Grape · Croatia / California
Zinfandel / Primitivo
ZIN-fan-del
Bramble, spice, and California sun
The same grape as Puglia's Primitivo. In California old vines it is raspberry jam, black pepper, and alcohol that needs a careful grower.
- raspberry
- blackberry jam
- black pepper
- licorice
- dust
Profile
DNA ties Zinfandel to Croatian Crljenak Kaštelanski and to Primitivo. California's heritage vines — Lodi, Dry Creek, Amador — make field-blend wines of real character when yields stay sane. Overripe Zin tastes hot and porty; picked with restraint it is spicy and alive.
White Zinfandel is a blush from the same grape, usually sweet, and a separate drink. Judge red Zin on balance, not on nostalgia.
Barbecue, pizza, and hard cheese. Serve cooler than Cabernet so the alcohol does not shout.
At the table
Service
59–61 °F (15–16 °C). High-alcohol bottles need food and a large glass.
