What Kind of Wine is a Zinfandel?

 

If you've wondered, "What kind of wine is a Zinfandel?" then you're not alone. The grape variety is a favorite among California wine lovers. Primitivo, also known as Zinfandel, is a grape variety native to the region of Puglia, which lies in south-eastern Italy. Its hot climate makes it a perfect choice for making fruity wines. When yields are carefully controlled, high-quality Primitivo is made. In Italy, Primitivo is often blended with Negroamaro.

Red

If you're looking for a red wine that pairs well with food, consider Red Zinfandel. It pairs well with meat dishes with moderate spice. Try pairing Zinfandel with a spicy curry to give it an extra kick.

Known for its dark purple color, this variety can vary from jammy to blackberry. A variety of pepper, blackberry, and anise notes can be found in this wine. The tannins range from medium to high. These wines are medium-bodied and have a medium-to-high ABV. This wine is excellent on its own or with a spicy dish.

Sweet

A variety of black-skinned wine grapes, Zinfandel is grown in more than 10 percent of California vineyards. This particular wine has a distinctive taste and is very popular in many California restaurants. Unfortunately, finding a bottle of sweet Zinfandel is uncommon in your local supermarket or liquor store. The sweetness of this wine is evident in the name, and its fruity taste is a surefire winner.

White Zinfandel is sweet but does not have as much residual sugar as red Zinfandel. A wine's sweetness largely depends on its taste, smell, and color. However, when the color of a wine is not apparent, you can rely on its aroma to decide. Sweet Zinfandel is available in various sweetness levels, ranging from mild to sweet.

Dessert

Consider Zinfandel if you're looking for a dessert wine that pairs well with grilled red meats and bold flavors. This sweeter style can be served with grilled Italian sausages or peppers. Medium-bodied Zinfandels have layers of spice and complexity. They pair well with grilled sausage or marinated lamb chops. Full-bodied Zinfandels are best paired with heavier dishes.

In the US, White Zinfandel is not classified as a sweet wine because it has a lower alcohol content (around 14%) than other types of wine. However, this dessert wine has been fortified for several years and can be paired with many dishes. It is made from overripe grapes fortified with grape spirits to prevent the sugar in the juice from turning into alcohol. Zinfandel Ports have similar flavors to Essence Zinfandel but are slightly higher in alcohol.

Varietal

Black-skinned wine grapes are known as Zinfandels and are widely grown in California's vineyards. Approximately 10 percent of vineyards in the state are planted with this variety. Its rich, fruity, and spicy taste makes it a delicious option for red or white wines. Zinfandel can be a great addition to any meal by weighing in at less than two pounds per ton.

Food Pairing: Varietal Zinfandel is an excellent pairing with barbecued meats. This wine pairs well with grilled chicken and most kinds of smoked food. It is also good with hard cheeses like cheddar, manchego, and blue cheese. Some people even pair it with chocolate! 

Origin

The origin of Zinfandel is unknown, but it has been associated with California for several centuries. Before the Great Depression, this grape variety was typical but was hardly revered. Many people thought it was a cheap wine made from home-grown weeds and couldn't make fine wine. However, a recent study traces its roots back to Croatia. The grape's history and culture can be traced back to the mid-1800s.

In the mid-19th century, the grape was thought to have originated in Italy. However, genetic testing found that Zinfandel had a Croatian ancestor - Crljenak Kastelanski, an ancient grape variety native to the region north of Split. In 2001, a Croatian vineyard planted Zinfandel and began making varietal wine. This is a historic event because it has given California a variety that has been cultivated for centuries.

Food pairings

Among the wide varieties of Zinfandel wine, light, and medium styles are ideal for pairing with various foods. Lighter tones tend to be fruitier, with low tannin levels, while medium and full-bodied types tend to be more powerful and complex. Lighter Zinfandels are particularly good with grilled foods, such as steaks, as they complement the wine's fruitiness. Also suitable for pairing with grilled foods are tomato-based sauces and spicy foods like chicken or duck.

If you want to get creative, try serving your favorite desserts with Zinfandel. For example, the fruit-forward Late Harvest Zin will go well with blueberry pie. Try mixing in a tiny Wisconsin cheese for an even more exciting pairing. The acidity of the late-harvest Zin will cut through the richness of the cheese. And because Zinfandel is one of the more expensive wines in the world, you might be surprised by the variety's wide range of food pairings.

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay