Martinelli Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel 2023

Martinelli Winery's history dates back to the 1880s when Giuseppe Martinelli and Luisa Vellutini emigrated from Tuscany, Italy, and established their original Zinfandel vineyard on the steep, non-terraced Jackass Hill. The winery's current Zinfandel program honours their determination and continues the legacy of a family that has been growing grapes for over 135 years. The wine is produced from a vineyard planted in 1994, which uses bud wood grafted from those original centenarian Jackass Hill vines.

Wine Description

The wine is a saturated ruby red color. The sensory profile is inviting, with aromas of ripe black cherry, Santa Rosa plum, and subtle, warming spices, alongside notes of cedar, red berries, baked earth, cranberry, blueberry, wildflowers, and spice. The palate is lively and bright, delivering vibrant cherry tart, succulent plum, and generous, spicy flavors of black cherry and raspberry laced with bittersweet mocha, savory pepper, and anise.

Accolades

• Wine Spectator - 94 points

• Jeb Dunnuck - 94 points

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 93 points

Food Pairing

Suggested pairings for Zinfandel include barbecue pork, roast lamb, grilled chicken, pulled pork, and hearty dishes like meat stews and robust pastas. Its bold, fruit-forward flavors and ample tannins make it an excellent match for bold, rich foods, such as bacon-wrapped tenderloin or grilled sausages.