Robert Biale Zinfandel Black Chicken 2023
Product details
| Management number | 253519286 | Release Date | 2026/10/24 | List Price | CA$36.80 | Model Number | 253519286 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | |||||||||
The "Black Chicken" Legend
-
The Secret Business: In 1943, following the death of his father, 14-year-old Aldo Biale began making homemade Zinfandel to help his mother support their family farm in Napa Valley. Because they didn't have a commercial license to sell alcohol, Aldo had to sell his wine "under the table."
-
The Party Line: During that era, the Biale family used a "party line" phone system, meaning neighbors could pick up their receivers and listen in on conversations. To avoid being caught by nosy neighbors or government authorities, Aldo needed a password.
-
The Code: Since the farm was known for its white leghorn chickens, Aldo told customers to ask for a "Black Chicken" (Gallina Nera in Italian) when they wanted a jug of his inky-dark Zinfandel.
-
The Delivery: Customers would call and order "a dozen eggs and a black chicken." Aldo would then deliver the produce along with the clandestine jug of wine in his 1940 blue Studebaker.
Legacy and Honors
-
The Smithsonian: The story is so central to Napa Valley's history that Aldo’s original "punch-down stick" (used to stir the fermenting grapes) and an old grape-picker's box are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection at the National Museum of American History.
-
Legal Production: The wine was first produced legally under the "Black Chicken" label in 1999 as a tribute to Aldo’s resilience and the family's heritage.
Bestseller ranking
United States Red
Correction of product information
If you notice any omissions or errors in the product information on this page, please use the correction request form below.
Correction Request Form