Fast facts:
- 2021 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma California ($16.99 @Trader Joe’s, California)
For years we American’s proclaimed Zinfandel to be uniquely ours. Then DNA testing arrived in the wine world and we discovered that the grape’s genetic roots can be traced to modern-day Croatia, where it’s known as Crljenak or Tribidrag. Good luck pronoucing those. Both Zinfandel and the southern Italian grape Primitivo are clones of this Croatian variety.
Even though it is not indigenous, there is no denying that the grape has a center of gravity in California. Half of all Zinfandel planted in Sonoma County is in Dry Creek Valley which is best known for its robust Zinfandel wines and gnarly old zines. The grape has been growing there since the 1860s and on Pedroncelli’s ranch since the early 1900s.
Dry Creek Valley is a personal favorite. It has a grape-growing history going back 140 years, and this compact American viticultural area (AVA) includes more than 9,000 vineyard acres and over 70 wineries. It also includes one deli, and no stoplights in an area only 16 miles long and two miles wide. This rural wine region is located in north-central Sonoma County, just outside the city of Healdsburg, also a favorite of ours.
Zinfandel is a mid- to late-ripening variety with thin skins. It tends to ripen unevenly, and grows most successfully in warm climates and poor, well-drained soils. Some of the best examples are made from old vines, which limit the grape’s naturally high yields and concentrate the grape’s fruit flavors. In general, Zinfandels have high acidity and mild tannins, with ripe, sometimes jammy fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and blueberry. Black pepper is also a signature trait, and some versions exhibit herbal details like sage and dill. Our featured wine this week embodies these traits, thus has what we wine geeks refer to as “typicity”.
Tasting Notes:
Pours a dark ruby color. Aromas of vanilla extract, clove, allspice, black peppercorns, and lavender with a supple, medium-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-length red cherry, rum raisin, chocolate, black pepper, and rhubarb pie finish with well-integrated, easy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich yet balanced Zinfandel with layers of concentrated fruit, spice, and florals. Would pair well with proteins grilled al fresco, grilled vegetables and eggplant, even Cajun and Italian foods. ABV is 15.6%.
Need More Wine Picks from Trader Joe’s – or Costco?
If your search for this wine lands you in Trader Joe’s, take along our handy Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine here.
And if your wine shopping excursions land you in Costco, prepare by grazing our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
Cheers!
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