Zinfandel: An All-American Grape From Afar

Zinfandel is often called America’s heritage grape though its actual origin was long something of a mystery. In the mid-1990s, the mystery was finally solved when genetic testing proved that Zinfandel was the same grape as Italy’s Primitivo and that both originated from a Croatian grape.

Zinfandel was widely planted in California in the 1830s and it satisfied many a miner’s thirst during the Gold Rush. A number of California’s old Zinfandel vineyards survived Prohibition, some even date back to the 1890s. Old-vine vineyards are especially sought after in making Zinfandel because their low productivity produces wines of great richness and depth.

Food for our program will be provided by Seattle’s much-loved Ponti Seafood Grill. PONTI SEAFOOD GRILL owners Richard (and Sharon Malia who opened Ponti in 1989) are joined by Executive Chef Joshua Green in presenting special menu offerings to complement this evenings various Zinfandels. Ponti Seafood Grill is a Mediterranean villa-style restaurant nestled near the ship canal with views of the Fremont and Aurora bridges. 3014 – 3 rd Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109 – 206.284.3000

To highlight the importance of terroir in making Zinfandel, we will be tasting examples from California, Washington and a Primitivo from Italy:

2002 Zingaro, named after the free-spirited zingaros, or gypsies, who for centuries roamed the Italian countryside. Winemaker Bob Swain thinks this spicy, rich wine with its polished tannins and hints of pepper may be his best Zin yet from his old-vine vineyards in Mendocino.

2002 Peachy Canyon Eastside Zinfandel. Beautiful color, mild spice, bright cherries and strawberries highlight this Zinfandel from the Paso Robles area in California. Grown in sandy, loamy soil, it has very little coastal influence. Dramatic 40-degree temperature swings during summer help develop the character of this wine.

2001 Dry Creek Old Vines Zinfandel. Many of the best Zinfandels come from the Dry Creek Valley. This wine is from vines averaging 85 years in age, giving it a complexity unmatched by younger vines. With its jammy berry flavors and a hint of earthiness and spice, this Zinfandel is a bit hedonistic and most definitely intense!

2002 Maryhill Columbia Valley Reserve Zinfandel. The past two vintages have amassed four gold medals for this Washington Zinfandel maker. This outstanding example of Zinfandel from Washington has garnered a Double Platinum and other top awards in every competition entered.

2002 Cantele Primitivo. This genetic brother of Zinfandel comes from the Primitivo di Manduria DOC in southern Italy. Here limestone, clay and siliceous soils combine with the nearby Mediterranean to create a unique terroir. The vines average between 35 and 40 years in age.

Speakers
Bob Swain, winemaker at Zingaro Winery - received his Enology degree in 1974 from California State University Fresno. Employed at Gallo Wines as Production Shift Manager, Assistant General Manager at Numano Sake Brewery (now Takara Sake) in Berkley, CA, Production Manager and Cellar Master at Clos Du Val winery, and Production Manager as well as Winemaker at Parducci Wine Estates where the Zingaro line was created for special zinfandel lots. 501 Parducci Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482 tel: 877.946.4276.

Our second speaker for the evening will be John Haw, winemaker at Maryhill, with experience at wineries in Michigan, California and Oregon as well. John’s philosophy is that 80 percent of a wine’s potential comes from the vineyard and the other 20 percent from the winemaker’s tasting and blending abilities. We know everyone will welcome John’s knowledge and enjoy his entertaining manner. 9774 Highway 14, Goldendale, WA, 98620- tel: 877.627.9445.