zinfandel, Ridge 2009, 3 Valleys, Sonoma - $48.

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Grapes: 70% zinfandel, 15% carignane, 10% petite sirah, 3% grenache, 2% mataro From: USA, Sonoma Description: This is a typical Zinfandel - it's a full spicy wine with tastes of cedar, cranberry and raspberry-like fruit.  It's tight with a slightly hard finish and full tannins - definitely a big food wine. <><><><> Fact: The Ridge winery has been producing wine since 1885 - they only started producing Zinfandel in 1964. Zinfandel tends to be grown in California -it is very similar to the "Primitivo" grape from  South Eastern Italy/Puglia  (they are both clones of a of a Croatian grape called Crljenak) Food Pairing: Zinfandel will pair well with big hearty food - think BBQ Ribs.