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Alright hold your hands up if you thought this was going to be a Mama's and Papa's review? Well it isn't, it's a review of fermented grape juice instead, or to give it its proper name Sainsburys California White Zinfandel. Unfortunately Ciao have decided to put a picture of Blossom Hill's version of this wine at the top of this review, so I've included an actual picture at the bottom. The bottle is unopened as well, aren't you impressed?
THE WINERY
I've been unable to track down the actual winery that produces this wine for Sainsbury's. The only information I could ascertain comes from the label itself, this informs me that the grapes used to produce this wine are sourced from more than one vineyard. Some coming from California's Central Valley and others from vineyards on the Pacific coast.
THE GRAPES
Zinfandel is a
red grape variety grown almost exclusively in California. Research shows that it originated in Croatia and was taken to California by Austrian immigrants (it has similarities to Arnold Schwarzenegger then!) in the 19th century. Recent DNA testing has also revealed it to be identical in genetic make up to the Italian Primitivo grape, yet the two can produce vastly differing wines
WHERE FROM?
Well you don't need to be Hercules Poirot or Inspector Morse to work out that this is only available from Sainsbury's. Here's the good bit though, if you hurry, it's currently on offer at £2.99 per 75cl bottle instead of the usual £3.99. Unfortunately this offer ends on 9th November. But at least finish reading before you log off and dash off to buy it, because I haven't told you what it's like yet.
WHAT'S IT LOOK LIKE THEN?
Sainsbury's California White Zinfandel comes in a clear glass standard shaped bottle and has a synthetic closure. The white label depicts an image of the sun setting over the Golden Gate Suspension Bridge, and I suppose it doesn't get much more Californian than that. The label also reveals that this wine is 9.5% abv (alcohol by volume) which is not as strong as other rose' wines, but it certainly doesn't mean a lack of taste.
One little word of warning, Sainsbury's also do a California Rose Wine which has a strikingly similar label to this, but is in fact entirely different. It's a blended wine, made using several grape varieties and comes nowhere near this wine in the drinkies stakes.
GET THE CORKSCREW OUT AND GET ON WITH IT!
Ok, ok it's opened. As this wine pours into the glass it exudes a wonderfully delicate salmon pinkiness. Quite pale as rose' wines go, but don't let this fool you into thinking it lacks substance.
As soon as I placed the glass under my nose to have a sniff, I was struck by a definite twang of watermelon, backed up with strong ripe strawberry overtones. This wine just had such a delicious smell, I could smell no longer, I wanted a drink.
I couldn't believe how smooth this Califonian Zinfandel was to drink. Ripe strawberries and watermelon vied for the attention of my tastebuds from the off, and it was some time before they backed off and allowed a little hint of citrus fruit to creep in, not a lemony citrus though, more of a sweet, juicy satsuma citrus flavour. However, the crowning glory was still to come. The creamy, buttery vanilla finish is to die for, it lingered on the palate for what seemed like an eternity. With one notable exception amongst Californian white zinfandel's ( which doesn't seem to be available in the UK anymore) this is undoubtedly the best one I've ever tasted.
BEST SERVED
I prefer it chilled, the colder the better, even in the lousy weather we're having at the moment. It'd be a real taste sensation on a warm summers evening, but I suppose we can only dream of them at the moment. If, however, you want to drink it at it's 'politically correct' temperature, around 10-12C is recommended. Either is good, but chilled is better.
ACCOMPANIMENTS
The back of the bottle actually suggests "As an aperitif or with spicy Asian food". I'd agree with this, although having just had a glass with chicken fajitas I'd say it went with spicy Mexican food too. The ripe fruitiness and buttery creamy finish would compliment this sort of food well. I also happen to think it's a good wine to drink without food. It's up to you really.
STORAGE
Into the Sainsbury's carrier bag, into the car boot, home, into the fridge, into the glass and into your mouth. Joking aside, the bottle recommends consuming this within 6 months of purchase. I don't see this being a problem.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Even at it's normal selling price of £3.99 I'd buy this wine again. It's still some 50p cheaper than the likes of its Blossom Hill or Ernest & Julio Gallo competitors and nicer to boot. Californian White Zinfandels are my favourite wine anyway (including reds and whites) and this is the pick of the bunch. Get a few glasses down you and you'll be singing about the leaves being brown and the skies being grey!
Pictures of Sainsburys California White Zinfandel
The Bottle
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I do like Zinfandel and as this is cheaper than my usual one I will look out for it if I go into a Sainsburys. Jo
kitchengoddess 08.02.2005 17:40
Great review, must get my mum to buy some for me (she shops at Sainsburys!) Lois.
queen_rain 11.01.2005 01:44
fine description of the flavour ... you're actually sharing your experience, which is what I like in a review (the info stuff I can get from elsewhere)
exceptional by (14%):
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