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Top 10 Reasons to Love California Zinfandel

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Top 10 Reasons to Love California Zinfandel TOP 10 REASONS TO LOVE CALIFORNIA ZINFANDEL UNIQUELY HISTORY CALIFORNIAN IN A GLASS 1 Bold and 2 Zinfandel was celebratory, introduced to the independent and state during the unpretentious, California Gold versatile and Rush in 1849 and individual, Zinfandel became widely epitomizes the planted, thriving in Californian lifestyle. the state’s climates California Zinfandel and soils. Surviving has grown beyond the phylloxera pest cult status and is and the Prohibition ZINFANDEL OLD VINES EQUAL HERITAGE GRAPE now internationally ban on alcohol HEAVEN GREAT WINES Zinfandel was recognized due to its from 1920-1933, Zinfandel is California has California’s 3 4 5 unique character and Zinfandel’s popularity California’s third Zinfandel vines “mystery grape” high quality wines and acreage continue leading winegrape dating to the 1880’s. until recently when produced only in the to grow with variety, planted in These gnarled old DNA fingerprinting Golden State. hundreds of California 45 of the state’s 58 vines produce low by the University Zinfandels produced. counties. A few yields of rich fruit of California at of California’s key that retain acidity, Davis confirmed winegrowing areas creating wines that that Zinfandel producing Zinfandel are concentrated and originates from include Lake, Lodi flavorful. California’s Crljenak Kastelanski, and Mendocino historical Zinfandel an ancient counties, Napa Valley, vineyards are Croatian variety. Paso Robles, Sierra among the greatest Italy’s Primitivo Foothills, Sonoma expressions of terroir also originates County and Southern in the world. in Croatia and California. matches Zinfandel’s DNA, however, differences in vine vigor, cluster size, cultivation, terroir and winemaking combine to give California Zinfandel its own particular flavor profile with a truly American name, history and style. TOP 10 REASONS TO LOVE CALIFORNIA ZINFANDEL SUSTAINABLY GROWN 6 California is a world leader in sustainable winegrowing with the majority of winegrape acreage and production, including Zinfandel, assessed to California’s Code of Sustainable Winegrowing which establishes best practices in sustainability from ZINSANITY ZINFANDEL FOOD peppery, full- flavored ground to glass. Zinfandel is HAS RANGE FRIENDLY Zinfandel can stand An increasing 7 the only grape 8 California grown 9 Zinfandel up to and accentuate number are also with its own multi- Zinfandel is versatile is a delicious spicy cuisines like verifying practices day event and an and can make many accompaniment to Asian and Indian, and with sustainable advocacy group. ZAP different styles of variety of dishes. it especially shines certifications (Zinfandel Advocates wine including red, Traditional pairings with California’s such as California & Producers) hosts rosé, sweet, dry, late- include leg of lamb, signature barbecued Certified Sustainable “Zinfandel Experience” harvest and sparkling. pizza and even and grilled foods. Winegrowing each January. It is the This may explain why chocolate cake for (CCSW), Lodi Rules, largest single varietal it continues to grow in those who like red UNIVERSITY SIP Certified and tasting of its kind. popularity around the wine and chocolate. PEDIGREE Napa Green. www.zinfandel.org world. Ever versatile, a 10 Zinfandel is planted, studied and celebrated at the University of California at Davis Heritage Vineyard Project in Napa Valley, a virtual vineyard museum dedicated to advancing public knowledge of America’s “heritage wine” and its unique place in American culture and history. The project’s goal is to provide superior Zinfandel selections to growers. For more information on California’s wine regions, wineries and wines, go to www.DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.
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