 |
|
Wine Details
Price:
Description:
In the shadow of Sonoma’s Mayacamas mountains on the western side of the valley, come over half of the grapes for this Zinfandel. These estate vines were planted in the 1940’s and benefit from a historically recognized and unique “banana belt” microclimate which runs through this area. Hot, sunny afternoons mitigated by cool evening Pacific fog characterize the perfect climatic conditions for growing the finest Zinfandel in the region.
In addition to our estate old-vine grapes, we use Zinfandel grapes from Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. This world-renowned Zinfandel region adds extra complexity and flavor to the blend.
|
|
Varietal Definition
Zinfandel:
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California wine vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in the 'heel' of Italy. It is typically made into a robust red wine. Its taste depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruits like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas such as the Napa Valley, whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas such as Sonoma County. Many Zinfandels come from head pruned ‘Old Vines’. ‘Old Vine’ is generally understood to mean a vine that is more than 50 years old and that produces less than three tons per acre. ‘Head Pruning’ is an old European style of pruning that trains the vine into the shape of a goblet. It requires no wires or other complex trellis systems. Head pruning spreads the fruit uniformly along the vine and allows light penetration.In the USA a semi-sweet Rosé (blush-style) wine called ‘White Zinfandel’ has achieved widespread popularity. In fact, this popularity has so outstripped all other forms that many fans think there is actually a grape called “White Zinfandel” (there isn’t)!
|
|