San Rucci Cucamonga Zinfandel

About the Wine

2021 marks our first vintage from Cucamonga Valley - a historic grape growing region in Southern California. We have had ties to this area for three generations and were excited to share our wine made from these old vines. Our version of Cucamonga Zinfandel is made as an "old school California" style Zinfandel meaning it is a lighter style with more finesse. We get bright fruits like cranberry, and rhubarb with a wonderful savory, smokey component. Aged in oak for 14 months for added complexity and structure. The grapes used for this wine come from Lopez Vineyard which is likely the oldest vineyard in Southern California; planted in 1918 and has been dry farmed its whole life. Sadly, it is also one of the last vineyards of the valley. What was once a major wine producing region has become a victim of urban sprawl. Most of the old vineyards and citrus groves have been ripped out and replaced by strip malls, distribution centers and tract homes. Thankfully, the Galleano family have stayed steadfast in maintaining the viticultural and vinicultural history of this area. The label is a picture of Ricetta, Loretta and Dorothy circa 1930 at the store their family owned and operated in Canton, Ohio - Ben Angelo Groceries. Roughly 20 years later Loretta, her husband Lou and daughter would move to the Cucamonga Valley to live the Southern California dream. 36 cases produced