“So in some ways, it's not that crazy of an idea. Like this is the blends that people were making in the field in California 100 years ago. Or I guess 130 years ago.”
The Wine Makers on Radio Misfits · Food & Beverage · October 2026
Context
After teasing a winemaker for blending Zinfandel with Grenache, a wine that then made a 2026 list of top Zinfandels, the host points out that old California vineyards were planted as mixed field blends. The "new" idea is a traditional one.
Transcript
…out there. Yeah. I don't know the exact percentages of the vines. It's predominantly a Zinfandel Vineyard with 36 other identified varieties or something crazy. But the Grenache is notable for one thing. 130-year-old Grenache vines are freaking massive and stand out. Very easy to do. To the point
where they're able to harvest them separately and make the old vine Grenache.
So in some ways, it's not that crazy of an idea. Like this is the blends that people were making in the field in California 100 years ago. Or I guess 130 years ago. So yeah, we're... That's
a great red blend.
Best $25 bottle of wine.
One of the 30s.
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