A Very Long Time Ago

[Robert J.]

I found that white zinfandel pairs very nicely with Chili Dogs topped with cheese and onions. This was 20 or so years ago as I was first venturing into wine. I seem to be craving this again.

rwj

[David M. Bueker]

I'll take a Chili dog.

[Peter May]

. I seem to be craving this again.

Maybe you're pregnant...

[Frank Deis]

My guess is that Champagne would beat the heck out of White Zin as a match for hot dogs..

Isn't that a topic right here?

[Robert J.]

Yes, bubbly would beat the White Zin. But 20 years ago I was hanging with a friend of mine at my Mom's place while she was away for the summer. This was when I was a budding rock star (emphasis on "budding" - I'm sure some here will get it). We were sitting around, jamming, and stopped to make some Chili Dogs. Low and behold, Mom had no beer in her fridge; only a bottle of White Zin. Naturally, us 20-year-olds popped it and drank it. We were surprised how nicely it went with the Dogs; spicy chili and onions, fatty meat and cheese, bread, and the super cold sweetness just cut right through it.

Even back then I didn't really go for white zin. But we had to admit that it just kind of worked. Nowadays there is a winery in New Braunfels, TX by the name of Dry Comal Creek Winery. They specialize in a grape called Black Spanish Lenoir. For one of their wines they take some of this and blend it with a little French colombard and muscat. It makes a delightfully off-dry blush wine that I have taken a liking to. Should I do my Dogs again I'll be using the Dry Comal Creek White/Black Spanish.

Hmmm...I may be pregnant. As soon as I am done eating this bowl of dirt I think I'll make the Dogs.

rwj

[Peter May]

there is a winery in New Braunfels, TX by the name of Dry Comal Creek Winery. They specialize in a grape called Black Spanish Lenoir.

Been there a couple of times. Used to make some lovely (French) Colombard and zingy crisp Sauvignon blanc the like I didn't expect in that hot climate.

When I returned a few years later he'd been ravaged by Pierces, put a brave face on it and replanted with the mysterious Lenoir aka Black Spanish aka Jacquez.

Hopefully I'll be able to get back there this year following a possible business trip to Waco.

Have you tried his red Lenoir?

[Robert J.]

I've tried it a number of times. I'm looking forward to the 2011 vintage from the "year of the great drought". It should be nice. Their Bone Dry colombard is really good and the S.B. has a nice zip to it like you said. If you make it down there again give the White/Black Spanish a try.

rwj