{"id":1924,"date":"2018-03-08T16:52:08","date_gmt":"2018-03-08T16:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/uncategorized\/zinfandel\/"},"modified":"2023-04-03T15:47:12","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T19:47:12","slug":"zinfandel-wine-grape-variety-characteristics","status":"publish","type":"grape","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/zinfandel-wine-grape-variety-characteristics\/","title":{"rendered":"Zinfandel"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hasHiddenText\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt;\">Editor&#8217;s Note: Winetraveler is a reader-supported publication and this article may contain affiliate links. We review and recommend all products independently. When you buy wine through our site, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.<\/span><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Red Zinfandel is a black and blue-skinned grape variety that\u2019s most notably grown and incredibly popular within the United States.<\/p>\n<p>In the glass, this grape\u00a0tends to adhere to lighter-bodied characteristics while simultaneously maintaining\u00a0big flavors. This is largely due to Zin\u2019s\u00a0elevated acidic content and classically high\u00a0alcohol content (up to 17% in some cases).<\/p>\n<p>These two factors can make Zinfandel feel more medium-bodied on the palate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>IN THIS GUIDE:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#taste\">Taste<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#pairings\">Pairings<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#terroir\">Terroir<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#aging\">Aging<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"#recommendations\">Wine Recommendations<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>&#8230;and more<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>This grape variety is packed with flavors resembling ripe red fruit \u2013 including raspberry, raisin, cranberry, cassis and plum. These jammy fruit flavors are often backed with distinct black pepper spice, tobacco, dry barnyard door, and coffee.<\/p>\n<p>While these are generalities, Zinfandel flavors can vary and the alcohol content is influential an component.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on ripeness at the time of harvest, it\u2019s\u00a0believed\u00a0that cooler climate Zins adhere to more red fruit flavors while warmer climate varietal wines contain more black fruit and pepper nuances.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<strong>United States holds over 70% of Zinfandel acreage<\/strong> worldwide, with\u00a0<strong>Italy (around 27%)<\/strong> and various locations throughout Australia, South Africa, and Mexico holding the remainder.<\/p>\n<p>While Red Zinfandel remains the most popular style worldwide, White Zinfandel, an off-dry ros\u00e9 made in the United States \u2013 is also flying off the shelves.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><a name=\"taste\"><\/a><\/strong><strong>What Does Zinfandel Taste Like? <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Zinfandel is known to produce bold, spicy wines with notable fruit that includes fig, raspberry, cassis, raisin, cherry, plum, and cranberry jam. The earth and spice notes typically include underbrush, red clay minerals, dry herbs, smoke, black pepper, cacao, cinnamon, oak, tobacco, mushroom, and tumbleweed.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>RECOMMENDED:<\/strong> <strong><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/california\/3-day-lodi-wine-tasting-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lodi California is Produced World-class Zinfandel, Here&#8217;s How to Visit the Region<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><a name=\"pairings\"><\/a><\/strong><strong>Zinfandel Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re snacking and drinking Zinfandel, try it with dark chocolate. The tobacco flavors, acid and raspberry jam notes accent it very nicely. Plus, you&#8217;re getting resveratrol from the Zin and additional antioxidants from the chocolate.<\/p>\n<p>Cuban-styled Lechon, barbecue chicken, roasted duck, lamb, or pulled pork will bring out the spicy and savory flavors of warmer-climate Zins. Conversely, the red jammy fruit in cooler climate Zin&#8217;s pairs well with grilled heavier grilled fish and cheeseburgers.<\/p>\n<p>For other pairings, try these wines with any tomato-based pasta. Don&#8217;t be afraid to utilize your spice cabinet when it comes to Zinfandel. These wines contain plenty of dry herb and cracked pepper flavors.<\/p>\n<p>Spicy or savory Mexican and Indian plates pair nicely with red Zinfandel as well. Make sure you don&#8217;t use any bland vegetables. Instead try grilled red bell pepper or seared onion, cilantro, and tomato.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><a name=\"terroir\"><\/a><\/strong><strong>Climate and Terroir for Zinfandel<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Some like it hot and that includes Zinfandel! This grape likes heat and thrives in hot, dry climates like southern Italy and eastern California. Its deep color requires plenty of sunshine though it can shrivel with too much. (Not to worry \u2013 those make wonderful dessert wines). Because of its high sugar levels, Zinfandel tends to be high in alcohol and winemakers must monitor acidity levels closely to make sure the wines aren\u2019t too hot.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/primitivo\/\" target=\"_blank\">In Italy, Zinfandel is Commonly Referred to as Primitivo<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong><a name=\"aging\"><\/a><\/strong><strong>How is Zinfandel Aged? <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Due to the higher alcohol content, Zinfandels can age for quite a while. It can also stand up to oak well because of its naturally bold flavors. It\u2019s pretty hard to intimidate Zinfandel and even very toasted American oak can impart flavors without overwhelming the wine. Inexpensive Zins are meant to be drunk young, preferably at a barbecue with friends.<\/p>\n<h2><strong><a name=\"recommendations\"><\/a><\/strong><strong>Try these fantastic Zinfandel wines from around the world: <\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/mmdu\" target=\"_blank\">Dashe<\/a><\/strong>, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, California<\/li>\n<li><strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/cg6a\" target=\"_blank\">Ridge<\/a><\/strong>, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California<\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/1wme\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Dry Creek Vineyard, Heritage Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a>, Sonoma County, California<\/li>\n<li><strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/l9pt\" target=\"_blank\">Seghesio, Old Vine Zinfandel<\/a><\/strong>, Sonoma County, California<\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/kdsn\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Renwood Estate, Ranch Zinfandel<\/strong><\/a>, Amador, Sierra Foothills, California<\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/jcjc\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>A. Cetto<\/strong><\/a>, Mexico<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">Learn About These Other Wine Grape Varieties<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/chenin-blanc\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Chenin Blanc<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/cabernet-sauvignon-taste-profile-food-pairing\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/grenache-wine-grape-characteristics\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Grenache<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/malbec-wine-grape-characteristics-taste-pairing\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Malbec<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/marsanne\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Marsanne<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/nebbiolo-wine-grape-characteristics\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Nebbiolo<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/petit-verdot\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Petit Verdot<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/pinot-grigio-wine-grape-characteristics-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Pinot Grigio<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><strong><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/pinot-meunier\/\" target=\"_blank\">Pinot Meunier<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/riesling\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Riesling<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/tannat\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tannat<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/teroldego\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Teroldego<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><strong>Written By Jamie Metzgar<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #333333;\">Jamie Elizabeth Metzgar began her career in wine by pouring in a tasting room on the East End of Long Island, NY. After moving to New York City, she landed a position at Chambers Street Wines where she was encouraged to pursue wine education at the Wine &amp; Spirits Education Trust (WSET). She earned Level III certification there and has since earned California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified Specialist of Wine certifications as well. After way too many moves, she has recently landed in Northern California where she is compiling an unofficial roster of dog-friendly tasting rooms.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"jetpack_subscription_widget\"><h2 class=\"widgettitle\">Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-subscriptions__container\">\n\t\t\t<form action=\"#\" method=\"post\" accept-charset=\"utf-8\" id=\"subscribe-blog-1\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-blog=\"202258003\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_access_level=\"everybody\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"subscribe-text\"><p>Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p id=\"subscribe-email\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<label id=\"jetpack-subscribe-label\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"screen-reader-text\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tfor=\"subscribe-field-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmail Address\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\" required=\"required\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tvalue=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"subscribe-field-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tplaceholder=\"Email Address\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<p id=\"subscribe-submit\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"action\" value=\"subscribe\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"source\" value=\"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/grape\/1924\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"sub-type\" value=\"widget\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"redirect_fragment\" value=\"subscribe-blog-1\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" id=\"_wpnonce\" name=\"_wpnonce\" value=\"af6e538509\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/grape\/1924\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"submit\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-button__link\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"margin: 0; margin-left: 0px;\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tname=\"jetpack_subscriptions_widget\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign Me Up!\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2292,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"wine_style":[919,1532,183],"class_list":["post-1924","grape","type-grape","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","wine_style-dry-red-wines","wine_style-red-wines","wine_style-varietal","grapes-zinfandel","destinations-california","destinations-lodi","regions-california","regions-lodi","regions-paso-robles","regions-southern-italy"],"acf":{"featured":false,"content_title":"Learn All About the Zinfandel Grape Variety & Wines it Produces","origin":"Croatia","other_names":"Primitivo","soil":"Sand, Porous Rock & Dust, Decomposed Granite","climate":"Varied\u00a0(Warm \u2013 Moderately Hot)","tabs_section_title":"Zinfandel Wine Profile & Food Pairings","gallery":false,"flavor_items":[{"icon":false,"name":"Fruit","content":"<p>Red &amp; Black (Fig, Raspberry, Blackberry, Cassis, Raisin, Cherry, Plum, Cranberry Jam)<\/p>\n"},{"icon":false,"name":"Earth & Mineral Notes:","content":"<p>Underbrush, Red Clay Minerals,\u00a0Dry Herbs<\/p>\n"},{"icon":false,"name":"Additional Complexities","content":"<p>Smoke, Black Pepper, Cacao, Cinnamon, Oak, Tobacco, Mushroom, Tumbleweed<\/p>\n"}],"structure_content_title":"","structure_content":"","properties_title":"","properties":[{"name":"Body","value":"Medium"},{"name":"Sugar","value":"Dry, Off-Dry"},{"name":"Tannins","value":"Medium"},{"name":"Alcohol","value":"High\u00a0(13.5%-17.0% ABV)"},{"name":"Finish","value":"Bright, Medium"}],"food_pairings":[{"name":"Dark Chocolate","photo":false,"description":"If you're snacking and drinking Zinfandel, try it with dark chocolate. The tobacco, acid and raspberry jam accent it very nicely. Plus, you're getting resveratrol from the Zin and additional antioxidants from the chocolate. "},{"name":"Pork, Poultry, Hamburgers & Lamb","photo":false,"description":"Cuban-styled Lechon, barbecue chicken, roasted duck, lamb or pulled pork will bring out the spicy and savory flavors of warmer-terroired Zin's. Conversely, I think the red jammy fruit in cooler climate Zin's pairs well\u00a0with grilled redfish and blue cheese burgers."},{"name":"Tomato Based Pasta","photo":false,"description":"For other pairings, try these wines\u00a0with any tomato based pasta. \u00a0Don't be afraid to utilize your spice cabinet when it comes to reds.\u00a0These wines\u00a0contain plenty of dry herb and cracked pepper flavors."},{"name":"Mexican & Indian Food","photo":false,"description":"Spicy or savory Mexican and Indian plates pair nicely with red Zinfandel. Make sure you don't use any bland vegetables. Instead try grilled red bell pepper or seared onion, cilantro and tomato."}],"fun_facts":[{"title":"Genetically alike in many ways to the Italian Primitivo grape, Zinfandel actually comes from the Croatian grape called Crljenak Ka\u0161telanskior."},{"title":"Zinfandel typically has a very high alcohol content."},{"title":"Lodi California is producing some great expressions of Zinfandel."}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Zinfandel Wine &amp; Grape Variety Characteristics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Red Zinfandel is a black and blue-skinned grape variety that&#039;s most notably grown and incredibly popular within the United States. 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Note: Winetraveler is a reader-supported publication and this article may contain affiliate links. We review and recommend all products independently. When you buy wine through our site, we may earn a small commission at ...","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9158,"url":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/primitivo\/","url_meta":{"origin":1924,"position":0},"title":"Primitivo","author":"Greig Santos-Buch","date":"September 28, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Primitivo Wine Profile There\u2019s a very good chance that the first time you taste Primitivo, you\u2019ll think \u201cHaven\u2019t we met before?\u201d And you wouldn\u2019t be entirely wrong. Primitivo is almost genetically identical to Zinfandel, California\u2019s powerhouse and arguably most famous variety. Both are descendants of the indigenous Croatian Cjljnek (aka\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"Discover the Primitivo grape variety and learn about some of its history, what Primitivo wine tastes like, its origin and food pairings. 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