Shiraz vs. Zinfandel

[wondersofwine]

If you haven't yet purchased the wine, Carolina Wine Company on Hillsborough (near the Cary border past the state fairgrounds) has a good selection of shiraz in all price ranges (Paringa is a good inexpensive one, the Marquis Philips line are medium-priced to expensive but very good, Cimicky is another they have been featuring). Their selection of zinfandels is more limited but I think I would favor a shiraz for a dinner wine if not familiar with the particular zinfandels (some are rather harsh or tannic when young). If you are making a grocery store purchase you could go for a Rosemount Diamond Label or Jacobs Creek shiraz from Australia or Rancho Zabaco Sonoma Heritage or Gallo of Sonoma Zinfandel.