Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Deep and rich, with expressions of vanilla, boysenberry, lingonberry, and tulip on the nose, the mouthfeel is highlighted by its balance of firm tannin and acid. Raspberry, blackberry, tarragon, and Malabar peppercorns ring on the palate.
Vineyard Notes
The Maffei Vineyard was originally planted in 1928 by Italian immigrants Umberto and Maria Maffei and is preserved by their granddaughter and our neighbor, Joanne Maffei. The Maffei vineyard is located on Olivet Road, contiguous with our Olivet Lane Estate. Here, in the heart of the Russian River Valley, is where Zinfandel expresses itself with explosive fruit intensity along with spirited acidity. This head-trained, old-vine Zinfandel vineyard is registered by the Historic Vineyard Society.
Production Notes
At Pellegrini, our philosophy on making Zinfandel is quite simple, approach the grape with the same attention to detail and gentleness that is required for making Pinot Noir. Our Zinfandel is hand sorted and destemmed direct to macro bin and then tipped into tanks, in order to preserve as many whole berries as possible. The grapes go through a 4-to-5-day cold soak before inoculation. Once in ferment, the grapes receive punchdowns three times per day with an occasional delestage for oxygen incorporation. As the sugar levels dwindle, so do the number of punchdowns per day. This helps keep this wine’s supple and velvety texture intact. Our 2019 Zinfandel was aged for 10 months in French Oak with 11% new oak barrels. Built to age gracefully, though can still be enjoyed young.
Food Pairing Notes
Tri-tip sandwich, or cheeseburger with all the fixings.
