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The origin of the Zinfandel grape and how it came to California has been shrouded in legend and controversy since 1859 when the vines first appeared in Sonoma. In spite of claims by his son that the colorful Count Agoston Haraszthy introduced the grape, historians now agree that a New Yorker, George Gibbs, imported it sometime earlier from the Imperial Austrian nursery in Vienna.

 

Zinfandel can trace its earliest roots to Croatia, where it was known as Crljenak Kasteljanski. As the 19th century drew to a close, however, it had become one of the principal drivers of California's first wine boom, a favorite of early Italian grape growers in Sonoma. One often repeated story recalls when a Sonoma agricultural leader offered a glass of Zinfandel to a visiting French winemaker. The guest was so impressed he reputedly compared it to a good French Claret, high praise indeed from a Frenchman. Actually, it is not unusual for well-made Zinfandels to rival Cabernets in richness, so the French winemaker knew what he was talking about.

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Discover what makes Rancho Zabaco Chiotti Vineyard Zinfandel and Stefani Vineyard Zinfandel so special. Here's a hint. Both are single vineyard only releases from Sonoma's famous Dry Creek Valley.Map of Sonoma Valley Vineyards

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One of the best ways to enjoy wine is to share the experience, which means giving yourself the ability to identify and discuss even the most elusive nuances of flavor. Enter ZAP, the Association of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers. They've created a special 'Zintrinsic' aroma wheel, so you can describe more easily what your tongue tastes. Check it out. www.zinfandel.org/about_zin/aromawheel/

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