An Overview of Zinfandel Red Wine

Posted by Bottle Barn on September 30th, 2021

Zinfandel is a black skinned wine grape popularly grown in California. Zinfandel grapes are genetical equivalents of the Croatian Crljenak Kaštelanski and Tribidrag grapes, which are also similar to Italy\'s Primitivo variety, which is traditionally cultivated in wine regions like Apulia. These grapes are primarily used to produce Zinfandel red wine, a full-bodied red wine variety, although they are also popularly used in the US as the main component of semi-sweet rosé White Zinfandels, which far exceed Red Zinfandels in terms of sales in the region. This, however, doesn’t take away from the exquisite taste and refinement of the Zinfandel red wine.

Zinfandel grape has an exceptionally high sugar content, which allows it to be fermented into higher alcohol levels (15 percent or higher).  The taste of Zinfandel red wine depends greatly on the ripeness of the fruit from which it was made. Zinfandels (either red or white) are excellent choices for those who are new to wine varieties. They make for a light and approachable introduction to semi-sweet reds. Both red and white Zinfandels make superb dinner wines and are extremely versatile when it comes to food pairings.

Red Zinfandel can be characterized by primary flavors like jam, black pepper, blueberry, plum, cherry, cranberry, boysenberry and licorice. The first zip typically explodes with the candied fruitiness of its flavoring, gently followed by a spicy-smoky finish. While robust, Zinfandels are lighter-bodied compared to stronger varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Red Zinfandel is comparable to Pinot Noir, but with high acidity and moderate tannin. Because Zinfandel can take on higher alcohol levels, it offers an oily texture with a bolder and bigger body.

If you are into food and wine pairings, Zinfandel red wine works great with spiced barbecue and curry dishes. Like other reds on the sweeter side of the scale, red Zinfandels are incredible with all kinds of spicy fare, including favorites like grilled meats, fatty steaks, and even tacos, brats, and hearty burgers. This red wine also pairs well with different kinds of meat, including lamb, beef, poultry, and fish cooked in a variety of styles, including braised, stewed, or roasted.