
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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Terra d'Oro Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sierra Foothills, California
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Turley Hayne Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- WS
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Hartford Fanucchi-Wood Road Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from California
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Hartford Hartford Vineyard Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from California
- RP
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Turley Pesenti Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- RP
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Clos du Bois Dry Creek Reserve Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Turley Dogtown Vineyard Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Lodi, California
- RP
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Terra d'Oro SHR Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sierra Foothills, California
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La Crema Russian River Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
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Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
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J. Garcia Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
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Turley Old Vines Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from California
- WE
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Ferrari-Carano Dry Creek Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Fife Mendocino Uplands Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
- WE
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Turley Tofanelli Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- WS
- RP
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Rancho Zabaco Heritage Vines Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
- W&S
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Edmeades Piffero Vineyard Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Central Coast, California
- RP
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Alderbrook Winery Old Vine Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
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Ravenswood Monte Rosso Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
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Renwood Winery Grandmere Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sierra Foothills, California
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Neyers Pato Ranch Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Ravenswood Napa Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
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Wild Horse Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Central Coast, California
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Bonny Doon Cardinal Zin 2001Zinfandel from Central Coast, California
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Renwood Winery Jack Rabbit Flat Zinfandel 2001Zinfandel from Sierra Foothills, California
- WE