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Wine Details
Price:
$30.00 per bottle
Description:
Dutcher Crossing’s Zinfandel grapes come from the Twisted Oak Block of the Maple’s Gold Medal winning vineyards, located on bench land property on the East side of the Dry Creek Valley. Tom and Tina Maple tend to their superbly groomed vineyards by personally pruning each and every vine on the property during the dormant winter months. They grow a small amount of Petite Syrah grapes that are “field blended” with their Zinfandel as they deliver their annual harvest to the winery for crush. This marriage with Petite Syrah (8%), lend structure and muscle to the layers of sweet aromatic fruit and crafted long satisfying finish. Maple Vineyard Zinfandels are known for their lush berry flavors and for staying true to the classic character of Zins from the Dry Creek Valley.
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Varietal Definition
Zinfandel:
Zinfandel is a variety of red grape planted in over 10 percent of California wine vineyards. DNA fingerprinting revealed that it is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski, and also the Primitivo variety traditionally grown in the 'heel' of Italy. It is typically made into a robust red wine. Its taste depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruits like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas such as the Napa Valley, whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas such as Sonoma County. Many Zinfandels come from head pruned ‘Old Vines’. ‘Old Vine’ is generally understood to mean a vine that is more than 50 years old and that produces less than three tons per acre. ‘Head Pruning’ is an old European style of pruning that trains the vine into the shape of a goblet. It requires no wires or other complex trellis systems. Head pruning spreads the fruit uniformly along the vine and allows light penetration.In the USA a semi-sweet Rosé (blush-style) wine called ‘White Zinfandel’ has achieved widespread popularity. In fact, this popularity has so outstripped all other forms that many fans think there is actually a grape called “White Zinfandel” (there isn’t)!
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Syrah:
Syrah is the eight hundred pound gorilla of Rhone grapes! In the vineyard and the winery, Syrah is typically an easy grape to work with - healthy, early ripening, resistant to mildew and rot; suitable for winemaking in a variety of styles. The wines from Syrah are tannic without being harsh. The wines will have a taste and smell of dark blue fruit like blackberries and blackcurrant, with a strong spicy side where one can find freshly ground pepper and other spices. Syrah is famous for its part in the French blends, such as Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape.
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