Zinfandel

[sharon001]

This is a purely theoretical question, because I live in Paris now, but I have never tasted zinfandel (red or white). From what I've gleaned, red is considered interesting, while white zinfandel is to wine as bridesmaids' dresses are to tasteful attire.

So, the red variety: is it worth the detour, as Michelin guides put it? That is, should I try to discover it, on pain of paying transatlantic prices? Or can I console myself with, say, a little Côte Rôtie or Bandol or some Clos de Vougeot?