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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Derek Rohlffs 2021 Rattlesnake Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel (Moon Mountain District Sonoma County)
SonomaSeemingly soft and rich, this black fig- and blackberry-scented wine made from ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$39 -
Florence 2020 Zinfandel (Rockpile)
SonomaSpicy, cedary aromas and beautiful red and black fruit flavors make a ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$60 -
Trig Point 2020 The Railyard Zinfandel (Alexander Valley)
SonomaThis full-bodied but silky-textured wine boasts ultraripe blackberries, dried plums and hints ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$25 -
Truett Hurst 2019 Single Vineyard Collection Estate Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)
SonomaStrawberries and wild blackberries give bold, concentrated fruitiness to this full-bodied, moderately ...See Full Review$69 -
McPrice Myers 2020 Paper Street Zinfandel (Paso Robles Willow Creek District)
Central CoastThis is a bold but balanced Zinfandel. Aromas of blackberry, loamy earthy, ...See Full Review$65 -
Precision Wine 2021 Embroidery Zinfandel (Paso Robles)
Central CoastThis Zinfandel clicks all the boxes and makes for a great midweek ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Ridge 2020 Ponzo Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
SonomaThis wine could be in the dessert category, based on its sweet-seeming ...See Full Review$37 -
Bella 2018 Westphall Vineyard Zinfandel (Rockpile)
SonomaDried fruit aromas lead to rich, ultraripe berry flavors accented by black ...See Full Review$58 -
Madroña 2019 Lake Tahoe Zinfandel (El Dorado)
Sierra FoothillsThis light and lively Zinfandel incorporates fresh, bright red and black fruit ...Best BuySee Full Review$14 -
Peltzer Family 2019 Zinfandel (Contra Costa County)
Central CoastA lighter color in the glass, this Zinfandel recalls an old-school California ...See Full Review$50 -
Element 79 2018 Estate Zinfandel (Fair Play)
Sierra FoothillsComprised of 86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah, this wine offers layered ...See Full Review$33 -
Zinfandelic 2020 Old Vine Zinfandel (Sierra Foothills)
Sierra FoothillsFull of flavor and generous without being overbearing, this well-balanced Zin gives ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Baca 2020 Tug o' War Maffei Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
SonomaTempting raspberry and sweet strawberry aromas lead to a good, rich palate ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$70 -
Muscardini 2019 Los Chamizal Vineyards Zinfandel (Moon Mountain District Sonoma County)
SonomaBeautifully balanced on a big scale, this well-concentrated wine is laced with ...Cellar SelectionSee Full Review$48 -
Peachy Canyon 2020 D Block Zinfandel (Paso Robles)
Central CoastThis 56-case batch from one acre of 18 different heritage clones of ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$85 -
Hendry 2019 Blocks 7 & 22 Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
NapaEnticing strawberry and red-plum aromas lead to a combination of wild berry, ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$38 -
De Loach 2019 Maffei Vineyard Olivet Bench Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
SonomaA vivid core of wild blackberries fires up this vibrant and focused ...See Full Review$55 -
Head High 2019 Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
SonomaThis is an outstanding value for the quality, a wine of supple ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$25 -
Williams Selyem 2020 Fanucchi Wood Road Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
SonomaWith old-vine-like aromas of raisin cake and baked plum, this wine has ...See Full Review$65 -
De Loach 2019 Forgotten Vines Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
SonomaThis robust, fruity and moderately tannic wine will pair well with grills ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$40
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