Martinelli Zinfandel Vellutini

Russian River Valley, California Martinelli Zinfandel Vellutini Ranch is a blockbuster red wine gem from one of the top Zinfandel producers in California. Since 1896, five generations of the Martinelli family have worked together producing apples and wine in Sonoma County. At the ages of 19 and 16, Giuseppe Martinelli and Luisa Vellutini eloped from their small village in Tuscany, making their way to California looking for land to farm and start a winery. Today the Martinelli winery business is still traditionally family owned and operated. Helen Turley is the consulting winemaker and Bryan Kvamme is winemaker. The Vellutini Ranch is bordered on the east by Jackass Hill and on the south by Jackass Vineyard, sharing the same Franciscan soil type. The Zinfandel is planted with bud wood from the Martinelli family's centurion grapevines Jackass Hill and Jackass Vineyard. Wine Spectator scored this 2010 release 92 points. Only 332 cases were produced. Martinelli Zinfandel Vellutini Ranch received a 92-point rating from Steven Tanzer: "Inky violet color. Aromas of red fruit liqueur, incense and smoky Indian spices. Intense raspberry and cherry flavors put on weight with air and pick up a floral nuance on the back end. This rich yet lively zinfandel finishes with excellent clarity and cling." Drink now through 2017. Enjoy Martinelli Zinfandel Vellutini Ranch with roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and cheeses. no internet