Zinfandel
California's heritage grape: jammy, spicy reds from century-old vines in Lodi, Sonoma, Amador and Paso Robles. It's genetically the same as Italy's Primitivo.
Zinfandel is California's heritage grape. It arrived on the East Coast in the 1820s and reached California during the Gold Rush. DNA research has shown it's the same grape as Italy's Primitivo and Croatia's Crljenak Kaštelanski (also called Tribidrag). Some of California's oldest vineyards, planted over a century ago, are Zinfandel, and wines from these old vines are among the most distinctively American wines there are.
What It Tastes Like
Zinfandel is bold and fruity, with blackberry jam, raspberry and cherry, plus black pepper, licorice and baking spice. It ripens unevenly and often reaches high alcohol, so styles range from bright and peppery to rich and jammy. White Zinfandel, the sweet pink wine that boomed in the 1980s, is made from the same grape.
Where It Grows
Lodi calls itself the Zinfandel capital and has hundreds of acres of old vines. Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley, the Sierra Foothills (especially Amador County), Paso Robles, Napa Valley, Mendocino and Contra Costa County are also famous for it.
What to Look For
- Old-vine Zinfandel, from vines often 50 to 100+ years old.
- Field blends of Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, Carignane and others.
- Port-style Zinfandel, rich and spicy.
Where to Find Zinfandel
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Zinfandel is grown or poured: