 graziano
From the rich, red earth
The Zinfandels of Mendocino's Redwood Valley owe everything
to the unique rust-colored slopes that bear outstandingly bold fruit.
It makes perfect sense that some of California's most distinctive
Zinfandels come from the Redwood Valley in southern Mendocino County.
This is one of the state's most distinctive viticultural enclaves, with
a combination of climate and soils — particularly its deposits
of the rare, rust-colored Redvine soil — that rightly may be called
unique. There's nothing else quite like it, anywhere.
Yet for many years these wonderful wines were only on the Zin fanatic's
radar, virtually unknown in the mainstream. Redwood Valley was only
recently recognized as an American Viticultural Area. It was the first
place in Mendocino County to produce commercial wine grapes (in the
1850s), but it has never had more than a few wineries (eight at the
moment). Even today, virtually all its crop (mostly Chardonnay) disappears
into blends bottled by large North Coast wineries, so wine lovers seldom
get a taste of the valley's outstanding viticultural character.
However, a staunch corps of Redwood Valley wineries have consistently
bottled Zinfandels from the valley's red-dirt slopes. It was largely
on the strength of those wines that Redwood Valley finally became an
AVA in 1996.
Not a moment too soon. Because a characteristic Redwood Valley Zin is
among the glories of California winedom, an archetypal expression of
region and grape.
 2007
ZINFANDEL - Mendocino
Our Zinfandel comes from ten different Zinfandel vineyards
scattered throughout the benchlands and hillsides of Mendocino County.
Many of these vineyards are still farmed by 3rd and 4th generation Italian-Americans.
This vintage displays a rich dark purple garnet color and deep aromas
of raspberry, wild strawberry, spicy white pepper with hints of toasty
oak. Uplifting flavors of ripe raspberry and earth combine to give this
full-bodied Zinfandel a generous mouth feel. Rich full tannins and mouthwatering
acidity dance across the palate into a long, lingering elegant finish.
Enjoy with garlic and rosemary seasoned lamb chops, Italian sausage,
or spicy tomato pasta dishes. A grilled burger with melted gorgonzola
in one hand and this Zin in the other hand is what the good life is
all about.
Fact Sheet
(Pdf 475k) Shelf
Talker [BUY]
 2009
ZINFANDEL - Kazmet Vineyards
40-Year-Old-Vines
This 40-year old Zinfandel vineyard is farmed by Leila Kazimi
and Neal Mettler on the western foothills of Redwood Valley in Mendocino
County. Gravelly loam soils and the excellent exposure of this vineyard
combine to consistently produce grapes that are intense and ripe. Eighteen
months of barrel ageing in 30% new French and American oak has soften
the wine and added complexity to the beautiful berry aromas and jammy
flavors of blackberry, earth and spice. This wine has a deep purple
color, smooth tannins and a peppery finish that is elegant and long
lasting. mushrooms.
This wine makes an ideal accompaniment to barbecued chicken, roast
beef, and grilled steak or lamb.
Fact Sheet
(Pdf 475k) [BUY]
 2006
ZINFANDEL - Graziano Vineyards
Old-Vines, Organically Grown
The fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard farmed by Greg’s
crazy cousin, Eddie Graziano. This vineyard is located on benchlands
of the Capella District located north of Ukiah. The vines are 32 years
old and are planted in white clay soil. This vineyard has been in the
Graziano family since 1918 and was first planted to grapes by Greg and
Eddie’s grandfather, Vincenzo Graziano. This wine displays elegant
black cherry fruit, spice, smoky notes and an earthiness which all combine
to give this full-bodied wine a wonderful complexity in both aroma and
flavor. The finish is lengthy and harmonious with bright fruit and a
light touch of toasty oak.
Enjoy with grilled steak, barbecued ribs, hearty, spicy pastas and
flavorful cheeses like aged sharp cheddars, bleu and Stilton.
Fact Sheet
(Pdf) [BUY]
 2009
ZINFANDEL ROSÉ
Our Zinfandel Rosé was produced from two old vine vineyards
located on the benchlands in Redwood Valley. Produced by the saignee
method, where Zinfandel juice is “bled off” before fermentation,
then transferred into barrels and fermented to near dryness. This refreshing
wine has lovely aromas and flavors of red delicious apples and watermelon.
Sweet fruit flavors are nicely balanced by mouth-watering acidity.
Wonderful as an aperitif or pair it with anything “al fresco”.
Fact Sheet
(Pdf 475k) [BUY] SOLD
OUT
 2006
PETITE SIRAH - Mendocino
Old-Vines
Our Petite Sirah comes from old vine vineyards scattered throughout
the benchlands and hillsides of Mendocino County. The wine was aged
in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months to soften
and add complexity. On the palate this wine offers deep aromas and delicious
flavors of ripe berries, chocolate and spice. It’s exceptional
smoothness leads into a long, lingering finish.
Roasted meats such as lamb and beef or hearty pasta dishes bring out
the true flavors of this wine.
Fact Sheet
(Pdf 475k) [BUY]
 2010
SAUVIGNON BLANC - Mendocino
Sauvignon Blanc produces some of the greatest white wines of
this planet. Its heritage lies in the vineyards of France's Sancerre,
Pouilly (Loire Valley) and Graves (Bordeaux) and this greatness has
now spread to the vineyards of Mendocino County.
Perfect accompaniment to grilled halibut, Dungeness crab, oysters on
the half shell or many types of Asian cuisine.
Fact
Sheet (Pdf 100k) [BUY]
 2009
CHENIN BLANC - Mendocino
Chenin Blanc produces some of the greatest white wines of France.
In the loire region, the wines of Savennieres, Vouvray, and Saumur produce
a wide range of styles of Chenin Blanc from sparkling, to sweet and
everything in between.
Pairs well with seafood or pasta salad and grilled chicken.
 Gold
Medal Winner 2006 Mendocino Wine Competition
Fact Sheet
(Pdf 100k) [BUY]
 2006
CORO - Mendocino
For the first time in U.S. history, a collaboration of 8 Mendocino
vintners has set blending and aging parameters for wines distinctive
to a region (ie. like the appellation controllee wines of Europe). Each
winery created its individual blend based on the protocol and a panel
of experts reviews it. Each winery personalizes the common label, which
will be recognizable as Coro Mendocino, and bottles the wine in a uniform
bottle.
This unique blend of old vine Zinfandel and three classic Italian grape
varieties, Sangiovese, Barbera & Dolcetto, have come together to
create a wine that has great structure and elegance. Aromas of violet,
spices, and cedar weave through the vibrant raspberry fruit character,
culminating in a harmonious finish laced with vanilla and toasty oak.
The wine’s complexity and depth of flavor will continue to evolve
with further bottle aging.
Visit
CORO Mendocino Website
Fact Sheet (Pdf
300k) [BUY]
GRAZIANO FAMILY OF WINES • 707-744-8466
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