
Zinfandel
Learn about Zinfandel — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel is often thought of as California’s flagship grape. In fact it owns this title by having the ability to adapt to the states’ many microclimates and landscapes, producing unique expressions of the grape throughout. Zinfandel thrives in California’s Central Coast, as well throughout Sonoma County, parts of Napa Valley, the Sierra Foothills, Lodi and Paso Robles.
Zinfandel's story begins in Croatia in the 1400s when it went by the names, Tribidrag or Crljenak Kaštelanski. In the 1700s, it made its way to southern Italy where it became known as Primitivo. The astute imperial nursery of Vienna collected specimens of the vine and acted as the source of its journey to New England, carried by George Gibbs circa 1829. Eventually, making its way to California around the Gold Rush of 1849, Zinfandel found its new home, parading the true American spirit. The modern spelling of Zinfandel first appeared in 1852 and became standard about a decade later.
Tasting Notes for Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a dry red wine, though typically forward in fruit. Notes of dark plum, blackberry, sweet spice, dark chocolate and licorice are common. Very ripe examples may express a dried fruit quakity like fig or prune. But Zinfandel grown in cooler, coastal zones often shows red fruit, black pepper and fresh herbal characteristics like juniper and menthol.
Perfect Food Pairings for Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a powerfully flavored wine, mingling happily with bold food like brisket, lamb shanks, pork ribs or anything barbecued. More delicate Zins work with pork, lamb curry and even Ceasar Salad or Salad Nicoise.
Sommelier Secrets for Zinfandel
Thanks to its popularity both for home winemaking and as communion wine, many Zinfandel vines were able to survive prohibition, leading to the abundance of "old vine" Zinfandels. These low-yielding, ancient vines tend to produce wine that is deeply concentrated, delicately perfumed and decidedly complex.
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Rodney Strong Estate Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
- W&S
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Turley Fredericks Vineyard Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
- RP
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Storybook Mountain Mayacamas Range Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- W&S
- RP
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Wines 4 Cures 4 Foxes Napa Valley Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
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XYZin 10 2007Zinfandel from California
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Cline Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from California
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Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Paul Dolan Vineyards Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from California
- WE
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Kunde Estate Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
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Bonterra Organically Grown Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from North Coast, California
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Seghesio Home Ranch Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
- WS
- RP
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Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from California
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Storybook Mountain Estate Reserve Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- CG
- W&S
- RP
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Inglenook Edizione Pennino Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- WE
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Cline Big Break Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from California
- WS
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Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- W&S
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Cline Live Oak Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from California
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Cline Bridgehead Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from California
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Turley Vineyard 101 Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
- RP
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Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel 2007Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- CG