theCompass
 Home   Map   Blog Roll   WineCompass   Wine 101   My Compass 

Cartlidge & Browne Zinfandel

Cartlidge & Browne Zinfandel Wine Details
Price: $10.00 per bottle

Description: In the 2004 Zinfandel, we have tempered a full-throttle, densely textured Sierra Foothills portion with two, more stylish, yet very flavorful, portions from Sonoma County. While the Sierra Foothills lot is all plum jam, leather, and figs; the Sonoma wines are both brimming with raspberry and blackberry flavors. The Mendocino fraction was harvested at a modest 24.0 brix which gave us a well-proportioned wine with fine cherry/blackberry fruit, a touch of briar and peppery tones. Lastly, our Lodi component, harvested very ripe, but in perfect condition, at 26.1 brix, contributes rich color, soft tannins and wonderful roasted black fruit character.

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)!


Reviews




Back to Cartlidge & Brown Winery information