A friend of mine gave me a bottle of Berringer White Zinfandel Vintage 1997. What should I do with this wine?
July 17th, 2010
I’m not a wine expert. As a matter of fact, the only wine I usually drink is champagne at wedding recptions. I had a friend tell me to throw it away because it probably turned to vinigar. I had another friend tell me that 1997 was a great year for the wine makers and it mat have some value. Is there a wine expert out there who can help me with my cheap bottle of wine.
Agreed this wine was ment to be drunk within the first year! It is probbaly off tasting now.
You could try a little as an experiment but I am betting that it is bad. Be prepared to through it away.
Just like the guy said above, is it still even pink after 9 years?!?!?!?
July 17th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
white zin is a good wine to serve with chicken try drinking it with your dinner or when your just relaxing
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July 17th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Down it.
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July 17th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
go ahead and drink it with fish dinner
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July 17th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
BUY YOURSELF A NICE, NICE BOAT, INVITE ME TO THE PARTY, AND THEN LETS WHACK THE BACK OF THE BOAT WITH THE BOTTLE OF WINE. CALL ME BABY….
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July 17th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Well, whoever told you its vinegar obviously doesnt drink wine, which gets better with age. White Zinfandel in my opinion is too sweet but if you want to start drinking wine its a good starter. It is also great for making Sangria – a good drink for summer bbq’s
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July 17th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Wine improves w/ age ONLY if it was stored properly. Find out before even opening it.
If it was stored too warm, pour it down the sink & get yourself a nice Shiraz
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July 17th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
White zinfandel is intended for drinking "young," and 9 years is pretty old for a white zin. That said, I found a Q&A with a wine expert on line that said as such but also it might be ok to drink. But you should drink it right away because it will just get worse if it already hasn’t gone bad.
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http://experts.about.com/q/Wine-1615/Wine-Values-20-bottles.htm
July 17th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
White Zinfindel is a sweet wine, not as sweet as port or ice wine though. great with any style of food and best served chilled. Perfect for the person who isn’t into wine as it is sweet and smoother than red wine and most whites. I say invite the friend over for dinner and enjoy it with them. It will not hurt it if it sits on your shelf for a while.
If it has an expirey date it would be on the bottle. Or take it to your local wine/liquor store and ask one of the staff. If your in the states don’t go to the local 7-11 an ask the guy at the ocnter he won’t know…
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July 18th, 2010 at 12:00 am
Throw it away. It’s worst than vinager. White Zinfandel is made to be drank the year it is released. Is it still Blush In color????
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Wine Manager
July 18th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Agreed this wine was ment to be drunk within the first year! It is probbaly off tasting now.
You could try a little as an experiment but I am betting that it is bad. Be prepared to through it away.
Just like the guy said above, is it still even pink after 9 years?!?!?!?
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Wine Consultant
July 18th, 2010 at 1:05 am
White Zinfandel is not a wine that ‘gets better’ with age. It is a wine that should be drunk young and fruity to keep its freshness. 9 years is way too long and should only be reserved for rich red wines. If you’re going to attempt to drink it, make sure it’s really cold but I have a feeling it’ll be oxidised by now.
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July 18th, 2010 at 1:51 am
drink it. if it tastes bad , spit it out. you will be ok
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July 18th, 2010 at 2:01 am
At best, it will be "past its prime" – maybe not undrinkable, but as others have said, White Zin is meant to be consumed right away and doesn’t age well.
I recommend opening the bottle. Smell it before you taste it – if it turned to vinegar you’ll know right away! Then, pour a small amount and taste it. If it tastes fine and you like it, go for it! But it’s not an expensive bottle, so don’t feel bad tossing it for any reason.
Incidentally, 1997 was a very good year for California wines. Which would be great if you had a $100 bottle of good cabernet that ages well, but doesn’t really matter for your bottle.
Good luck!
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July 18th, 2010 at 2:36 am
Throw it out and buy a bottle of real (red) zinfandel. Seghesio and Rosenblum are two good producers of zinfandel.
White Zinfandel is the Cold Duck of today’s wines.
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