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2010 Sebastiani Zinfandelproduct-timed-pdf - Sonoma County, California - “Very Good” Pedigree | BBQ Heaven

Why We're Drinking It

Zinfandel and grilling are essentially inseparable, and when the all-American grape pairs beautifully with a burger, it’s more than enough to increase our soft spot for all things autumn and outdoors. Here, it’s an absolutely local favorite, made in our backyard (almost literally) by one of the oldest winegrowing families in California in what’s generally considered the finest region in the world for . As you uncork this engaging, appealing , expect a peek at what this legendary —one we like to call “the ultimate value brand of the decade”—has to offer.

Four reasons we love it:

• Fruit-Forward . The cooler-than-average 2010 vintage allowed fruit to stay on the vine longer than usual, which made for even berry maturity, larger crop levels, and more concentrated, intense flavors; lighter-bodied and spicier than past years.

• Historical Producer. Sebastiani has deep roots in Sonoma County. In fact, it was the only winery in the area that continued operations through Prohibition, making a small amount of sacramental and medicinal . Now that’s dedication!

• Awarded Pedigree. With its past scoring “Very Good” in Wine Enthusiast (2009, 2008, 2007), “Very Good” in Wine Spectator (2008), and earning the coveted Schott Zweisel Gold at the SF Chronicle Wine Comptition (2006), this wine has a lot of promise.

• True Grill Partner. An interesting blend of mostly Zinfandel (79%) rounded out by Petite Sirah and splashes of , , and , this wine saw 15 and a half months in a mix of new and neutral Hungarian and Russian for a palate attack that calls for meat—and lots of it.

Tasting Notes

VARIETAL From the winemaker, Mark R. Lyon: This medium-bodied wine displays Zinfandel more briary and white pepper Zinfandel spiciness than in the past and also APPELLATION contains background aromas of cedar and coffee. The palate attacks with Sonoma County forward raspberry and blueberry fruit and a long finish of crushed pepper ALCOHOL and Earl Grey tea. This is an engaging, very appealing Zinfandel that is 14.50 primed to be enjoyable now SIZE . 750ml Harvested in small lots, the grapes were allowed to cold soak up to three BLEND days before fermentation. They were inoculated with yeast strains 79% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, 3% specifically that enhance the raspberry fruit and fermentation completion. Syrah, 2% Malbec, 1% Barbera The wine was pressed off slightly sweet to avoid excessive tannins. The AGING/COOPERAGE individual lots were racked off the lees and re-racked into both new, one-, 15.5 Months in New, 1-Year-Old, and and two-year-old Hungarian and Russian oak barrels. It was aged for nearly 2-Year-Old Hungarian and Russian 16 months in barrels. Any lighter Zinfandel lots were blended with Stanislaus Oak Petite Sirah early on.

The Story to Know Sebastiani’s first century in Sonoma began when Samuele emigrated from the Tuscany region of Italy in 1895 and started Sebastiani nine years later. A stonemason by trade, he quarry-mined the Sonoma hills for cobblestones that were used to build the streets of San Francisco. He worked long hours and saved carefully to buy land in Sonoma County, from which he would make wine for the Sonoma community and San Francisco’s restaurants.

Samuele believed in hard work and asked the same of everyone at the winery. At the same time, he was a strong supporter of the land and the people of Sonoma. When the combination of Prohibition and the Depression hit hard, Samuele initiated major projects at the winery to create employment for his neighbors. When there wasn’t sufficient work at the winery, he built around the plaza and constructed a skating rink, motel, theater and meeting hall at the Catholic Church. To keep people employed at the winery, Samuele began canning peaches, pears and nectarines.

Shortly after Samuele’s death in 1944, his son, August, and August’s wife Sylvia purchased the winery from the estate and began the expansion of the facilities and the product line, adding new wines and proprietary blends. When August died in 1980, Sylvia and their children, Sam, Don and Mary Ann, assumed management of the company. Sam stayed until 1986, when he left Sebastiani to start his own winery, south of the city of Sonoma.

With the decision made to refocus on quality and the flagship Sebastiani brand, the family sold the Turner Road Vintners brands and winemaking facilities in March 2001 to Constellation Brands (formerly Canandaigua). When that sale was completed, Don Sebastiani left to devote full attention to Cecchetti Sebastiani Cellars (now Don Sebastiani & Sons), which he started with brother-in-law Roy Cecchetti in 1985. Mary Ann Sebastiani Cuneo, formerly senior vice president of hospitality and manager of the company’s real estate holdings – which include 700 acres, 225 of them planted -- assumed the role of president and CEO and helped lead the company through its transition into one of Sonoma County’s premier quality wine producers. She spearheaded the multi-million dollar remodel of the Sebastiani tasting room and hospitality center completed in 2001, offering unique cultural and historic programs for visitors. In addition, the production facility underwent major renovation with an emphasis on small-lot artisan winemaking.

Today, Sebastiani & Winery advances its record of acclaim under the guidance of vintner and entrepreneur Bill Foley, who acquired the winery in 2008. As part of Foley Family Wines, Sebastiani will maintain its commitment to producing singular wines from the appellations of Sonoma County.

Learn about Sebastiani’s sustainable farming efforts here.

Perfect Pairings

Grilled and herbed meats, of course! The winery recommends blue cheese burgers in particular. Get the recipe here.

Ratings

91 Insider Points

Pedigree

2009, 2008, 2007: "Very Good" - Wine Enthusiast 2006: Gold - SF Chronicle Wine Competition

Reviews

An historic symbol of Sonoma wine making, Sebastiani has crafted this lush and supple Zinfandel with a huge fruit profile, black cherry, blackberry compote, mild spice notes and just a hint of cedar. The texture is pure Zin, with chewy tannins, a supple body and lively acidity. An absolutely standout deal for the quality, enjoy at home or at your next dinner party. - DZ

INSIDE FACT: The Zinfandel-Petite Sirah-Syrah blend is a bold red pioneered in California. The result is dense and dark, known for its deep color, high alcohol, high tannins, and age-worthiness.