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When thinking of Zinfandel, most people think of White Zinfandel – fruity and sweet. Zinfandel is actually a red grape that creates a wine that is a deep red, almost black with jammy flavors of blueberries, blackberries and dark cherries. It is a spicy, peppery wine with a hint of fruity flavor with a balanced dose of tannins. Known for being susceptible to higher sugar levels, the wine can tend to be higher in alcohol, but with modern winemaking techniques, the winemaker is able to keep the alcohol levels in check.

When making White Zinfandel, the red skins are removed prior to the wine making process, giving the wine its pink color due to limited skin contact, and without the tannins imparted from the skins, the wine is light and sweet. Red Zinfandel is fermented in the presence of the skins and give the wine its robust flavor and color.

Thanks to its disease resistance and use during prohibition for communion wine, this grape has some of the oldest vine plantings in the state. The Sierra Foothills and Northern Sonoma regions of Dry Creek, Geyserville and Lytton Springs host an abundance of old vines. These vines contain fewer and smaller clusters of grapes that ripen more evenly than the younger wines and in turn make a wine with a more elegant, concentrated flavor. These wines will be designated by “Old Vine” on the label and are typically at least 35 years old, with some vines being over 100 years old.

Zinfandel is widely known as being a California varietal where it is planted across the state and thrives in the warm, coastal valleys. Until recently, the grape is thought to have come from Southern Italy where Primitivo is widely grown. Although very closely genetically linked, the varietals are not the same as previously thought. After much research, it has been discovered that the grapes origins are actually in Croatia.

Brazin Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

Sourced from vines ranging in age from 35 to 80 years old, Brazin boasts a deep and inky color that tells you are about to try something special.  Big, bold aromas of spice and mocha fill your nose, while intense flavors of plum and chocolate, rich tannins and vanilla mocha notes rock your palate.  Brazin is a not a wine to be rushed – so savor its long, lingering finish. 

Dashe Cellars Zinfandel

This is a classic example of a Dry Creek Zinfandel from one of California’s premier Zinfandel regions.  Highly rated, this wine is elegant, balanced, and layered with loads of fruit flavors and a velvety, voluptuous texture. The trademark characteristics of zinfandel from this area are in abundance - black raspberry and cassis fruit, mineral and earth, and clove and black pepper spice.  This wine will develop and improve nicely over the next five or so years.

Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel

This very highly rated Zinfandel comes from Seghesio Vineyards whose 2007 Sonoma Zinfandel was no. 10 on The Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.  Their Home Ranch Vineyard designate features lush boysenberries and blackberries that flood the senses leading to a mouthwatering experience! Briary underbrush spiciness with subtle hints of black pepper lead to the Home Ranch site-specific "graham crust" nuance.  The Old Vine's prominent acid presence contributes focus, while the warm climate exposure to the elements provides for well integrated tannin ripeness.   93 points –Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator.