Zinfandel (75)

Zinfandel - the American way

Red wines made from the Zinfandel grape variety are powerful and fruity, similar to those in Italy. But rosé wines (White Zinfandel) and white wines, when the Zinfandel grape variety is fermented without the skin, also delight the taste buds in a playfully casual way. Whatever you're in the mood for - Zinfandel offers limitless enjoyment possibilities.

The Zinfandel in America

Winemaking in America has always been shaped by European influences in viticulture and cellaring. There were no indigenous grape varieties from the beginning, but that did not stop American winemakers from naturalizing a variety or two. When a grape variety named Zinfandel was unloaded from a ship, which produced magnificent results particularly in California, a new favorite among American grape varieties was found. Zinfandel caused a stir and was even a popular smuggled good during Prohibition, served to wine lovers in speakeasies. Zinfandel became so popular that Italian winemakers began marketing their Primitivo - an identical grape variety under another name - as Zinfandel from then on.

The American winemakers were understandably not fans of this measure and demanded from the state a sort of protected designation of origin for Zinfandel wines - with success. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ruled in 1985 that Zinfandel was not a synonym for Primitivo and thus Italian wines could not be sold as Zinfandel on American shelves. Less than 10 years later, the ruling was overturned - DNA analyses proved the identical profile of Zinfandel and Primitivo. 

Where does Zinfandel come from?

The true origin of Zinfandel lies neither in Italy nor in America. Rather in Croatia, although not as long suspected in the grape variety Plavac Mali. However, this did not stop Croatian winemakers from labeling their wine from the Plavac Mali grape variety as Zinfandel. Hope for the true origin was awakened by the variety Crljenak Kaštelanski, from Kaštel Novi in the north of Split. After a DNA examination, it became clear; Crljenak Kaštelanski and Zinfandel are identical. However, the oldest mention of the Zinfandel grape variety was made under the name Tribidrag. The autochthonous grape variety in Croatia has been known by this name since the early 15th century. 

Zinfandel today plays an important role under various names in numerous wine countries. The main growing regions are undoubtedly Apulia, where Zinfandel is known as Primitivo di Manduria, and California. Additionally, vineyards can be found in France, Croatia, Australia, Israel, as well as in Mexico and Canada. No matter what the grape variety is called there, the full-bodied red wine with intense fruit aromas delights people everywhere.

Zinfandel wine from California

Zinfandel from the U.S.A. is called Zinfandel from California. The warm and dry climate is ideal for fully ripening Zinfandel vines, although sometimes grapes with different ripeness levels hang on a cluster. Hand harvesting is therefore essential. The grapes have a high sugar content and can thus develop alcohol-heavy red wines. In addition, Zinfandel wine is known for its dark color and juicy structure with flavors of pepper and forest fruits. California brings us a diverse variety that is revealed in red and rosé wines. Popular in the U.S. are, for example, the White Zinfandel wines and Blush wines, both rosé variants that have only brief contact with the grape skins. The best results come from old, deep-rooted vines, presenting Zinfandel from California as a powerful and barrel-aged red wine that, despite its opulent structure, showcases finesse-rich aromas.

Order Zinfandel wine online at VINELLO

An "indigenous" grape variety from America? Sure: top-notch Zinfandel wines. Sometimes strong, sometimes rosé, but always wine - you’ll find Zinfandel at VINELLO in a wide selection. Discover the characterful grape variety in its greatest glory from the vineyards of California. This and more can be found online at VINELLO - the best wines at the best prices. Order Zinfandel wine online now and take advantage of our numerous payment options and fast shipping. Safely packaged, we will send your order wherever you want. Put your feet up, enjoy the best service, sommelier advice, and a large selection of award-winning wines - the Zinfandel wine is on its way.