 Serving Zinfandel
Serve Zinfandel in glasses suited to the occasion, circumstances
and wine. To focus attention on the wine, serve young Zinfandels
in larger, tulip-shaped glasses to accentuate fruitiness;
older, mature Zinfandels in somewhat smaller glasses, to
highlight complexity. Recommended service temperature for
most red Zinfandels is cool room temperature (60-80 Fahrenheit,
15.5-20 Celsius); chilled for rose and lighter red versions
(50-58 Fahrenheit, 9.9-14-4 Celsius)
Aging Zinfandel
Most Zinfandels should be consumed within 5-8 years of the
vintage, when their fruitiness is mostly evident. Long-term
bottle aging (10+ years) generally benefits only those Zinfandels
with excellent balance and intense flavors. In time, as "bottle
bouquet" developes, well aged Zinfandels take on aromas/flavors
of underbrush, resin, humus, mushroom, dried tobacco leaves
and assorted spices-characteristics reminiscent od older
Cabernet Sauvignon.
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