Revering Our Roots
Fred learned a love for farming from his grandfather Valeriano Jacuzzi at their ranch in Oakley. The area was a center for immigrants who planted some of the original grapevines more than 100 years ago. In 1982, Fred and Nancy set out to restore those head-pruned, dry-farmed, ancient vines planted deep in sand-soil. Today, these rare vines form the backbone of our Heritage Collection.
ANCIENT MEANS OLD FOR A VERY LONG TIME
Ancient Vines Zinfandel draws primarily from a wide selection of our oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing blocks in Contra Costa County. Growing on the sandy banks of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers delta, some of these vines were planted in the late 1800s and early 1900s in sand-soils that have persisted through phylloxera and prohibition. These ancient, dry-farmed vineyards consistently produce a Zinfandel with rich strawberry, cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors with hint of mocha and vanilla.
OUR TAKE ON A GSM
This is our version of a GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) with extra special splashes of a couple of varietals that we love. Sourced from some of our oldest vines in Contra Costa, predominately own-rooted and dry-farmed, the wine brings all the flavor and freshness of California grapes with a distinctly old-world vibe. A perfect marriage of boysenberry, blackberry, plum and chocolate with mouth-watering acidity and succulent tannins lead into an irresistibly long finish.
Revering the Past
Fred learned a love for farming from his grandfather Valeriano Jacuzzi at their ranch in Oakley. This area in Contra Costa County was a center for immigrants who planted some of the original grapevines more than 100 years ago. In 1982, Fred and Nancy set out to restore those head-pruned, dry-farmed, ancient vines planted deep in sand-soil. Today, these rare vines form the backbone of our Heritage Collection.
RHONE RANGERS
Fred was one of the original founders of the Rhone Rangers organization to help raise awareness for these obscure varietals. Some of his first vintages were from original plantings of head-trained and dry-farmed Carignane and Mourvèdre.
Ancient Vines Carignane offers strawberry and cherry notes with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Ancient Vines Mourvèdre displays plum, cranberry and warm vanilla aromas and flavors.