Who’s with me in celebrating National Zinfandel Day (click here) on Wednesday November 17? The Zinfandel Advocates & Producers have a mission to preserve California’s iconic vineyards upon which America’s grape, Zinfandel, is produced. The versatility of Zinfandel allows it to be cultivated throughout California where different vineyards and different winemaking styles result in different expressions. Trust me, I’m ready to celebrate with a glass of wine.
The question is, though, how can you find these incredible spots where Zinfandel is cultivated? The California Zinfandel Trail (click here) is an easy travel planning tool to help map your winery visits to discover historic vineyards, authentic hospitality from a myriad of producers, and some darn delicious wines. A snap to navigate, the website offers a Zinfandel trail map, notes about featured wineries and the opportunity to have virtual visits to the wineries you’ve always wanted to see in real life.
Sent as a sample, I’ve been enjoying three 2016 Zinfandel Live Oak Contra Costa County ($38). The vineyard was planted in 1885 by Italian immigrant farmers, Spike and Guido Mazzoni and is recognized for its “massive concentration, silken texture and signature core of luscious raspberry to boysenberry fruit.” Composed of two small, separate blocks, the Mizzoni block is mostly Zinfandel in a field blend with Petite Sirah, Carignane, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet with a bit of Muscat of Alexandria. The 1.5-acre Live Oak block is 100% Zinfandel.
Photo Credit: Three Wine Co.
Three 2016 Zinfandel Live Oak Contra Costa County was delicious after 30-45 minutes of decanting. On the nose, I found intense notes of herbs, black fruit, exotic spice, cedar, wet earth and a hint of eucalyptus. The concentrated, silky palate burst with raspberries, boysenberries, prunes, blackberries, black tea, black cherries, bramble and pepper framed with firm acidity and slight grip of tannins. Comprised of 77% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane and 2% Alicante Bouschet, the wine is a true example of ancient vine concentration.
The wine was flavorful and delicious with our lasagna dinner, but consider complementing pan-seared duck with a fig reduction sauce, a grilled rib-eye steak or a hearty autumn stew with this broad, deep, rich Zinfandel.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
For more articles about California Zinfandel, enjoy the following selections.
Of Note: Three Legendary Zinfandel Vineyards in Sonoma County
Pour California Zinfandel and Explore Delicious Foods for Pairing
California Zinfandel Legends: The Producers, The Vineyards, The Wines
