by Tom Gasson

I love red wine. I absolutely adore it. A glass of Zinfandel, Rhone or Cabernet Sauvignon while cooking dinner for the family is my daily cherished reward. However this summer with its never ending daily 100 degree plus temperatures and drought is taking its toll. While the meat is marinating in the kitchen I uncork a nice Spanish Tempranillo, pour a glass, and head for the back porch. Then it hits me: THE HEAT! And although a breeze is blowing the air is hot... not unlike standing under the furnace register in the winter. I take a sip of the slightly tannic and spicy wine and something is not working here.