Know Vino: Gott’s zinfandel

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

By Tyler Alford

While traditionally small, Joel Gott Wines has a reputation for blending excellent grapes from different regions of California to produce a very desirable result. The 2007 zinfandel is no exception, with grapes taken from Lodi, Amador, Napa and Sonoma.

Earlier this month, Joel Gott Wines announced it will boost its marketing and distribution by partnering with Trinchero Family Estates.

This venture promises to blend some of the most understated and brilliant winemakers of today with the business genius that places so many recognizable labels on shelves. Trinchero Family Estates has marketed Menage a Trois, Napa Cellars, and Sutter Home, among the 23 brands in its repertoire.

In 2005, Gott and Trinchero also marketed and distributed Three Thieves together.
Genetic research shows that the zinfandel grape is related to the Italian grape, Primitivo, and to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski. It made its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, and was all but lost to prohibition. The 1970s created a demand for white wine far greater than the availability of white grapes, which in turn led to winemakers pressing zinfandel grapes with less skin contact to produce the sweet light pink wine, known as white zinfandel, which still accounts for 9.9 percent of sales by volume in the U.S.

Joel Gott’s father, Cary Gott, founded Montevina and his grandfather was president and winemaker of Inglenook (noted by the purchase of 1,500 acres by Francis Ford Coppola in 1975) in the 1960s and 1970s. As if that was not enough, Sarah Gott, Joel’s wife, was winemaker for Quintessa and Joseph Phelps.

The historically fruity and powerful zinfandel grape is consistently evident in Joel Gott’s 2007 vintage. With a first nose reflecting plum and jammy notes, the Amador region of California is the first recognizable trait. First taste imparts a deep and powerful flavor of blackberry and licorice characteristics of the Sonoma County zinfandel, and are followed by very light and complementary vanillans and red fruits of Napa. Finally, a dark and juicy finish, a lasting reminder of the Lodi region. As this zinfandel opens, each of the characteristics of this wine and the region the grapes hail from, blend to a form a more complex and spicy glass that is long and elegant.

Joel Gott’s 2007 zinfandel is an example of mastery and networking. Gott’s long-established familial reputation in California wine-making allows him access to some of the finest and still undiscovered grapes available. JHW

Courtesy photo
Zinfandel Grapes

PERMALINK:
Know Vino: Gott’s zinfandel | Planet JH News Article: Restaurants And Dining

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