World Famous Grapes
Zinfandel
Zinfandel in USA
The Zinfandel grape grown in USA is the same as the Italian Primitivo grape from Puglia in Italy.
In USA, Zinfandel is most famous in California where it grows in over 10 percent of all the vineyards.
In California it typically produces robust red wines that can be fermented up to 15% percent alcohol.
But, a semi-sweet rosé called White Zinfandel has six times the sales of the red.
Primitivo in Italy
Italian Primitivo is known for producing intensely flavored and deeply colored wines, particularly Primitivo di Manduria, a classic Primitivo wine with high alcohol and high tannins.
In the late 1970s, some Italian wine producers started to label Primitivo wines as Zinfandel, because of Zinfandel's popularity in the USA.
Today, thanks to the famous Italian Primitivo from Manduria, US vineyards has started to label their Zinfandel wines as Primitivo.
Zinfandel Flavors
Primitivo is known to taste Fruit-Filled and Jammy.
 Strawberry |
 Raspberry |
 Blackberry |
 Cranberry |
 Red Cherry |
 Black Cherry |
 Plum |
 Jam |
Tertiary Flavors from Aging:
 Vanilla |
 Cinnamon |
 Licorice |
 Chocolate |
Zinfandel Profile
Primitivo is known for Fruity wines with good Concentration and Tannins:
| BODY: | Medium - Full |
| TANNINS: | Medium - Plus |
| FRUIT: | Medium - Plus |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 14-15% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 16-17°C (61-63°F) |
Zinfandel Food Pairing
Primitivo pairs well with American, Italian, and Asian Sweet and Spicy food.
 Salami |
 Ham |
 Chili |
 Indian Curry |
 Tomato Pasta |
 Pizza |
 Lasagna |
 Hamburger |
 Turkey |
 Lamb |
 Pork |
 Veal |
Excellent Pairings
Acidic Sauces. Tomato Sauce. Indian Curry.
Earthy Veggies. Mushrooms.
Onions. Capers. Eggplant.
Pizza. Tomato Pasta.
Spaghetti Bolognese.
BBQ Meat and Veggies.
Chicken. Pork. Veal. Lamb.
Hamburger. Bacon Cheeseburger.
The Ideal Glass for Zinfandel
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The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl. The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance. The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste. |
