Crimson, a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah, is the red companion to Quartz. It has a deep purple-ruby color, forward ripe plum nose with lots of toasty oak notes, medium smoky-berry flavors, and an oak smell that doesn’t come from barrel aging. Crimson has structure and plenty of fruit and oaky notes, 13.5% alcohol and a good finish. According to the winery, Crimson was aged for several months in a combination of oak alternatives “in the presence of micro-ox.” Oak alternatives are items such as oak chips that are less expensive than oak barrels. Micro-oxygenation is an involved process that is intended to mirror the effects of oxygen naturally achieved in barrel maturation. Both processes allow Fetzer to release a wine like Crimson with oaky aromas and flavors, without using expensive oak barrels. It is a common practice in the wine industry, especially for wines priced at $10 or less.
