 |
World
Wine Education: Sierra Foothills |
 |
|
|
| Jump
to a Continent |
Fun
Facts |
|
|
1. Red Zinfandel is the quintessential American varietal and should not be confused with White Zinfandel which is manufactured from Red Zinfandel grapes.
2. Zinfandel is thought to be a cousin of the Southern Italian varietal Primitivo.
3. At one time Amador County had more wineries than any other region of California.
4. Amador County has the oldest known Zinfandel Vineyard.
5. In 1870 Calaveras County had a hundred wineries.
6. Zinfandel was originally planted as a table grape varietal.
7. Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mouvedre, thrive in the Sierra Foothills. |
|
| Sierra Foothills
in Brief |
Sierra Foothills
Featured Winery |
| The Gold Rush brought a flood of European immigrants to this area in 1849 and though many did not find gold they did settle and began to work the land. In the late 1800’s this area was awash in vineyards and Zinfandel reigned. Zinfandel is a spicy peppery wine with strong cherry flavors and was thought superior to the original mission grapes. The grapes thrived in the mountainous environment of the steep slopes and warm daytime temperatures. The Sierra Foothills boasts some of the oldest wineries: due to their isolation, elevation and dry farming practices they were able to avoid the phylloxera epidemics that devastated so much of California. This region encompasses seven counties and is about 300 square miles and has plenty of historical sites and some wonderful county fairs.
|
Renwood
Renwood is one of our favorite Zinfandel producers from Amador County. They make six different single Vineyard desigated Zinfandels so you can sample different styles from some of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards anywhere. Renwood also produces excellent Italian varietals. We highly recommend their Barbera.| Producer | Varietal | Vintage | Price | Buy Now | | Renwood | Zinfandel | 1999 | 19.49 | Details | | Renwood | Zinfandel | 2000 | 32.99 | Details | | Renwood | Other Reds | 1997 | 18.99 | Details |
|
|
| |
