“Wine is just a conversation waiting to happen.” Jessica Altieri
Wine is seductively elusive and continuously evolving. You have to chase it, to know it.
If you enjoy a good bottle of wine as much as I do this Chunky Red Double American Oak Zinfandel will not disappoint you.
Full bodied with dark dense red colour this wine presents a generous inviting aroma of dark berries, notes of oak, peppermint and my favourite vanilla.
Chunky Red Zinfandel is a wine that is exactly as it sounds, a solid and extra-rich red wine with a generous fruitiness. Big and bold just like an American dream.
Do not be fooled by the humorous appearance of the elephant on the unicycle. This is a serious and drinkable wine, sturdy but able to complete the artwork.
AROMA AND FLAVOUR
The wine is packed with notes of vanilla, blackberries, blueberries, peppermint and licorice in perfect harmony.
REGION
Puglia IGT is a region in southern Italy. Since its introduction in November 1995, it has become one of the country’s most significant wine appellations.
TASTE
Very rich and flavorful with dish character and wrapped in fruit shades such as blackcurrant but also chocolate, mint, vanilla, coffee and licorice.
FOOD PAIRING
Goes very well with rich meat dishes, like burgers, baby back ribs and pulled pork.
PRODUCTION AND STORAGE
Fermented and matured in American oak (Quercus Alba) which, unlike the French oak gives the wine maximum flavour and concentration of vanilla character, with hints of coconut, caramel and chocolate. Even though Vanilla, or vanillin, is an aldehyde that is a component of the oak, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all wines will have the vanilla hint. There are plenty of variables in the management, size and age of barrel that will also influence a wine’s aromas and flavour.
The questions to ask, ‘new or old? French or American? Size of a barrel and how long?’
AGEING IN AMERICAN OAK (Quercus alba) vs. EUROPEAN OAK (Quercus petrea)
- American oak is ideal for bolder, more structured wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah), whereas European oak is ideal for lighter wines with more subtle and spicy notes, with silkier textures such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
- Fermenting a wine in an oak barrel gives a rounder texture and finish than simply ageing it in barrel.
- It adds flavour compounds including aromas of vanilla, clove, smoke and coconut.
- It allows the slow ingress of oxygen, a process which makes wine taste smoother and less astringent.
- The larger the barrel used, the less oak lactones and oxygen are imparted into a wine. Smaller barrels impart more oak flavour because they allow more contact between the wood and the wine.
- The effect of the oak is reduced greatly after one use; however, a used barrel may be desirable if a winemaker wants subtler wood effects like a Pinot Noir. After a few years of use, new oak becomes “neutral,” and no longer imparts flavour or tannin to the wine.
- You get what you pay for. Using oak barrels is actually an expensive investment so only the best wines tend to get this treatment. Did you know that only about 2 oak barrels can be made per oak tree which takes several decades to grow.
WHERE TO BUY
This wine likes playing difficult to get. I have always struggled to find it in the UK but I have successfully got this delivered from the place called Smocza Jama in Poland.
Whether you begin your wine journey by taking some of the best wines suggestions made by me or decide to venture out on your own, try tasting a few different bottles of a certain type of red or white wine to really get a feel for it. Wine is there for your enjoyment!
You may find some of my other wine/champagne related posts inspiring to try something new this festive period.
Sumptuous Beringer Merlot
Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks
Cuvée Rosé Laurent-Perrier Champagne
Peculiar Pinotage
I love zinfandel’s and this wine sounds delicious! I also love the label!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I love red wine, pretty photos ❤
Author
Thanks Kinga, have a lovely weekend xx
Many thanks! I can’t wait to try out new flavor!
Style For Cool Men
Author
Thanks Aidan 😃
Thank you for introducing it to us! The packaing looks so cute! I’m so excited to try out the content!
The Wallet Review
Author
This zinfandel is very unique and incredibly delicious with its cherry and vanilla notes xx
I love a fruity red wine! This sounds lovely!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Author
same here. I usually opt for Californian wines but this wine took me by surprise. It’s equally fruity and delicious.
I love a good red wine and this one sounds amazing! Love the bottle design too!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Author
Same here. I love exploring new wines that you can’t necessarily get in the supermarket. This zinfandel is very unique and incredibly delicious xx
I love red wine so much. It is nice to drink to relax while unwinding at night as well. This is a great selection 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2020/11/fashion-forecast-bold-pink-hues-for-fall.html
Author
I couldn’t agree more! xx
Gorgeous design of the bottle and it must be so good!
Happy evening dear!:)
Author
Incredibly delicious. I love vanilla notes in wine xx
I love the design of this bottle and I’m sure it tastes amazing!
Cheers to the weekend!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Author
Cheers beautiful, I hope you had a good one. xx
Oooh I haven’t had Chunky Red wine before but I am now craving for some hehe. It is great when you get a set of different flavors in wine. It is interesting to see how different regions of oak makes a difference in wine. Gotta give this a try someday!!
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
Author
Definitely. It still depends on a number of factors but I do tend to seek wines fermented and matured in American oak the wine maximum flavour vanilla character.
Love the bottle design!
Have a great weekend,
S
Author
and the content is equally nice! Happy week beautiful xx
I do love a good full-bodied red wine. I think I would love this Zinfandel! Thanks for sharing!
Yvonne xx
https://www.aproposh.com
Author
It sounds like you would enjoy the flavours in this particular Zinfandel. Definitely worth exploring. xx
I love a fruity red wine and this looks perfect!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Author
Same here Lovely. So glad I came across this one. xx
Yes I do enjoy a good bottle of wine. And this one sounds AMAZING! I would buy it just for the label. I love it and being a graphic designer that means something.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Author
Thanks Allie. It’s a great find and I keep ordering more and more as it’s so delicious xx
I’m not a huge fan of European red wine but I think I’m ok with American red wine as it’s often more sweet. I would love to give this one a try. I really love the cute image of the elephant on the bottle.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Author
I’m very much into Californian wines and this one is very much likes these. I would definitely recommend to give it a go. xx
This looks good!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Author
Thanks Jennifer. xx