
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.
- Pinot Noir158
- Cabernet Sauvignon88
- Rhône Blends43
- Other Red Blends37
- Malbec21
- Bordeaux Red Blends17
- Merlot17
- Zinfandel17
- Sangiovese15
- Tempranillo14
- Syrah/Shiraz13
- Grenache8
- Cabernet Franc6
- Barbera5
- Nebbiolo5
- Carmenere4
- Mourvedre4
- Tuscan Blends3
- Montepulciano2
- Agiorgitiko2
- Aglianico1
- Bonarda1
- Cinsault1
- Dolcetto1
- Gamay1
- Negroamaro1
- Other Red Wine1
- Tannat1
- Touriga Nacional1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Gaglioppo1
- Nerello Mascalese1
-
Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from San Francisco Bay, Central Coast, California
- TP
-
Rombauer California Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from California
-
Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Sonoma County, California
- WS
- WW
- WE
-
Robert Biale Vineyards Black Chicken Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
- WE
- WW
-
Rombauer California Zinfandel (375ML half-bottle) 2018Zinfandel from California
-
Oakville Winery Estate Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- WW
-
Titus Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from California
-
Tortoise Creek The Chelonian Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Lodi, California
- WW
-
Eberle Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
-
Ghost Block Pelissa Vineyard Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
-
Bedrock Wine Company California Old Vine Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from California
- WS
- WE
-
Dashe Vineyard Select Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from California
- TP
- WE
- WS
-
Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- WW
-
Grayson Cellars Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from California
- WE
-
Hendry HRW Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from Napa Valley, California
-
Baron Herzog Old Vine Zinfandel (OU Kosher) 2018Zinfandel from California
-
Cline Live Oak Zinfandel 2018Zinfandel from San Francisco Bay, Central Coast, California