Renwood BBQ Zinfandel 2016
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Surrounded by some of America's oldest Zinfandel vineyards, Renwood Winery is located in the picturesque California foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Renwood produces world-class award-winning wines from Amador County. Founded in 1993, it reflects Amador County’s rich history of magnificent vineyards and winemaking. Owned by international vintner and entrepreneur, Alejandro Bulgheroni, the team undertook a thorough and painstaking replanting in 2014 to update each block of the Renwood Ranch vineyard for optimum health and efficiency.
Wine production has grown from 2,500 cases in 1993 to approximately 25,000 cases today, all from the Renwood Ranch Estate vineyard for the three wines they produce. Winemaker Joe Shebl has been at the property since 1999 and knows every square inch of the vineyard like a second home.
The Grandpere Zinfandel, which comes from its namesake block of the Estate vineyard is made from the oldest known clone of Zinfandel in America. All grapes are handpicked and fermented in small lots, then aged in French-only oak barrels to preserve the unique character of each parcel which strives to impart the texture, freshness, and finesse of which great Zinfandel is capable.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!