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Robert Biale Vineyards

Address:
Robert Biale Vineyards
4038 Big Ranch Road
Napa, CAMAP
Phone:
(707) 257-7555
E-mail:
Tastingroom@Robertbialevineyards.com
URL:
http://www.robertbialeviney...

During the 1920s, Pietro and Christina Biale moved to Napa Valley from Northern Italy. They began planting Zinfandel vines on their new property. There are few families in the state with a comparable legacy producing California’s grape.

In the waning years of Prohibition, local residents would visit Pietro and ask for a “black chicken.” This was the code word for a jug of Zinfandel. Aldo, the current patriarch of the family, named one of his Zinfandels after this story.

In 1991, the winery made their first vintage of 400 cases. Zinfandel from 60 year old vines was used for this inaugural wine. The property has since been named “Aldo’s Vineyard,” and is located in the Oak Knoll AVA. In addition to their many Zinfandel bottlings, Biale Winery also makes an excellent Syrah with grapes sourced from Alexander Valley. Al Perry is the winemaker at Biale.

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Comments & Reviews

November 27, 2006 | Jessica Diamond

I tried their Zin not long ago and loved it. Was thinking about visiting their winery, do they do tastings?

December 8, 2006 | Brad Jones

I believe so, but I think you need an appointment.

December 8, 2006 | Steve Rindle

I’ve tasted at Darioush and Luna, but never at Biale, even though I’ve had their wines on many occasions. They’re on my list the next time I go out to wine country.

December 11, 2006 | Farley

I fell in love with the Black Chicken Zin a while ago... Drank that and several other Biale wines back in Mississippi, but I haven't seen any since I moved to CA.

December 14, 2006 | Steve Rindle

I was looking into it, and their wines are almost impossible to get your hands on. The waiting list to get on their mailing list is a mile long.

January 7, 2007 | Ryan Fujiu

I tried their 04 "Royal Punishers" Petite Sirah last night. It was a great wine, but at 16% alcohol, i was quite drunk by the end of the bottle.

January 16, 2007 | Jessica Diamond

I wouldn't complain if i were you Maverick. I have trouble getting a hold of any Biale wine.

January 16, 2007 | Ryan Fujiu

I'm not complaining at all, I guess im just a light weight in my old age.

January 16, 2007 | Jessica Diamond

OMG! Whatever...

January 18, 2007 | Farley

Mmmmm. I just had the bottle of 03 Black Chicken I'd been saving since it's hard to find (as has been pointed out). So damn good I wrote a post about it on my blog.

Mmmmmm.

January 19, 2007 | Jessica Diamond

Farley, i was incredibly jealous before i read your post. After reading it, which is great by the way, my feelings are confirmed...

January 19, 2007 | Farley

Thanks, diamondgirl. Like I said, it's bittersweet cause now I'm sad it's gone.

January 23, 2007 | Ben Bicais

Black Chicken is a great wine, and the story behind it is really interesting. During Prohibition, the Biales sold jugs of homemade wine under the codename "black chicken." Aldo's Vineyard is also a must-try as well as their Alexander Valley Petite Sirah.

January 24, 2007 | Farley

Ben, I'm with you on the Petite Syrah. Had it a couple of years ago and loved it. I also have the Zappa blend, which I'm holding on to, but not for much longer.

March 12, 2007 | crystal

Im going to Calif. this week are there any good tours you can recomend --- while staying on a reserved budget???

May 24, 2007 | Ryan Fujiu

Hi Crystal, we're putting together some good wine tours. It will be posted on the blog when they are done.

October 14, 2008 | zincat

Biale does tastings by appt. and you can go to their websight and get on the mailing list. Sometimes, it is hard to get. Go to the Websight

November 7, 2008 | Mulugeta Tesfay

I want to visit Robert Biale vinyars!

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