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Rancho
Zabaco represents all that Zinfandel is supposed
to be
a versatile and approachable wine that is characterized
by rich and robust flavors of dark berries, black
pepper, and supple tannins. |
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Zinfandel
grapes have prospered in
Sonoma County since the early 1850s |
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The warm valley
floor along Dry Creek, and the higher, cooler benchlands
nearby provide ideal growing conditions for different
types of Zinfandel.
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Zinfandel,
long called America’s grape because of its success
in California, is a close relative of Italy’s famous
Primitivo grape. Research shows that both varieties have
a common ancestor, and ancient Croatian variety (Crljenak
Kasteljanski) that moved into Italy along the Adriatic
coast several hundred years ago.
As the 19th century drew to a close, Zinfandel became
one of the principal drivers of California’s first
wine boom and 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 the well-made Zinfandels to rival Cabernets in richness,
so the French winemaker knew what he was talking about. |
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