Established in 1895, Seghesio Family Vineyards produces benchmark Zinfandels that honor five generations of winegrowing leadership and share the heart of Sonoma County and their Italian heritage. Seghesio Family Vineyards encompasses more than 300 acres of estate vineyards in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys – that also represent a significant amount of Old Vine plantings that are more than 50 years old and up to 125 years old.

Cortina Zinfandel represents their peak expression of Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley. Named for the gravelly loam soils where this variety thrives, the heart of Cortina comes from Chen’s Vineyard, planted by Seghesio Family in 1972. The 2021 Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel shows the very best of Dry Creek Valley Zins showing expressive aromatics, vibrant layered fruit, and an elegant structure.

The color is dark ruby with lighter hues. There are briary aromas of blackberry, ripe plum, lilac, toasted oak, baking spices and a hint of mocha. These nuances carry through the palate to create a seamless experience giving you a creamy mouth-feel. It has excellent weight and vibrant acidity, which lifts the wine to a finish that is long and delicious. Tasted the next day, the wine maintained its character, nuances, and flavors. Seghesio Family Vineyard has created a pedigree in crafting some of the best zinfandels from California. They are worth seeking out and will deliver delicious wines that are great on their own or with rich meat dishes such as lamb or a rib eye.

By Perry Miroballi