2007 De Loach Vineyards Nova Vineyard Zinfandel

De Loach Vineyards was founded by Cecil De Loach in the Russian River Valley in 1973. De Loach pioneered the growing of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley, experimenting with rootstocks and soils at a time when few winemakers paid much attention to such aspects of winemaking, especially in the Russian River region. In 2003 De Loach was purchased by the Boisset family of Burgundy, who brought several generations of sustainable winemaking tradition to the estate. The Boissets have fully committed to eco-friendly farming and in 2008 the estate was certified as organic by California Certified Organic Farmers. In 2009 the estate earned its Demeter certification for biodynamic practices. De Loach makes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel.

North Coast AVA includes California’s most prestigious sub-appellations and vineyards. The three million acre area includes vineyards in six counties north of San Francisco and nearly 50 sub-appellations. The Napa Valley and Sonoma County AVAs are just two of the renowned sub-appellations included in the North Coast designation, which also includes the AVAs Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Stag’s Leap and Rutherford, which are all among the most acclaimed wine producing districts in California. The North Coast AVA designation is generally used for wines made by blending grapes grown in several counties or AVAs. The appellation includes part of the counties of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Marin, Solano and Lake.

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.