One of the founding pioneers of California winemaking (the famous 'Paris Tasting' of 1976), Mike Grgich's vineyard and winery in Rutherford was certified biodynamic in 2007. This came after several years of utilizing biodynamic farming practices, and just one year after becoming almost 100% solar-powered. Grgich has also been a longtime supporter of Roots of Peace, an organization dedicated to eradicating land mines and returning land to productive use.
The 2006 Zinfandel was made using grapes grown from the estate's vineyards in Calistoga, nestled in the northern tip of Napa Valley.
During a tasting room visit in November, 2008, we found this Napa Valley Zinfandel to be such a good pairing with pizza or pasta, we couldn't leave without a bottle. But don't take our word for it! This September, 2008 release was co-fermented with a splash of Petite Sirah to add complexity and structure, the result of which is a wine with a classic Zinfandel nose of strawberries and raspberries, backed by tastes of allspice and black pepper. In addition to pizza and pasta, this age-worthy wine will also pair well with grilled meats.
Available while supplies last at the winery, or via their web site.
About $35, retail.
Want to find out more? Also see DTE's December, 2008 interview with Ivo Jeramaz, Grgich Hills Estate's VP of Vineyards & Production.
"Mines to Vines" plaque as displayed at the winery in Rutherford, CA.
One of the founding pioneers of California winemaking (the famous 'Paris Tasting' of 1976), Mike Grgich's vineyard and winery in Rutherford was certified biodynamic in 2007. This came after several years of utilizing biodynamic farming practices, and just one year after becoming almost 100% solar-powered. Grgich has also been a longtime supporter of Roots of Peace, an organization dedicated to eradicating land mines and returning land to productive use.
"Mines to Vines" plaque as displayed at the winery in Rutherford, CA.