Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape whose origins tie back to Croatia. DNA testing has confirmed that Croatian grapes Crljenak Kaštelanski and Tribidrag are genetically equivalent, and equal to the Primitivo variety from Apulia, Italy. Records indicate that the grape was introduced to Italy in the 18th century, and to the United States in the mid-19th century.
Early this year, the wine world learned of the death of Georges Dubouef, at the age of 86. While his may not be a household name, his wine legacy will live on.
In October of 2019, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on some European still (non-sparkling) wines. Importers, wholesalers and retailers have had to adjust pricing in order to keep bringing these wines to your national retailers and local store shelves so the effect on you as a consumer may have been small or not noticeable at all. Shortly, the US Trade Representative (USTR) is considering imposition of a 100% (on top of that 25% tariff from October) tariff on European wines (including still and sparkling), olive oils, cheeses, Scotch and Irish whiskies.
This week we wrapped up the year 2019. As always, it was a year of interesting twists and turns in the world of wine, and this week we focus on some of the more interesting things that occurred in 2019.
This past week, we welcomed the winter solstice, which is the official start of winter and the shortest day, with the least number of sunlight hours, of the year. In the words of Edith Sitwell, “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire: It is the time for home.” The only thing missing from Miss Sitwell’s wintery quote is the wine to pair with said good food.
