Signal Fire Vineyard Zinfandel 2021
Our Calistoga Estate vineyard continues to improve as we have fully transitioned to organic farming. These dry-farmed, gnarly head-trained vines are a rare breed here in Napa Valley and we feel blessed to possess 8 acres of the good stuff! At the turn of the century this location was known as the “signal point” for early frost warnings—if the frost pots were fired up and billowing on this site, all vineyard owners in the surrounding area would act accordingly to protect their vineyards. 97% old-vine estate Zinfandel is blended in with 3% old-vine Petite Sirah from the Kenefick Ranch Vineyard right next door to the winery. This coupling brings base into the wine while honoring the classic Zinfandel nuances. Big, bold, and balanced with sheet coating color and viscosity, this is Zinfandel built to stand the test of time. Wonderful, fresh blue herb and honeysuckle fill the glass and lure you into curiosity. Crushed peppercorns, blackberry jam, sweet cola and allspice fill the mouth with pure pleasure. Full-bodied and viscous with a lengthy finish. This is a vintage not to miss. IN THE VINEYARD Local legend has it that this vineyard was at the “signal point” in Calistoga for frost protection measures during early spring budbreak season. As the cold air would begin to drift south through Knights Valley, the vineyard owners located in the center crown area would fire up their smudge pots to spare their vineyards from descending frosts, and thereby signaling their neighbors to ready their frost protection systems accordingly. Thus, the location was referred to as the signal fire. The vines here are well established and dry farmed, with an average vine age of 70 years. IN THE CELLAR We treat Zinfandel in the same manner as all our red grape varieties: with gravity and care. The small, individual lots of fruit were de-stemmed into open top fermenters, where a 5-day cold soak took place. The process of cooling the cap releases color and flavor pre-fermentation. The fermentation was allowed to slowly take hold via native yeast. Whole-berry fermentation took place for an average of 22 days. The wine was barrel aged for 16 months in 50% new American Oak and the balance in once used tight grain French Oak. No conventional pumps were used in the making of this wine. Only diaphragm air pumps, forced air pressure movement, or bulldogging, and transfers by gravity were employed to preserve the pure fruit integrity in the wine.
Composition
97% Zinfandel 3% Petite SirahVineyard
Signal Fire VineyardAlc. %
15.3%| Cases Produced | 430 |
|---|---|
| Closure | Natural |
| Bottle Size | Standard |
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Venge Vineyards
The Venge family has farmed vitis vinifera varieties in Napa Valley for nearly half a century. It is a journey that began when Knud Venge emigrated from Denmark to the United States in the early 1900’s. Knud’s son, Per Venge, found his passion in the wine and spirits industry and started Vencom Imports, focusing on the importation of Western European fine wines and spirits. It was Per’s son, Nils Venge, who left the family business in the 1960’s with a vision to study viticulture at UC Davis and establish the family name as an icon in the winegrowing community.
The family’s viticultural roots flourished in 1976 with the purchase of a 17-acre vineyard in the Oakville District that was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This fortunate development cast the family among the winemaking pioneers of Napa Valley.
Nils’ and Dianna Venge’s son, Kirk Venge, gravitated to winemaking at an early age. He proved to be as talented a winemaker as his father, making wines in his own style, with a vision to build on the family legacy. In 2008, Kirk achieved his lifelong dream and acquired full ownership of Venge Vineyards. Today, Kirk continues the Napa Valley heritage, focusing on select vineyard sites that produce fruit worthy of bearing the Venge family name.
In the Vineyards
Our farming experience spans nearly a half-century in the Napa Valley. We seek vineyard locations that possess the requirements for producing fruit that will bear the Venge family name: a temperate climate of warm days and cool nights, porous alluvial and hillside soils with balanced nutrient deposits, and ample degree days to promote prolonged hang time for optimal maturation.
Winemaking Philosophy
Our experience spans four decades in winemaking. Both traditional and progressive wine production techniques are embraced, although we remain focused on our core belief: only fruit grown from select vineyards that has been handled gently and naturally produces wine worthy of bottling under the Venge family name.
Tasting Room and Visitor Experience
Nestled into the eastern foothills of the Palisades Mountain range, and surrounded by our 12-acre estate vineyard, you’ll enjoy our current Venge releases in a privately hosted tasting.
Advance Reservations Are Required.
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Download the Wine Routes app to bring your routes, wineries, and interactive tastings wherever your journey takes you!
Headed to the vineyards?
Tour wine country like a pro
Download the Wine Routes app to bring your routes, wineries, and interactive tastings wherever your journey takes you!