Cortina Zinfandel 2019

Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California, Seghesio Family Vineyards' Cortina vineyard sits on sandy alluvial soils known as "Cortina," renowned for their excellent drainage. Situated near the river, these plots benefit from cool mornings, regular fog, and sunny days, promoting a slow and even ripening of the Zinfandel grapes. The maritime influence from the Pacific coast tempers the summer heat, preserving the aromatic freshness and natural balance of the grapes.

The grapes for Cortina Zinfandel are harvested at optimal ripeness, carefully sorted, and then fermented in stainless steel tanks, promoting precise extraction of aromas and tannins. Regular pump-overs ensure good oxygenation and a balanced structure. After racking and gentle pressing, the wine is transferred to oak barrels for aging, a combination of French and American oak, to refine the texture, add complexity to the bouquet, and harmoniously integrate the oak before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of ripe black fruit , raspberry , and cherry , enhanced by spicy touches of pepper and licorice , as well as woody nuances of vanilla and cedar . More subtle accents of dried flowers and cocoa complete the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is full and velvety, supported by fresh acidity, ripe and polished tannins, and a long, flavorful finish that maintains a beautiful tension.

In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.