Marietta Cellars “Román” Zinfandel 2019

MARIETTA CELLARS
Román Zinfandel 2019

Named after cellarmaster Román Cisneros who has worked at Marietta for over 32 years, this Estate Zinfandel is from the Angeli estate vineyard in Alexander Valley and the McDowell Valley estate vineyard. One of the grape varieties that Marietta is famous for, this wine captures the bright, juicy character of Zinfandel, and hearkens to an era before dark, thick and oaky styles of Zinfandel took hold. The Virgin of Guadalupe on the label is a nod to Roman’s dedication, selflessness, and sacrifice, both for the Bilbro family and his own. It is also a nod to the Mexican-American heritage of Roman and many of Marietta’s crew members.

VINEYARD
The fruit for this wine comes from the Angeli Estate vineyard in Anderson Valley and the McDowell Valley estate. The Angeli Ranch, first planted to vines in the late 1880s, is a 35 acre vineyard connecting Zinfandel planted on gravel swales from the Russian River to terraced knolls planted with Cabernet. Foggy mornings along the Russian River burn off to hot afternoons followed by chilly nights, striking the perfect balance between warm days and cool nights. The McDowell Valley estate, situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, benefits from the cold sink that ensure cools nights and preserves acidity and freshness.

WINEMAKING
A unique approach of cool fermentations and 12 months of neutral barrel aging emphasize freshness in Marietta’s Zinfandel. This varietally labeled Zinfandel is supported by a small amount of structure from blending in 2% Petite Sirah and a savory wildness from 4% of Barbera.

VINTAGE
The 2019 Harvest brought another fantastic year of smooth weather with a slow paced, even-growing season. Temperatures were a bit cooler than average, leading to picking a week or so later than typical norms. As per the recent Northern California pattern, fire showed up in late October adding to the stress of the season. However, grapes were picked by then and the only added excitement was power outages and evacuations. Marietta is grateful that their employees and properties stayed safe in 2019 and that the wines show great depth, measured ripeness, and wonderful retained freshness.

FOOD PAIRING
The Román Zinfandel pairs well with pizzas, pastas, grilled foods, and tangy, smoky barbecue sauces.

FARMING
The Román Zinfandel is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is organically farmed

Reviews

Wine Advocate – “The 2019 Román Zinfandel (blended with 4% Barbera and 2% Petite Sirah) has a medium ruby-purple color and gregarious scents of candied peach, wild berry preserves, orange peel and tar. The palate is deeply fruited but light on its feet with bright freshness and loads of perfume on the long finish.” (95 Pts)

James Suckling – “A juicy, fruity red with blackberry, plum and chocolate character. Medium-to full-bodied with round, integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Some slate and earth to the fruit in the aftertaste.” (93 Pts)