OUR GNARLY STORY
Gnarly Head wines began with a vision and a vine. In 2004, on a mission to make a serious Zinfandel, our winemakers journeyed to Lodi in central California in search of the famed old vine Zinfandel vineyards. Grown in the head-trained, spur-pruned method for over a century, these vigorous gnarled vines produced more ripened red fruit than they had ever seen. They took it as a challenge to create the biggest, boldest Zinfandel they had ever made. The result was authentic, structured wines with a hint of something unexpected. Something Gnarly.
But Zinfandel is not the only grape that can be Gnarly. Our winemakers select grapes from some of the best vineyards in Northern California to produce wines in our Gnarly house style–big and juicy. These wines are the perfect complement to life’s bold moments.
GNARLY HEAD WINES
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Gnarly Head
Old Vine Zinfandel
Rich, dark berry flavors with layers of spice, plum, pepper and vanilla.
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Gnarly Head
Pinot Noir
Voluptuous, sleek tannins and lush fruit with flavors of violet, black cherry and plum
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Gnarly Head
Chardonnay
Fresh, vibrant and fruit forward; full of tropical flavors with just a touch of vanilla.
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GNARLY OLD VINES
Bud Bradley
Viticulturist, Gnarly Head
At Gnarly Head, Bud ensures that our sustainably-farmed vines flourish in some of the oldest, most respected vineyards in Lodi. The Zinfandel vines, some of the oldest in California, are grown in the traditional freestanding “head-trained” way and provide inspiration for Bud. He ensures that all of the Gnarly Head vines produce fruit for the collection in the signature Gnarly House Style.
Scott Jones
Winemaker, Gnarly Head
In 2008, Scott joined the Gnarly Head team as the Winemaker, continuing to build his expertise in the Lodi growing region; a crucial attribute for Gnarly Head. Each day, he spends hours in our sustainably-farmed vineyards inspecting the vineyard blocks, tasting the grapes and maintaining relationships with growers that have lasted several generations. In the cellar, Scott ensures his winemaking techniques support Gnarly Head’s signature bold style.
Kramer Vineyard – Home to Gnarly
Head Old Zinfandel Vines
Old Zinfandel Vines date back to the early 1900s when Italian immigrants settled on the west side of Lodi and planted Zinfandel. The best vineyards are still owned and managed by these families, some going on their fourth generation as farmers. Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin is sourced from these family owned and managed vineyards with long term contracts; many that began with a handshake years ago.
Clay Station Vineyard
Clay Station is the historic Old Borden Ranch purchased by Delicato Family Vineyards in 1995. It currently has 1,300 acres planted to vines. This exceptional vineyard is sustainably farmed based on the Lodi Rules and is certified by Protected Harvest, an environmental non-profit organization that endorses farmers’ use of stringent environmental farming standards (Lodi Rules Certified since 2006). Clay Station is a source for Gnarly Head’s portfolio of wine.
GNARLY RECIPES
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Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini with Sage and Pinenuts
A perfect lite appetizer to start your Gnarly evening. This fig and goat cheese crostini pairs well with our velvety Pinot Noir.
Serves MAKES 40 PIECES
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Tacos Al Pastor
Take a trip south of the border with our tacos al pastor; pairs perfectly with our Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon.
Serves 6-8 SERVINGS
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Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Perfect for game day, our wings are a Gnarly balance of savor and spice and pair well with a glass of our Sauvignon Blanc.
Serves 5-6 SERVINGS
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Espresso Rubbed Tri-Tip
Who would have thought espresso and tri-tip would pair so well? This recipe is a Gnarly twist on classic sirloin. Try it tonight with a glass of our Authentic Black.
Serves 6 SERVINGS
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Grilled Vegetable Panzanella
Our panzanella is perfect for a warm summer night’s supper enjoyed on a backyard patio. Try it with a glass of our Chardonnay.
Serves 4 SERVINGS
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Bodacious Baby Back Ribs with Wicked Rib Mop
Ribs are the ultimate BBQ fare, and these ribs are sure to please. Try them with our Old Vine Zinfandel.
Serves 4 Servings
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