Collection: Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape varietal that thrives in hot climates. While it hails from Croatia, it has found a home all over California and Italy. In the modern day it is made in a variety of styles, from big and fruity to light and easy drinking.

The classic style of Zinfandel, typically from California or Italy (where it is known as Primitivo) is a full bodied, medium tannin, higher alcohol wine (14-15%).  On the nose we are greeted with aromas of clove, plum and black cherry while flavors of bramble and blackberry roll across the palette. Newer styles of Zinfandel are picked earlier and are grown in cooler climates, they have higher acidity, lower alcohol (~13%) and a lighter body. These wines burst with cranberry and raspberry and do not see much new oak. Lastly, White Zinfandel, which is actually a rosé wine, is a sweet, lush wine, smelling and tasting of raspberry cream is a very popular mass-produced style of Zin, which is credited with saving many of the very old vine vineyards in California from being ripped up and replaced with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Zinfandel is a foodie’s best friend; an immense range of style means that Zinfandel can go with just about anything. Fuller-bodied styles pair well with Pizza and Lamb, or even a roasted chicken. White Zin and the Lighter bodied versions go well chilled with cheeses and shellfish and even spicier cuisines.