Zinfandel
(ZIN-fahn-dell)
American Grape
Zinfandel the American - or Californian - grape. Although it's not from America (Croatia has been named its origin), it does seem quite at home in the vineyards of California. During Prohibition, many Zinfandel vines survived as the high-yielding grape was popular both for home winemaking and communion wine, which is why so many old vines are still around today. The variety grows well in the warm, sunny - but not too hot - regions of California and is succeptible to uneven ripening and high yields. In the 1970s, when red wine lacked a following, Bob Trinchero of Sutter Home Winery crafted a sweet pink concoction from the Zinfandel grape, and the White Zinfandel craze was born. As that craze has dwindled, artisan production of the grape in its natural, red form has resurfaced.

Notable Facts
While Zinfandel is grown many places in the country, its most popular and successful region is California. Appellations producing delicious Zinfandel wines include Sonoma, specifically Dry Creek Valley, Napa, the North Coast, the Central Coast, and the Sierra Foothills. Zinfandel stands out with its very berry intensity and exotic spice notes. In some jammy fruit will dominate, in others, it's the spice that wows the palate.

Summing it up
Successful Sites: California

Common Descriptors: raspberry, briary, blackberry, pepper, exotic spice