Zinfandel

Janell Dusi grew up among the vines — now, she’s crafting world class wines of her own. A fourth-generation Zinfandel farmer, her great-grandparents immigrated to Paso Robles from Italy in the 1920s and planted the first Dusi vineyards. After a childhood working the land, harvesting the grapes, and learning all about organic farming from her grandpa, Janell became the first to make wine from her family’s iconic fruit. She worked tirelessly to go from farmer’s daughter to vintner before starting her own label: J Dusi wines.

She and her beau, Billy, now run her wildly successful winery right down the street from where she grew up. She uses grapes from the same vines she ran through as a child — and it’s still a family affair.

This Old Vine Zinfandel captures the best of two very different vineyards. It has the big and spicy elements of Paper Street, and the softer, earthier flavor of Dusi vineyard. The result is a wine full of dark berries and baking spices, striking the perfect balance that could only come from Dusi vineyards in Paso Robles.

The can design honors Janell’s grandfather, the Dusi pioneer of Paso Robles Zin. The tractor is a nod to the fleet of old trucks that lived on the Dusi farm growing up, all doorless and flat bed, packed with old wooden crates of grapes. It’s set on a “Dusi blue” background; the color that grandpa Dusi used to paint everything.

Janell is a country girl at heart, which means one thing when it comes to pairing this wine: BBQ. Throw some baby back ribs with a dry spice rub on the grill, or char some veggies — this Zin is big enough for red meat and soft enough for root vegetables. If red checker table cloths aren’t your thing, Janell recommends honoring the Dusi Italian roots and sipping the Zin alongside a delicious za or spaghetti, or creamy polenta and short rib.

Two outstanding vineyards come together in this blend of 100% Zinfandel. Half of the grapes come from one of the oldest vineyards in California, the Dante Dusi Vineyard, planted in 1945 and dry farmed. The other half comes from the steep and rugged hillsides of Paper Street Vineyard, a second Dusi family vineyard planted at 1600 feet. Clones vines one two drastically different terroirs brings an abundance of rich, velvety wine brimming with dark fruits and a hint of spice towards the lingering finish. It’s the epitome of a bold yet elegant Paso Robles Zinfandel, and it’s now in a Maker can, ready to arrive at your doorstep.

“This wine brings me pure joy in blending two of our family vineyards together for the very first time. Zinfandel has always been at the center of my life and my heart!” - Janell