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One of California's oldest grape varietals, Zinfandel is not a native species. The exact origin of Zinfandel is a subject of academic debate.
Zinfandel roots have been traced back to southern Italy and Eastern Europe. DNA testing in the early 1990s indicated that it is a cousin of the primitivo grape.
Subsequent research led scientists to Croatia, where prominent grapevine geneticist Carole Meredith discovered a close relationship between Zinfandel and the plavac mali grape, a native to the Dalmatian Coast. Determined to find the true origin of Zinfandel, Meredith continued the search. In December of 2001, she was able to conclude through DNA profiling that Crljenak, indigenous to Croatia, and Zinfandel are the same grape. Despite this conclusion, Meredith still questions the results, speculating that although Crljenak has grown in Croatia for hundreds of years, the varietal may have originally come from Greece or Albania.
Today, there are more than 32,000 acres of Zinfandel vines planted across California, making it one of the most popular grape varietals in the state, second only to Cabernet Sauvignon. Despite the abundance of Zinfandel, it is a challenging grape to grow due to uneven berry ripening. High quality Zinfandel wines can be produced through careful viticultural techniques and the use of old vines, which are loosely defined as vines that have been in active use for a minimum of 40 years. Old vines tend to produce a smaller crop, but the berries have great intensity and depth of flavor.
Zinfandel has an intrinsic cherry, blackberry, zesty and spicy-pepper character, combined with its earthy, tar and leather aromas produce a wide range of wine styles. The wine also lends itself to blending, especially with Cabernet and Syrah. Zinfandel is emerging as a popular varietal. A complex wine, its deep color, medium to high tannins, and intense fruit flavor allow winemakers to explore the diverse expressions of Zinfandel | |
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2306 MAGNOLIA DRIVE
HEALDSBURG, CA 95448
800-405-5987
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10 AM - 5 PM
CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY, EASTER
THANKSGIVING AND THANKSGIVING |
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