Zinfandel
(ZIN-fahn-dell)
American Grape
Some call 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, Zinfandel was the favored grape for communion wine, which is why so many old vines are still around today. It grows well in the warm, sunny regions of California and is succeptible to excessive sugar levels, creating wines high in alcohol. Most winemakers are able to tame or balance the high alcohol with the big fruit flavors and smooth tannins also typical of Zinfandel. The sugar levels of the grape contributed to the production and popularity of White Zinfandel as well.
(ZIN-fahn-dell)
American Grape
Some call 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, Zinfandel was the favored grape for communion wine, which is why so many old vines are still around today. It grows well in the warm, sunny regions of California and is succeptible to excessive sugar levels, creating wines high in alcohol. Most winemakers are able to tame or balance the high alcohol with the big fruit flavors and smooth tannins also typical of Zinfandel. The sugar levels of the grape contributed to the production and popularity of White Zinfandel as well.
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
and the Sierra Foothills.
Zinfandel stands out with its very berry intensity, packed with jammy flavors
of blueberries and blackberries. It's not short on tannins either, although
the fruit and alcohol adds balance.
Summing it up
Successful Sites: California
Common Descriptors: jammy, blackberry