GETTING PATRIOTIC WITH AMERICA'S GRAPE

For the 4th of July, I opted to go with something that could maintain my Italian tangent, as well as exemplify something truly American. The Pietra Santa Zinfandel 2005 is both a prime example of “America’s Grape” and an homage to its Italian (albeit truly Croatian) lineage. With notes of ripe red cherries and dark plums in the nose, you can almost sense it will marry well with burgers and steaks coming right off the grill. The red and black fruits persist on the palate, alongside touches of black pepper, sage, brambly blue and black berries, a splash of chocolate, Tabasco, and even a hint of espresso. There are earth and mineral notes in there for good measure, and the ripe, even-handed approach lends itself to a very satisfying, lingering finish. Fly those stars-and-stripes, shoot off some fireworks, grill out some meat, and celebrate Independence Day in style.