Celebrating Zinfandel Wine

Opening a bottle of Zinfandel is like unlocking the heart of American winemaking. This wine grape, deeply rooted in the history of the United States, has a rich and expressive narrative that weaves a captivating tapestry of taste.

Zinfandel, sometimes affectionately termed ‘Zin,’ is a wine for all seasons. Uncork a full-bodied red Zinfandel on a chilly evening, or sip a glass of refreshing White Zinfandel at a summer picnic. Loaded with dark berry fruits complemented by bright acidity and velvet-smooth tannins, red Zinfandel wine delights the senses.

It also just so happens to be excitingly versatile when it comes to pairing with food. A bottle of Zinfandel is perfect for any occasion, light enough for white meats like chicken and pork but packing enough power to stand up to lamb and beef.

Origins of Zinfandel

Zinfandel is an essential part of America’s wine history, so much so that people once believed the grape was native to California. With so many old-vine Zinfandel plantings across California, it’s not hard to see why they came to this conclusion. It earned a reputation as a true California variety.

However, researchers proved this All-American grape wasn’t so American after all. They discovered that Zinfandel is a genetic match to the Italian grape Primitivo, which dominates the vineyards of Puglia in southern Italy. The grape arrived on American shores with immigrants from the Old World during the early 19th century.

But the story doesn’t end there. A little more digging proved that Zinfandel and Primitivo are none other than clones of an even older grape, Crljenak Kaštelanski (also called Tribidrag), which hails from Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.

Despite its European origins, Zinfandel has made its true home in the United States, specifically in California, where approximately 10% of vineyards are planted with Zinfandel grapes. The Golden State’s warm climate and diverse soil types create an optimal environment for the Zinfandel grape, contributing to the production of robust reds and lighthearted rosé styles that have endeared the variety to wine enthusiasts around the globe.

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Red Zinfandel Wine

It’s easy to see why Zinfandel is so popular. Jammy and rich, it’s full of luscious red, blue and black fruits, red licorice, spice and subtle smokiness. All that gorgeous ripe fruit is balanced by refreshing acidity and smooth tannins.

American Zinfandels are sometimes pretty high in alcohol content, with some bottles reaching upwards of 16% ABV. Compare that to Italian Primitivos, which tend to veer south of the 15% ABV level.

In California especially, but also in Italy, there are several vineyards planted with old Zinfandel vines. Wines produced from old vines boast exceptionally concentrated aromas and flavors because, as they age, they produce less fruit, so all the goodness gathers in fewer bunches.

Super premium and super value (like our Black Saint Peter Old Vine Zinfandel), these Zins are a great way to discover the hype surrounding old-vine wines first-hand.

In the U.S., the best Zinfandel wines come from California. Regions like Paso Robles, Sonoma, and Napa lead the pack for premium examples, but you’ll also find some excellent Zins from the Central Coast and the world’s Zin capital, Lodi. Many Golden State Zinfandels see time in oak, adding layers of vanilla, baking spice and occasionally coconut to the wines.

Across the Atlantic, Italy’s premier Primitivo region is Puglia, where the grape takes on more spicy, savory notes.

Thanks to its ripeness, Zinfandel is a winner with spicy dishes. It’s one of the few reds that pairs effortlessly with Indian food. Chilis usually make a wine taste ‘hot’ or more alcoholic—not so with Zin. This brilliant barbecue wine is also delicious with poultry or game birds. You’ll never need to stumble over what wine to bring to Thanksgiving dinner again—Zinfandel is the ultimate turkey wine. It even pairs well with seared ahi tuna and grilled vegetable skewers.

White Zinfandel Wine

Contrary to what the name suggests, White Zinfandel wine isn’t made from a white Zinfandel grape. It’s a beautiful rosé wine made from the same red Zin variety above. This pretty pink rosé reached peak popularity in the 1970s and ’80s, which helped propel the wine to stardom. With its icon status secured, many winemakers saved their old-vine Zinfandel plantings at a time when vineyards were being uprooted in favor of more lucrative international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

With its sweet taste and low alcohol (about 9–10% on average), White Zinfandel is an uncomplicated, typically inexpensive crowd-pleaser. It pairs well with spicy barbecue, thanks to its ripe berry fruit and that sweet flavor.

Petticoat White Zinfandel always makes an appearance at our cookouts. Like red Zinfandel, the pink version goes great with turkey, and that hint of sweetness will cool the flames of even the hottest curries.

Other Wines Similar to Zinfandel

Anyone who enjoys the bold, fruity flavors of red Zinfandel should try Syrah (also known as Shiraz). Like Zinfandel, Syrah combines red and dark fruit flavors, with elegant floral notes and peppery undertones. Aussie Shiraz is the direction to go for those who love Zinfandel’s bold fruit profile, while the Syrahs of the Rhône Valley should hit the spot for Primitivo fans.

Lush and plush Merlot is another excellent Zinfandel alternative. Easy-drinking, with loads of ripe red fruits and supple tannins, Merlot is a little lighter than red Zin but pairs with many of the same dishes.

Negroamaro is a Puglian grape that winemakers in the region often blend with Primitivo. On its own, Negroamaro boasts tons of black fruit flavors, along with a savory herbal element similar to Italian Primitivos. It’s a phenomenal pizza wine.

White Zinfandel drinkers will appreciate other deeply hued, bold rosés like Grenache rosé. Although these wines tend to be dry, they’re intense, fruity and refreshing, like white Zin. If it’s the sweetness that makes your taste buds sing, try Moscato or an off-dry Riesling.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelby, Personal Wine Advisor

I found myself in the world of wine a decade ago. I’ve travelled, I’ve tasted, I’ve met some of my wine “rockstars!” I pride myself on being a resource for those seeking their own wine journey.

WSET – Level 2 Wines & Spirits Certified

Beefy Cabs • Aged Malbec • Southern Italian Blends • Portuguese Reds • Châteauneuf- du-Pape (my favorite!)

kelby@laithwaites.com | (203) 523-2159