Zinfandel & Sonoma: Forever Enduring

Named after the enduring spirit of the rebels who staged the historic Bear Flag Revolt, Bear Flag Wine celebrates those early explorers and their determination to make their home in the heart of Sonoma County. Bear Flag embodies this intrepid, rebellious and independent spirit as well as the rich history of the place it calls home.

As the Bear Flag story is tied to Sonoma County, so is Zinfandel. Zinfandel’s wine story is uniquely American. These pioneering vines arrived during the Gold Rush, survived phylloxera and Prohibition, and continue to flourish today. The hardy vines of this resilient varietal have thrived in this world-class winegrowing region for over 160 years and have shaped its history. These old vines continue to bear remarkably fresh and balanced fruit, decade after decade.

Today, Zinfandel is internationally recognized for its unique character. Long days of ample California sunshine beating down on the vines are balanced by the coastal fog that drifts into the valleys, where it rests into the morning. These idyllic conditions contribute to Sonoma County’s outstanding reputation for producing some of the greatest California wines.

The grapes used in Bear Flag Zinfandel come from premier growing sites in Sonoma County. In its inaugural vintage, Winemaker Aaron Piotter sourced fruit from iconic vineyards, such as Stefani Ranch and Monte Rosso Vineyard, as well as other plots within the Dry Creek & Alexander Valleys. This Zinfandel offers great complexity and substance, yet is by-the-glass approachable. Aromas of vanilla and charred cedar mingle with richer tones of blueberry pie and vine-ripened blackberries.

WINEMAKER AARON PIOTTER: AT HOME IN SONOMA

As a Sonoma County native, Aaron already had a deep understanding of the rich history of the region he feels fortunate to call home. Bear Flag Wine inspired him to dig deeper.

“I’m incredibly proud to make a wine that is a true representation of the place I grew up and that is inspired by the brave, enduring California spirit of the past, which is still alive and well today,” Aaron says of the inaugural release of Bear Flag Zinfandel.

Born and raised less than a mile from where the original Bear Flag was created, Aaron is deeply ingrained in Sonoma County. He understands this dynamic region and what it takes to craft a truly authentic California Zinfandel.

ZIN IS HERE TO WIN

Out of the entire Ultra-Premium+ segment, Zinfandel has the highest growth rate of the red varieties and is seeing double digital growth across the U.S.1

As the Ultra-Premium+ Zinfandel segment continues to rise, Bear Flag Zinfandel is well positioned to drive incremental sales. Its $30 suggested retail price and quality deliver for Fine Wine consumers. Within months of its release in September 2017, the 2015 Bear Flag Sonoma County Zinfandel received 92 Points from Wine Spectator and 91 Points from Wine Enthusiast.

In addition, Bear Flag’s rich packaging communicates quality and sense of place. The screen printing on the bottle is made with real gold as a special nod to California, the Golden State. A quote from the California Republic Proclamation, drafted after the rebels’ victory during the Bear Flag Revolt, appears on the front of the bottle. All paying homage to the brave, enduring spirit of every independent soul who dares to dream big.

Discover more about this new wine at BearFlagWine.com.