Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo in Italy) is a red/black winegrape grown mostly in California, where it represents more than 10% of all planted varieties. Zinfandel is known to produce full-bodied, spicy wines, best served chilled under a warm weather.
edit Aromas. Zinandel is traditionally used to produce full-bodied, spicy red wines.
In California it is also increasingly vinified into rosé wines called White Zinfandel, which have proved very successful on the U.S. market.
Aromas and flavors greatly depend of the degree of maturity at harvest. Red fruits dominate in cooler regions such as Napa Valley, while blackberries and black pepper take the lead in the warmer vineyards of Sonoma.
Alcohol in Zinfandel wines often goes beyond the 15% barrier.
Better served chilled (between 15-18°C), a red Zinfandel is one of the best non-white wine choices for a hot summer evening. "Zins" are especially recommended with spicy pizza, heavily seasoned meats, or any tomato-and-spice based dishes. Zinfandel is also a typical Thanksgiving wine.
edit Regions
2005 Dancing Bull Zinfandel, a typical red "Zin" from California.
2005 Dancing Bull Zinfandel, a typical red "Zin" from California.
Zinfandel is mostly grown in California, where it represents more than 10% of all winegrapes grown. Wines made with 100% Zinfandel are increasingly popular around the United States, especially in the rosé variety, called White Zinfandel. The nickname "Zin" is widely used, while the complete name "Zinfandel" is most often printed on wine labels.
Inside California, Zinfandel is mostly grown in the San Joaquin County, followed by Sonoma, Madera, Fresno and San Luis Obispo.
In San Joaquin, Zinfandel is so popular that it has been included in the official county arms, where its grapes are pictured among other fruits on the balance of Justice.
Elsewhere in the United States, Zinfandel is grown in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Washington
While California is its kingdom, Zinfandel actually comes from Croatia (where it is known as Crljenak Kaštelanski) via Italy (where it is known as Primitivo). It is thought to have been brought to the US by Italian immigrants in the 19th century. This was demonstrated in a research by Carole Meredith of the University of California at Davis.
Zinfandel can also be found in South Africa and in Australia -- especially in the McLaren Vale region where it is planted since the 19th century.
edit Viticulture
Zinfandel offers a high level of sugar, which makes him suitable as a table grape as well as a winegrape. Once vinified, this sugar delivers high degrees of alcohol, up to 15% or more.
Zinfandel vines are quite vigorous and grow best in warm climates. Grapes are thin-skinned and grow in large, tight bunches. Ripening comes early in the season, but the grapes can also be harvested late to produced dessert wines.
edit Other names
* Crljenak Kaštelanski
* Primitivo
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