Zanoli Wines
“We are able to be hands on with all our wines and take the time to be in our vineyards that we source from which is important.”
1. What was your first vintage year? 2015
2. How many cases do you make per vintage? 250-300 cases
3. Do you have a Tasting Room? No, we can taste by appointment only.
4. If not you, who is your winemaker? My husband, Jimmy Zanoli.
5. What wine made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery? Bella Luna Estate Winery, my family winery inspired me to get into the business.
6. What varietals do you work with? Which varietal/wine is your favorite to make? Why? We Make Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Mourvèdre. My Favorite is all of them of course but I do really enjoy the Chenin. This grape is one that is really expressive of the land it grows on and I like that.
7. What vineyards do you source from? Why? The Chenin Blanc comes from Jurassic Park Vineyard, Santa Ynez in a sandy soil and it has a marine influence that keeps this wine fresh and bright. Both the Syrah and Mourvèdre come from the Glenrose Vineyard, Paso Robles. I chose this vineyard for its Limestone soils much like some of the best vineyard sites in France.
8. What type of oak treatment do you use? Why? The Chenin is in all neutral oak as I don’t want the oak to influence the fruit characters of the wine. The Syrah I like 25% new oak to give it a little rounded profile. The Mourvèdre is in all neutral.
9. What do you love about your winemaking region? What makes it different special? Again, I feel it is the Limestone Soils and its proximity to the ocean.
10. What’s the story behind your winery name / label? The name is our last name and the plaid actually came from our designer and I love the straight lines and cleanness of the label.
11. Most importantly, what's so great about being small? What can you do as a small winemaker, that wouldn't be possible for larger wineries? We are able to be hands on with all our wines and take the time to be in our vineyards that we source from often and we feel that is important.
12. How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers? I feel we all continue to offer great experiences to our clients and that is special. We are able to really sit down with our clients and really engage in great conversation that result in lasting friendship.
13. If you had to choose another wine region to work in what would it be? France, Cote du Beaune.
For more information about Zanoli Wines, please visit their website.