This wine captures the true varietal character and terroir of Monte Rosso Zinfandel. Fresh crushed berry, spice, briar and earthy notes are supported by plush tannins. This pairing of ripe fruit and spicy elegance results in a smooth mouthfeel and a lingering finish. The toasty flavors from the French oak barrels hint of coconut and vanilla and showcase the wine’s refined intensity.
The 2006 growing season began with a very wet winter that lasted through bloom, followed by mild weather up to mid-July. The second part of July saw very warm weather, but the cooling coastal fog rolled back in to the area and brought relief. The ripening period of August through September was ideal, with moderate temperatures and plenty of sun to gently ripen the fruit. Harvest began in mid-September and was completed by mid-October. Overall, the 2006 vintage was one of the best in many years.
The grapes were hand harvested and sorted to ensure the optimal quality of fruit went into the final blend. The grapes were gently destemmed but not crushed and gravity fed to the fermentor without pumping to allow for greater concentration and fresh, fruit-forward blackberry flavors. The grapes were cold soaked for two to three days at temperatures not exceeding 60°F to add color and complexity, followed by a ten to twelve day fermentation period where the temperature did not exceed 88°F. The Rancho Zabaco Monte Rosso Zinfandel spent over 6 months in 89% French and 11% American oak barrels from esteemed coopers Seguin-Moreau, Vicard, Taransaud, and Radoux.
Varietal Content: 98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah
Appellation Origin: Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley
Titratable Acidity: 0.62 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.9%
Residual Sugar: 0.25 g/100ml
pH: 3.57
Rancho Zabaco wines are available for purchase online at TheBarrelRoom.com.
California Table Wine, © Rancho Zabaco Winery, Healdsburg, CA. All rights reserved.
Use of this site is subject to the user agreement and privacy policy and trademarks.
