Zin is cool, Zin is awesome, Zin is fun when it leads a blend. Quintessentially American, also known as Primitivo in the heel of Italy, born sometime in the 19th century on a Croatian island as Crljenak Kaštelanski. Yeah, say THAT ten times! Fast forward a couple of centuries and take the scene to the Wild Wild West, the El Dorado frontier.

Black, blue and purple all over, with vibrant crimson and scarlet streaks when twirled. Bold black cherries and bramble meld in the inviting perfume with hints of smoky-sweet spices, herbs, and soy. Ripe, rich yet restrained once sipped, while impeccably balanced between lush fruit and savoriness. This mouthwatering, expertly crafted blend lingers long on the delectable finish, arching between big fruit and a wild side. Therefore for pairings, think along the lines of protein and fruit together, such as chicken pineapple sausages, or a hunter’s stew with wild berries.

We’re talking over 20+ years of winemaking experience at the likes of Robert Mondavi and Bonny Doon in these wines, dear Operatives, and that shows with every drop. This darksome uvaggio (Italian for blend) is a tribute to “Mantagna Nera”, literally after this dark wine grown on the snow-capped Sierra Nevada range rising over the El Dorado, overlooking the old vines of the foothills. With OVER 40% in savings, this is your new weekday red to pile up by the case.

Here’s what the wine press has on Uvaggio:

Portland Press Herald - “The Italianate offerings from Uvaggio are excellent, the brainchild of Jim Moore, a vintner with more than three decades of experience in California (making wine for Robert Mondavi and Randall Grahm, among others) who has settled in Lodi to develop his own label… Overall, Uvaggio wines show lower alcohol, more acidity, more appreciation for harmony than California is usually given credit for. And they are almost shockingly “varietally correct.” It’s exciting and suitable that Moore produces a Primitivo, the Puglia-bred close cousin of Zinfandel.”

Wine Enthusiast - “These recent arrivals are getting bolder and challenging the status quo… These wines have not penetrated far onto wine lists and retail shelves, but where they have, buyers are seeming to appreciate their unique attributes. The most important name to know for Italian-style wines is a mouthful: L’Uvaggio di Giacomo, or more simply, Uvaggio. The name literally means “grape blends of James,” and the Giacomo - James - in question is winemaker Jim Moore, who seeks the unexpected. He worked 19 years for Robert Mondavi before he went solo with Uvaggio and also consults with other producers. His 2015 Montagna Nera from El Dorado offers hints of sage and thyme in the aromas give a nice savory sheen to this generous and fruity wine. It is medium to full bodied, very smooth in mouthfeel, well balanced and moderate in tannins.”