Winemaker Notes
The 1999 Edizione Pennino Zinfandel is sealed with a cork branded with one of Francesco Pennino’s original musical titles “Gelosia ©1934,” which means jealousy in Italian. By imprinting the cork with a title written by Francis Coppola’s maternal grandfather, we give credit and tribute to both a beautiful song and great wine.
When Francis Ford Coppola and his wife Eleanor purchased the great Niebaum Estate in 1975, they were counseled to remove the Zinfandel and plant the higher-priced Cabernet Sauvignon. Francis Coppola replied,“But I like to drink Zinfandel,” and the Zinfandel remained.
Blend: 95% Zinfandel, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.