The Wines of Francis Coppola Zinfandel

Picking decisions were determined by winemakers after multiple vineyard visits during ripening. Individual vineyards and blocks were kept separate during fermentations to focus on unique site characteristics. Fermentations were tasted daily with adjustments to pump-over timing to optimize gentle extraction of aromatics and color, while rounding and developing tannins. Wine was pressed off skins based on tannin expression, within a few days of dryness, keeping press fractions separate when desired for wine texture. All lots were aged in barrels and racked 2-3 times prior to final blend and bottling. Zin and Primativo lots for Wines of Francis Coppola where aged in a combination new French Oak and Neutral Oak barrels.

Dry Creek Valley enjoys warmer weather during the day, allowing the fruit to ripen in the sun, and receives protection from the coastal fog, letting the fruit gracefully mature during evenings and nights. The soil is mainly gravelly and loamy, which is ideal for drainage and fertility leading to concentrated flavorful fruit. Fruit is primarily sourced from the Primativo clone of Zinfandel. Highlighting the bright, fresh, juicer fruit side of Zin, this wine is reminiscent of the cooler hills of Puglia’s Gioia del Colle where Primativo thrives.

2023 was a very strong vintage across the board, but was truly amazing for balanced, fruit driven Zinfandel. The vintage was began by wet weather, later than average bud break, and even shoot growth. Cool summer resulted in long, slow, even ripening, plump berries, strong color, and bright acid in Zinfandel, making it a truly exceptional vintage for this varietal.