No wine for you

Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco, had guided a bill through the Legislature to designate Zinfandel the "historic wine" of California. But on Monday, the legislation meet with the business end of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto pen. According to the legislation: (a) Zinfandel wine arrived in California at the time of the Gold Rush. Zinfandel quickly became a favorite drink of the Gold Rush miners and has consistently been one of the most popular selling varietals. The only place in the world to find "Old Vine" zinfandel is in California. (b) Zinfandel's popularity and consistently strong sales have elevated the popularity of previously unknown, but identical local wines in Italy and Croatia. Zinfandel has a wide variety of flavors that complement the culinary and cultural diversity of California. Zinfandels have consistently performed well at national and international wine judging competitions. (c) Zinfandel's cultural and historical contribution to California and its importance to California's wine industry make it worthy of recognition as California's historic wine. But Schwarzenegger did not agree. Here's some of what he had to say: To name only one of the many of the varietals produced in California as the historic wine fails to recognize the many world class varietals produced in the State. With California’s unique micro climates, diverse geography, outstanding soils, and industrious growers, farmworkers and vintners who have mastered the delicate art of winemaking perfectly balancing art with science, it would be a shame to recognize only one as “California’s Historic Wine.” Whether it is a Cabernet from Napa or Sonoma, a delicate Pinot Noir from the Central Coast, a Zinfandel from the San Joaquin Valley or Sierra Foothills, California produces some of the finest wines in the world. California wines have inspired authors, artists, and Oscar winning motion pictures. The biggest irony: Midgen doesn't drink.