Through the grapevine 

Photo: Shannon Cornman

Michael David’s Zinfandels, especially 7 Deadly Zins, are well-established in the state, but now the California winery’s higher-tier wines are finally available.

In keeping with the deadly sins theme, the upper-tier Zinfandels are named Lust, Gluttony and Sloth. Not the jammy, soft David wines we’ve seen thus far, these bigger and brawnier Zinfandels are still fruit-driven, but are drier and more structured.

Rapture, David’s new Cabernet Sauvignon, is only made in years when the winery’s operators believe their vineyard has produced fruit of
sufficient quality to justify production. It’s blended with a bit of
Petite Sirah, and the result is a Cabernet with prominent blueberry,
blackberry and cola notes and solid structure.

Also available is the Mia Dolcea Moscato d’Asti. While its name means sweet, don’t underestimate it as simply that. It boasts notes of pineapple, peach and apple.

Like most Moscato d’Asti, it is a fantastic accompaniment to spicy food, especially Asian fare, seafood
and pizza. Mia Dolcea is available at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, 1309 S.
Agnew, Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, 2322 N. Broadway, and Spirit Shop, 1117
Garver, in Norman.

Late this month, Oklahomans finally will have access to Thomas Barton’s Bordeaux line. These delicious, affordable French selections are priced to appeal to consumers who might not otherwise take a chance on expensive French wines.

The Bordeaux region produces some of the world’s best Cabernet and Merlot, usually blended with two other well-known grapes: Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The reds are dry, structured, complex, and restrained. You won’t find fruit bombs or jammy reds from Bordeaux.

The whites — typically blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc — are far more complex than the Sauvignon Blanc to which American wine drinkers are accustomed.

Finally, one of Italy’s most respected names will be available in Oklahoma early next month. The Cormòns line from the Collio region in Italy is justifiably famous. It includes one of the best Proseccos in the world, as well as an array of elegant, classic Italian wines.

The line includes a stunning Pinot Grigio, notable for its amazing fruit, weight and structure. This is not the steely, austere Pinot Grigio that wine buffs are used to from Italy. Similarly, the Merlot is unlike any currently available in OKC.