Skip to content
Checkout
Certified California Sustainable Vineyard & Winery
  • Wines
    • Shop All Wines
    • Our Wine Collections
      • Shop by Collection
        • Artisan Collection
        • Icon Collection
        • Reserve Collection
        • Classic Collection
    • Shop by Varietal
      • Zinfandel
      • Cabernet Sauvignon
      • Merlot
      • Pinot Noir
      • Other Reds
      • Port
        • The Ruby Allocation
      • White Wines
    • 90+ Point Wines
    • Large Formats
    • Wine Club Exclusives
    • Tasting Notes
    • Pairing Recipes
    • Save’N Sip Subscriptions
  • Gifts
    • Gift Sets & More
    • Etched Bottles
    • eGift Cards
  • Experiences
    • Plan a Visit
    • Wine & Food Pairings
      • Seasonal Menu
      • Reservations
    • New Wine Experience ‘Secrets of Sonoma’
    • Trolley Tours
    • Tasting Flights
    • Member Tastings
    • Group Tastings
    • Visitation Guidelines
  • Wine Club
    • Memberships
    • Club Schedule
    • Wine Club Support
      • Account Assistance
        • How to Customize a Club Release
      • FAQ
    • Referral Program
    • Member Portal
      • Member Tastings
      • Club Release
        • Pick-up Reservations
      • Shop Club Exclusives
      • Benefits
        • Explore All Benefits
        • Entertainment & Lodging
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Virtual Tour
    • Blessing of the Animals
  • Our Story
    • Contact
    • Giving Back
      • Canine Companions®
      • Joe Martin Day of Service
    • Our Wines
      • Technical Info
      • Accolades
      • Pairing Recipes
    • Wine Journal
    • Our Team
    • Estate Vineyards
    • Trade
      • Trade Wines
      • Trade Tools & Assets
      • Find Retailer
      • Importers
      • Wholesale Contact
    • Sustainability
    • Career Opportunities
BACK
  • 2020

Old Vines, Zinfandel

Giovanetti Vineyard

  • Russian River Valley
2019 OVZ Giovanetti

Tasting Notes

A deep ruby red wine with a garnet rim, this Zinfandel is a sight to behold. The wine’s delicate aromas of cherry, vanilla, and spice waft from the glass like a gentle breeze. The full-bodied palate is a feast for the senses, with bright berry flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry. Spicy notes of black pepper add complexity, while a savory acidity balances the playful finish.

Vintage Notes

The 2020 growing season enjoyed near-perfect growing conditions. With minimal rain this winter, the vines were awakened with ideal moderate springtime temperatures, which eliminated any frost threat to the developing buds. At most sites, fruit set was during the optimal timeframe due to warm, consistent conditions. Veraison occurred 7-10 days earlier than in previous years due to the temperate weather and minimal rain. Moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights throughout the summer months, with a few of the normal short-lived heat spikes, allowed for excellent flavor development. The year saw an early harvest, with 90% of the region’s grapes being picked before the late Fall.

Vineyard Notes

The historic Giovanetti Vineyard produces one of our most beloved old-vines Zinfandels. Located in the heart of Russian River Valley near Woolsey Road, this small, family-run, 8-acre vineyard was originally planted in Carignane in the late 1800s but was grafted over to Zinfandel and mixed blacks by the Giovanetti family in 1910. Today the vineyard is owned and operated by Phyllis Giovanetti who, at over 80 years old, still does a bit of pruning and oversees a vegetable garden and orchard.

Winemaker Notes

The grapes are hand-sorted and undergo a five-day cold soak before fermentation begins to extract optimal color and flavor. After primary fermentation, the wine is pumped into French oak barrels, where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation during its elevage.

2019 OVZ Giovanetti
Web Store
WINEMAKER

Katie Madigan

COLLECTION

Artisan Collection

GRAPE VARIETIES
98% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah
ALCOHOL
14.5 %
CASES PRODUCED
456
AGING
14 Months
Bottling Date
May 2022
Barrel
French Oak

Related Products, Recipes & Trade Tools

Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Reserve Zinfandel

Trade Assets
Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

2018 Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Accolades

92 Points | Wine Spectator
91 Points | Connoisseur's Guide

Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County

“Old Vines” Zinfandel

Trade Assets
Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County

2018 Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Accolades

91 Pts | Wine Spectator | March 2021
98 Pts | International Women's Wine Competition | May 2021
Best of Class | International Women's Wine Competition | May 2021
Double Gold Medal | International Women's Wine Competition | May 2021

Zinfandel, Dry Creek

2015 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Accolades

Double Gold Medal | Sonoma County Harvest Fair | Sept 2018

Food Pairing

stew

Lamb Tagine

Old Vines Zinfandel, Tres Viejos

2017 “Tres Viejos” Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Accolades

91 Points | Wine Spectator | Feb 2020
Gold Medal | SF Chronicle Wine Competition | Jan 2020

Old Vines Zinfandel, Tres Viejos

2016 Tres Viejos Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Accolades

Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of Class | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of Show-Red | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of Sonoma County | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019
Best of the Best | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | April 2019

Zinfandel, Banti

2018 Zinfandel, Banti Vineyard, Alexander Valley

2021 Old Vines Zinfandel, Bacchi Vineyard, Russian River Valley

2019 Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Accolades

92 Pts | Wine Spectator | February 2022

Food Pairing

Bacon, Pecan and Leek Dressing

Bacon, Pecan & Leek Dressing

Food Pairing

soup

Sonoma Summer Soup with Pesto

Food Pairing

chicken wings

Hoisin and Apricot Glazed Chicken Wings

Zinfandel, Dry Creek

2016 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

Accolades

92 points | Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Gold Medal | Sunset International Wine Competition

Old Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County

2019 “Old Vines” Zinfandel, Sonoma County

Accolades

90 Points | Wine Spectator
Best of Glass & Double Gold Medal | Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Food Pairing

Summer in the valley

‘Summer in the Valley’ Wine Spritzer

Eletto, Heritage Red Blend

2017 “Eletto”, Heritage Red, Sonoma County

Food Pairing

pepper and artichoke dip

Roasted Pepper & Artichoke Tapenade

Food Pairing

Hand Cut Pasta

Hand-made Pasta Alla Chittara with Kale & Pistachio Pesto

CALL or TEXT

(707) 833-0254

Subscribe to News & Offers

Marketing communications may be in the form of email, text message or phone.

READ PRIVACY POLICY

  • Trade
  • Accolades
  • Find Retailer
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Accessibility
100 Pythian Road at Hwy. 12 Santa Rosa, CA 95409
+1 (707) 833-0242
Open Daily | 10 AM – 5 PM | Holiday Hours
© 2025 St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy