100! I can't believe it. I remember when this newsletter was just 1 issue old π But seriously, thanks for being here and hope you enjoy this week's content.
happy w(h)ining,
M
ps-- sooo close!!!-- I have reached 98% of my fundraising goal for the year, so if you enjoy this newsletter and are able to I'd love if you could click here and help me reach that goal this week!
our weekly w(h)ine mood:
really taking in those little moments of joy as they come
π· your weekly wineπ·
This week's wine: Zinfandel x2
This week-- one grape, two names (or... four?). You probably know Zinfandel, you might know Primitivo, both names are the same grape and actually originate from Croatia, where it is known as Tribidrag" and also βCrljenak KaΕ‘telanski".
California Zinfandel
Zinfandel ended up in California around the Gold Rush. If you missed the issue where I did a deep-dive on Zin, click here.
In California, it is high, high alcohol (think: generally ranges 15% and upwards) and is a big, swerving towards sweet wine. That Cali sun really allows the grape to ripen in a way where it pushes the ABV and sugar levels in the grape up. The final product is a very jammy and smooth wine.
It has lots of berry flavors (blackberry, cherry) but will also have a spicey note (black pepper!). It is one of my favorite wines for sitting around a fall fire with, quite honestly.
Italian Zinfandel (Primitivo)
Same grape, different name. In Italy, this wine is often described as 'inky' and boosts much more tannins but is often lighter in body-- not as smooth as Zin. Lots of fruit flavors, and it also can have floral notes (along with that same black pepper!) It grows primarily in Puglia.
the labeling controvery...
Interestingly, while labeling laws in the US do not allow Zinfandel and Primitivo to be used interchangeably, there is no such prohibition in Italy so you may see this there.
so this week?
Try them side by side and see what you think!
π·π·π·
πΆ your weekly whineπΆ
Here is the dog content you *need* this week:
Adoptable whine of the week: adoptable Sully comes ready with *just a few* toys -- learn more about him here
Once again, here we are at the end of our time together. I hope this newsletter helped make this week a πlittleπ better for you all.
Here are some other things I think you might like:
Book recs π*: I still have a book hangover from The Idea of You-- a book really has not consumed my thoughts in this way in such a long time. Many thanks to the readers who have suggested The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Verity as follow-ups, I can't wait to read them!
*Note: all book links this week are Bookshop.org affiliate links. If you click, you support independent books and YWW, win-win!
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