Klinker Zinfandel

Klinker Zinfandel is a Massachusetts-labeled red from Esplanda, made from the Zinfandel grape. Zinfandel is usually associated with California, so a New England bottling is a less common find. The details given here don't include a vintage, alcohol level or oak regimen. What follows is therefore what the grape typically delivers, and it is not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect a medium-bodied to full red built around dark berry fruit: blackberry, black cherry and plum, often with a streak of raspberry jam or dried fruit if the grapes ripen fully. Cooler growing conditions, such as those in the Northeast, tend to push Zinfandel toward brighter, redder fruit and firmer acidity than the jammy, high-alcohol versions from warm inland valleys. The usual secondary notes are black pepper, clove and a touch of sweet baking spice, with vanilla or toast if oak was used. Tannins in this grape are normally moderate and rounded rather than grippy, and the finish tends to be fruit-forward with a peppery tail. At the table, Zinfandel suits food with some char, smoke or sweetness. Barbecued pork ribs, smoked brisket, grilled sausages and burgers all match its fruit and spice. It also works with tomato-based dishes such as baked ziti, meat lasagna and pizza with pepperoni, where the acidity cuts through the richness. Aged cheddar, gouda and other firm, savory cheeses are good choices for a board. Very hot, chili-heavy dishes can clash with a high-alcohol Zinfandel, so keep the spice moderate. Serve it slightly cool, around 60 to 65°F. About 20 minutes in the refrigerator before opening will get a room-temperature bottle there. Decanting isn't required, but pouring it into a decanter or letting it breathe in the glass for 20 to 30 minutes can soften any youthful edge and bring out the spice. A standard red wine glass or a slightly larger Bordeaux-style bowl gives the fruit room to open. Most Zinfandel is made to be enjoyed within a few years of release rather than cellared for decades, so treat this as a bottle to open now unless you know otherwise.