Wine Encyclopedia/Red Grapes/Zinfandel
Red WineCroatia (via California)

Zinfandel

Also known as: Primitivo (Italy), Crljenak Kaลกtelanski (Croatia)

America's heritage grape, Zinfandel produces bold, jammy wines with high alcohol and spicy character. Though long thought to be uniquely American, DNA testing revealed its Croatian origins.

BodyFull
AcidityMedium
TanninsMedium
SweetnessDry
๐Ÿ‡
๐Ÿ’ก

White Zinfandel was created by accident in 1975 when a fermentation got stuck, leaving residual sugar.

๐Ÿ‘ƒ Tasting Notes

Primary Flavors

BlackberryRaspberryBlack cherry

Secondary Flavors

Black pepperCinnamonVanillaSmoke

Aromas

JamLicoriceSweet tobacco

๐ŸŒ Famous Wine Regions

Sonoma County

USA
Old vine heritage

Historic old vines producing complex, balanced wines

Paso Robles

USA
Powerful expression

Bold, fruit-forward style with high alcohol

Lodi

USA
Value and history

Ancient vines, some over 100 years old

Puglia

Italy
Italian interpretation

Known as Primitivo, produces rich, ripe wines

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Perfect Food Pairings

BBQ ribs
Pizza
Spicy sausage
Burgers
Aged gouda

๐ŸŒก๏ธ Serving Guide

Temperature

16-18ยฐC (61-65ยฐF)

Glass Type

Large Bordeaux glass

Decanting

30 minutes to 1 hour

โณ Aging Potential

3-10 years

All Grape Varieties