Trentadue Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2010
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Wine & Spirits
The Trentadues have an eye for good vineyard land. They bought their 208-acre Alexander Valley estate in 1959, and it's been the source of Ridge's Geyserville Zinfandel (first bottled in 1967); later in 1974, as Ridge's partners were collecting vineyards on Monte Bello, the Trentadues sold them their piece of that historic Santa Crus Mountain property. At $17, their basic Alexander Valley zin is a steal, all blue fruit, graphite-smooth tannins and bright edges of evergreen. That cool, juniper-like scent contrasts the warmth of the finish, keeping it bright. For any grilled meats.
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The Trentadue family arrived in Sonoma County long before the region gained a reputation as the Wine Country. Life-long, hands-on agriculturists, Evelyn and Leo Trentadue contributed significantly to the advancement of their region over the years. In 1959, the Trentadues decided to flee the developers encroaching on their apricot and cherry orchards in Sunnyvale, the area known today around the world as Silicon Valley. To preserve their way of life, these hard-working Italian ranchers purchased 208 acres of land in Sonoma County's then remote Alexander Valley.
For over 55 years, they have been growing premium wine grapes, with some vines dating back to 1886. Their farming practices reflect their commitment to exceptional fruit quality and their stewardship of the land from which it comes. They strive to balance the traditions of the area’s early Italian growers and the ever-evolving viticulture industry. Sustainable agriculture is practiced, as they are stewards of their land and utilize all of the elements available to put the most they can offer into each bottle of wine while retaining the viability of their Estate for generations to come.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.