Thinking about Drinking
Come April, D.C.is home to white cherry blossoms, pink magnolias, purple azaleas and wisteria, and delicate dogwoods. It's hell for allergies, but heaven for the eyes—and evocative of those special wines that are a bouquet in a glass.
Bud break--the first signs of tiny green leaves peeking out from bare vines mean spring’s official arrival in wine country. It marks the very start of the wine magic that ends in your glass. So, what happens next? Let’s walk through the full grapevine lifecycle—starting right now in early spring—and see what the vines are up to each step of the way.
Zinfandel grapes can make rich, jammy reds, lighter chillable styles, and even elegant old-vine expressions. They tend to be fruit-forward—think lush and well-ripened purple fruit flavors like blackberry jam, cherry cola, and plum. Well-made Zins also often come with a spicy backbone that keeps things interesting. Beyond their fruity exterior, they can also give off notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and even tobacco.
