
Zinfandel Wine
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. Small quantities of Zinfandel grapes grow in countries as disparate as Mexico, Israel, South Africa, Canada, and Australia. Washington and Oregon produce Zinfandel grapes as well. In Croatia, production increased dramatically in 2001 once the news hit of the connection with Zinfandel grapes and Primitivo. From an early discovery of 22 vines, there are now more than 200,000. In Puglia about 10,000 acres exist. In California, Zinfandel is the second most-planted red grape, after Cabernet Sauvignon, with more than 50,000 acres, and it has been around since the 1850’s at least.
Zinfandel History
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 quality 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. California versions often show blueberry, raspberry, boysenberry, and peach yogurt flavors. Pepper, spice and a brambly character commonly make an appearance as well.
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 Caesar 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. Old to very old Zinfandel grape vines are prized, even though they produce smaller amounts of fruit. The wines made from such gnarly old stumps are avidly sought after. Whatever you call it, Zinfandel is a wine worth exploring.
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Turley Buck Cobb Vineyard Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Amador, Sierra Foothills, California
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Easton Amador County Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Amador, Sierra Foothills, California
- WS
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Turley Dragon Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
- WS
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Turley Kirschenmann Vineyard Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Lodi, California
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Turley Duarte Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from San Francisco Bay, Central Coast, California
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Foppiano Estate Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
- W&S
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Turley Cedarman Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
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Turley Mead Ranch Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
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Turley Dusi Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WS
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Turley Bedrock Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Caricature Old Vine Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Lodi, California
- WE
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Girard Old Vine Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
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Jeff Cohn Cellars Iron Hill Vineyard Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
- JD
- WS
- RP
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Ottimino Biglieri Vineyard Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Shannon Ridge High Elevation Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Lake County, North Coast, California
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Turley Ueberroth Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Central Coast, California
- WS
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Frei Brothers Reserve Dry Creek Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Martinelli Vigneto di Evo Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
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Stuhlmuller Vineyards Estate Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Frog's Leap Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- W&S
- WW
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Boneshaker Lodi Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Lodi, California
- WE
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Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from California
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Rodney Strong Estate Knotty Vines Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
- W&S
- WW
- WE
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Renwood Premier Old Vine Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Amador, Sierra Foothills, California
- WE
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Jeff Cohn Cellars Nun's Canyon Vineyard Zinfandel 2015Zinfandel from Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
- JD
- RP