Zinfandel - Red Wine Grape

Zinfandel grapes on the vine

Zinfandel is thought to have originated in Croatia. It entered the eastern US in or around 1820 and from there expanded to California by 1859. Zinfandel is the second most planted red grape in California, having ceded first place to Cabernet Sauvignon. It is also grown in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Primitivo grape native to the Apulia region of southern Italy is thought to have the same DNA as Zinfandel.

Zinfandel juice often has high levels of alcohol and sugar. The quality and taste of the wine produced varies considerably according to the microclimate, and the winemaker’s art. Zinfandel grapes are red, but can be transformed into a light pink or even white wine called White Zinfandel.

Try a red Zinfandel with Muenster Cheese, Curried Chicken or Fish, Moussaka, Pizza, or Barbecued Steak. If you want my advice, don’t drink white Zinfandel, either with food or on its own.