Zinfandel
Although Zinfandel—known as Primitivo in Italy—hails from Europe, its most famous incarnations come from the United States. In California, this black grape produces spicy, unctuous red wines. A version of Zinfandel, known as white Zinfandel, is extremely popular in the United States.
In the vineyard, Zinfandel is a black grape with thin skin. Grapes grow in large, compact cones with berries of varying ripeness levels. Because grapes ripen at different times, the resulting wines can have a mix of dried and fresh fruit flavors, however some winemakers hand select the berries to hone the flavor profile. The grape thrives in warm, dry climates and can produce wines that are close to 20% alcohol-by-volume (abv). Wines are often made from old vines that have matured in the vineyard for as long as a century.
Zinfandel can be vinified into red and rosé wines. Red wines are red-purple in color, and display a signature spice profile, as well as jammy red fruits, like blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Zinfandel in California
Production of Zinfandel began to surge in California during the 1840s. It is now grown across the state, with notable examples coming from Napa, Sonoma, the Sierra Foothills, Amador County and Paso Robles. Styles vary among these regions, with some of the hotter climates yielding powerful wines with muscle and depth.
Zinfandel in Italy
Known as Primitivo in Italy, the grape is most well known in the southern region of Puglia. The generally warm climate of the area produces richly fruited wines that show lots of jammy cherry and blackberry tones, alongside lifted accents of spice, violet and orange rind. The most well-known expression from Puglia is Primitivo di Manduria, which is from a region that sits alongside the Ionian Sea. There are the richest, broadest examples from an area. In more central Puglia, Primitivo from the Gioia del Colle appellation can be lighter and more elegant in style. Well-priced, accessible options abound in the Salento Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT).
Zinfandel’s Origins
The grape originated in Croatia, where it is known as Crljenak Kaštelanski. From there, it spread to southern Italy. Italian immigrants brought the vine to the United States, where it eventually became widely planted in California.
Synonyms: Crljenak Kaštelanski, Kratošija, Morellone, Pribidrag, Primaticcio, Primitivo, Primitivo di Gioia, Primativo, Trebidrag, Tribidrag, Uva di Corato, Zagarese
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Vineyard 29 2019 Aida Estate Zinfandel (St. Helena)
NapaThis deep but elegant wine blends gorgeous, ripe black fruit flavors with ...See Full Review$95 -
Amador Cellars 2018 Family Reserve Estate Zinfandel (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsElegant but powerful, this builds a polished frame of full body and ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$48 -
Lava Cap 2019 Reserve Zinfandel (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsDeep and well concentrated, this full-bodied wine seamlessly integrates moderate tannins with ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$25 -
Cedarville 2019 Estate Zinfandel (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsThis concentrated and complex wine made in tiny quantities is packed with ...Cellar SelectionSee Full Review$29 -
Ridge 2020 Benito Dusi Ranch Zinfandel (Paso Robles)
Central CoastLoads of earth and smoked meat aromas kick off the nose of ...See Full Review$36 -
Stride 2018 Zinfandel (Amador County)
Sierra FoothillsThis compelling and concentrated wine from a new brand by winemaker Joe ...See Full Review$42 -
Cedarville 2018 Estate Zinfandel (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsThis generous, full-bodied and well-structured wine is easy to enjoy and will ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$26 -
Tinto Amorio 2021 Jajaja Glou Glou Zinfandel (California)
California OtherThis fresh, semicarbonically fermented Zinfandel from Paso Robles pops on the nose ...See Full Review$45 -
Purple Dragon 2019 Tres Ninos Vineyard Zinfandel (Arroyo Grande Valley)
Central CoastDark strawberry, boysenberry and blue fruit aromas are hearty but balanced on ...See Full Review$30 -
V. Sattui 2019 Duarte Vineyard Zinfandel (Contra Costa County)
Central CoastOozing ripe fruit, this full-bodied but smooth wine goes for the limit ...See Full Review$38 -
Bella Grace 2018 Private Selection Zinfandel (Shenandoah Valley (CA))
Sierra FoothillsThis firmly layered and structured wine holds fresh, bright raspberry, red cherry ...See Full Review$90 -
Opolo 2020 Summit Creek Zinfandel (Paso Robles)
Central CoastRich and lush aromas of black cherry, hickory smoke and dried herbs ...See Full Review$19 -
Charles B. Mitchell 2019 D'Agostini Reserve Zinfandel (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsGenerous, ripe and inviting fruit aromas lead to a rich, creamy palate ...See Full Review$29 -
Calstar Cellars 2018 Cardinini Estate Alta Zin Zinfandel (El Dorado County)
Sierra FoothillsVivid, fresh raspberry and red cherry flavors are carried on a great ...See Full Review$22 -
Opolo 2020 Mountain Zinfandel (Paso Robles)
Central CoastRoasted strawberry, salted meat and pleasant smoke aromas show on the nose ...See Full Review$30 -
Ridge 2020 East Bench Funsten Ranch Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
SonomaThis big, boisterous 100% varietal wine piles fresh, grapy aromas on ripe ...See Full Review$37 -
Rabble 2019 Zinfandel (Paso Robles)
Central CoastTightly wound aromas of blackberry, red flower and wood spice show on ...See Full Review$25 -
Carnivor 2019 Zinfandel (California)
California OtherA toasty, spicy aroma and rich blackberry jam and maple flavors give ...Best BuySee Full Review$11 -
Carol Shelton 2019 Oakley Old Vine Zinfandel (Contra Costa County)
Central CoastThis robust wine from the 130-year-old Planchon Vineyard blends earthy complexity with ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$32 -
Mettler Family Vineyards 2019 Epicenter Old Vine Zinfandel (Lodi)
Central ValleyThis classic, full-bodied California Zin shows intriguing nuances of wild sage, bay ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$25
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