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Wine Details
Price:
$15.00 per bottle
Description:
Planted by the Besson family three generations ago, the vines that produce this Zinfandel grow close to the ground with gnarled arms that bear fruit shyly. The vineyard lies next to the Besson's home, tucked at the base of Mount Madonna. In one corner, a few huge Mission grapevines are scattered, we're always careful to separate those grapes for use in the picking lunch later in the day. Medium light ruby in color, the wine's forward aromas are floral tinged with scents of ripe plums. Bright fruity flavors of cherry are framed by vanilla and spice from the oak barrel aging. Despite the Old Vine source, the wine is soft now. Minimal tannins will not diminish delicious accommodation with tonight's dinner. Cheers!
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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)!
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Mission:
Earliest grape planted in 17th century in what is now the state of California. Thought to have arrived in the America's by Spanish conquistadores importation. Known to be identical with the Pais grape widely grown in Chile and thought to originate from the Monica grape of Spain and Sardinia.
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