| In the state of California, Zinfandel is the number | | | | vineyards tend to be smaller, causing the grapes |
| two most widely planted red wine grape. For | | | | to ripen more evenly. |
| many, many years, Zinfandel was a mystery | | | | Zinfandels' preferable growing climate is in warm, |
| grape, its origins unconfirmed. The latest DNA | | | | coastal valleys, such as Dry Creek Valley, Napa, |
| profiling from the University of California at Davis | | | | Sonoma, Mendocino, and Paso Robles. |
| suggests that the grape actually originated in | | | | Zinfandel varies in taste from light and fruity to |
| Croatia and not in the south of Italy, which was | | | | intense and peppery. It is a common variety to |
| previously a common misconception. Continued | | | | blend with other grapes. At its ideal state, |
| research has shown that the possible original | | | | Zinfandel is fruity, with hints of raspberry, |
| plantings migrated from Greece or even Albania. | | | | blackberry, boysenberry, cranberry, or black |
| Zinfandel arrived in the United States in the | | | | cherry. Common herbal tastes include briar, |
| 1820's, when George Gibbs, a New York | | | | licorice, and nettle, while cinnamon and black |
| nurseryman, brought cuts from the Imperial | | | | pepper are both prevalent spices. |
| Austrian plant species assortment. Throughout the | | | | Depending on the region the grapes are grown in, |
| following two decades, Zinfandel became a | | | | the berry flavors will vary. Zinfandels and Merlots |
| widespread table grape in North Eastern America. | | | | produced in the Napa Valley tend to have hints of |
| Although there is some controversy over the | | | | raspberry while warmer areas like Sonoma |
| actual individual who first brought Zinfandel to the | | | | County will tend to have more of a strong |
| states, it has regardless been thriving since the | | | | blackberry flavor. The cooler the environment, the |
| middle of the nineteenth century. | | | | lighter and more fruity the grape will be. |
| Its popularity in the United States has lead | | | | A varietal best consumed within three to five |
| Zinfandel to be referred to by the masses as the | | | | years of the vintage, Zinfandel can become |
| first true "California Red." Although California is the | | | | somewhat acidic and develop a higher alcohol |
| premier grower of Zinfandel, it is also widely | | | | level, leading it to have a "hot" taste if it isn't |
| grown in Italy as well. | | | | drank within five years of being bottled. Although |
| It is a difficult grape to grow, due to the small, | | | | typically Zinfandel is a hearty, red wine, in the |
| berry-like grapes that grow in tight clusters and | | | | United States a semi-sweet blush style wine |
| ripen unevenly. Water management is essential in | | | | known as "White Zinfandel" is also extremely |
| growing Zinfandel grapes-if these grapes do not | | | | popular |
| get enough moisture, they will become stressed | | | | Recommended food pairings include outdoor grilled |
| and will be more likely to raisin. | | | | steaks, chops, or fruit stewed or stuffed meats. |
| Zinfandel grapes however, are very resistant to | | | | Zinfandels are not usually recommended for |
| vine disease and it is not uncommon for Zinfandel | | | | seafood and lighter tasting cuisines such as |
| vineyards to be in existence for 75 or even 100 | | | | chicken, but more appropriately with full-bodied |
| years. Wine connoisseurs believe that these "old | | | | meats, potatoes, and pastas. |
| vines" create the best wines because the older | | | | |