2012 Seghesio Family Winery Cortina Zinfandel

Seghesio Family Vineyards is one of Sonoma County’s historic wineries. Its roots date to 1886, when Edoardo Seghesio immigrated from Piedmont, Italy, to Sonoma, where he worked as a winemaker for Italian Swiss Colony. By 1902 Seghesio had purchased 56 acres in Northern Alexander Valley and had completed his first crush from his own vineyards. Today the estate includes 300 acres and is owned by the Crimson Wine Group, a conglomerate of small, West Coast wineries. Some members of the Seghesio family are still involved in management and the estate makes a broad selection of red and white wines. It is known for its Zinfandels, though it also produces Barbera, Sangiovese, Italian style whites, such as Arneis, and blends.

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape, but 85% of the wine produced is made into a rosy “White Zinfandel.” Red Zin is far more complex and bold, while still being light-bodied. It grows in popularity as winemakers continue to experiment with new styles and blends.