Happy 4th! Here's the perfect wine: ZINFANDEL

Our uniquely American grape, Zinfandel is in the news; this article hits on several EXCELLENT examples of my favorite grape. My only gripe? No Ravenswood mentioned :) (for that matter, no Rosenblum either).

If you are in a 'splurge' mode, see if you can find a Neyers Zin (Tofanelli, yum!) Nalle (look for the fruit flies on the label) or Frank Biale's "Black Chicken" (kind of rare). Otherwise, head to Total Wine & More for Shenandoah Zinfandel (CA, not VA) for $8.99 (88 points Wine Enthusiast; producer is Paul Sobon--good stuff); Ravenswood's inexpensive line "Vintners Blend" for $6.27 (in contrast to $10 at the grocery!), Bogle Zin for $8 or look for Renwood Zin, which ranges from $10 for their 'value' blend to almost $50 for the 'Grandpere'.

So Happy Birthday USA, enjoy some wonderful Zinfandel with your cookout!