Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

The time has come once again for a visit from the Almighty Zin! It’s a wine of American Heritage which, much like most other things in this country, was brought here and flourished.

Yes, the Almighty Zin has its roots (origins, not the plant-like roots, specifically) in Italy as the Primitivo grape. Many scholors, botanists and wine enthusiasts (three COMPLETELY different groups) all see Zinfandel in a somewhat shady area (metaphorically speaking, not physically. Zin prefers full sun to grow). It seems these three groups are trying to piece together the puzzle of the grape’s history. It was brought to California, presumably some time during the Gold Rush. . .also presumably by one of the Gold Rushers. . .and in hindsight, probably one of the Gold Rushers from Italy.

At least that’s what I thought I knew by the wine books I’ve read. It’s what I knew yesterday, but just like any History, as soon as you “know” History – It changes. New information from the Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) website (“NEW” by the standards of newer-than-the-history-in-my-wine-books), indicate that these well-known facts of Zinfandel, and its relation to Primitivo are either false or misleading.

NOW, what we know about Zin:
1) Although Zinfandel and Primitivo are genetically the same, almost two centuries of growth on different continents has produced quite different wines. So Italian Primitivo marketed as Zinfandel is misleading.
2) New studies have shown that California did not get the grape from Italy, but most likely from a vine collection in Vienna. . .and the grape’s true origins are most likely from Croatia.
3) The first signs of gold found in California was in January of 1848, and the Gold Rush happened more around the following May, and lasted until about 1857. The first appearances of Zinfandel, as we know it, were more around the 1820-1854. there’s a little overlap with the Gold Rush, but most likely coincidence with extra settling in California.
4) Although I share a name with the illustrious wine producer and big-time Zinfandel advocate Paul Draper from Ridge Vineyards, there is no known relation. Of course, that’s a shady area too. But it was enough reason for me to add a Ridge Zinfandel to the tasting!

So Friday, April 23rd, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

The Almighty Zin!
Rosenblum NV XXV Vintner’s Cuvee Zinfandel
Legal Zin 2001
Toad Hollow 2001 Cacophony Zinfandel
Joel Gott 2002 Zinfandel
Ridge 2001 Three Valleys Zinfandel

The Extra-Special Premium Pours:
Cosentino 2001 The Zin
Dasche 2001 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Next week is the Wines of the French Loire!
M