In the mid-90’s California Zinfandel began positioning itself for a post-white Zin resurgence. However, quality selections were lacking. By sourcing cuttings from the state’s oldest, most prestigious vineyards, the Heritage Vineyard Project renewed California Zin.
Calling all Zinfandel lovers.
This illustrious grape’s past has as much drama as a soap opera. Thankfully, it continues to have as many fans. You likely know the story of how White Zinfandel saved many of the state’s oldest vines. But did you know the red Zinfandel you enjoy today is likely a direct descendent of some of the oldest vines in the United States?
“Each of the heritage clones have survived for a long time for many different reasons, based on the founders that were farming them. That is a great story in and of itself,” shares Dave Gates, senior vice president of vineyard operations for Ridge Vineyards.
Learn more in my latest article for Forbes.
How Heritage Old Vines Renewed California Zinfandel
Thank you for reading.
ROCKIN RED BLOG 
7 responses to “How Heritage Old Vines Renewed California Zinfandel”
Delighted seeing a ‘listen’ option on your article. Amazing the overall Project resulted in 50-60 clones. Petersen and Gate’s talk of the old vines makes me think of them as wise men!
PS- my Gravitar photo is actually an old Zin vine on the Runquist property in Amador ;-D
Hi Lynn. Thanks for your comments. Yes, Forbes added the ‘listen’ option a few months ago. So much better than having to navigate through all the adds. Thanks for listening. I think Peterson and Gates do appreciate the wisdom of the old vines. I love the Amador County connection. Thanks for sharing.
This is a seriously good article. No matter what, love Zinfandel to the core.
Thank you so much. I appreciate you clicking through to read it. I also love Zinfandel.
Location variations trumped clonal variations – so fascinating! Zinfandel is really not my fav unless it is Ridge but I’m curious to have a Paso Robles Zin now that I know they tend to be earthier.
I thought that was fascinating as well. An unexpected result of the study.