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Zinfandel is known for its bold and robust characteristics. It is a full-bodied wine with high alcohol content and rich fruit flavours. Blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry are often prominent in Zinfandel wines, accompanied by spicy notes of black pepper and cloves.
The wine can vary in sweetness levels, from dry to off-dry, and can also exhibit hints of smokiness or earthiness in certain styles. Its high tannins give it structure and fantastic aging potential, allowing it to develop complex flavours over time.
Zinfandel is best known as a Californian wine, where the climate is ideal to bring out the best in this grape. You get a high alcohol wine, massive fruit flavours, heat, and substantial tannin, a real powerhouse for your palate! This makes it unique, and an easily identified style of wine.
The true origin of Zinfandel (and its genetically identical sibling, Primitivo) is traced back to a grape called Crljenak, an ancient Croatian grape variety. DNA testing of vines from vineyards across the globe at the end of the last century found a single 90-year-old grapevine in Split, Croatia, that proved that Zinfandel was a Croatian grape that had been known as Tribidrag since at least the 15th century.
Oak aging significantly affects the structure of Zinfandel, softening the tannins, resulting in a smoother and more balanced wine.
Most importantly, oak aging gives extra complexity and depth to the wine, developing layers of flavour and bringing out spice and vanilla undertones. Depending on the type of oak, it can also bring darker notes, like chocolate and tobacco notes.
Young, lighter Zinfandel is the ultimate wine to pair with charcuterie. It's a great pic-nic wine and goes well with sandwiches. Like Pinot Noir, younger Zinfandel is an excellent wine choice for lightly spiced Asian foods.
Heavy, robust, mature Zinfandel is the wine to pair with rich meat dishes, game bird, roast lamb and meaty stews. As the wine is fruity, it pairs well with red fruity sauces that often accompany game dishes. It pairs well with mature cheese, creamy or Stilton style cheeses especially.
Is Zinfandel the same as Primitivo?
Zinfandel, while long believed to have originated in the United States, through DNA analysis has revealed that Zinfandel is actually the same grape as Italy's Primitivo. This discovery has shed light on the grape's history and its journey across continents. Today, Zinfandel is primarily associated with California, particularly regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
However, the time they have spent apart, the different climate, and the very different soil makeup, results in these wines having very different taste profiles. The different wine making techniques further leads to differences. They do however, both share a very fruity palate, and great aging potential.
Can you get Zinfandel that is not Californian?
California remains the top region for Zinfandel cultivation, with regions like Paso Robles, Lodi, and Amador County known for their distinct expression of the grape. Additionally, regions in Australia, South Africa, and Italy also produce notable Zinfandels that showcase their unique terroir and winemaking techniques.
What is White Zinfandel?
White Zinfandel is neither from a white Zinfandel grape, or in fact a white wine at all. White Zinfandel is a sweeter style of rosé wine made from red Zinfandel grapes. Typically a darker hue than many rosé wines, and falls somewhere between a sweet and off-dry wine. Its a perfect summer time drink, and great with light nibbles.
