Grape · Red

Zinfandel

Also known as Primitivo in Southern Italy, Tribidrag in Croatia or Crljenak Kaštelanski in Croatia

Warm climate

About

High-sugar grape with uneven ripening. Made as rosé, red, or late-harvest dessert wine.

Typical profile

Body

Rounded

Tannins

Integrated

Acidity

Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

strawberry raspberry plum black pepper

Aged · develops with bottle time

wet earth fig game chocolate

Explore aromas

Oak influence

Common

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

Italy

Puglia

Genetically identical to Zinfandel, rich and ripe. Known as Primitivo, producing rich, sun-baked reds from old vines

United States

Lodi

Fuller↑

Bold, jammy, high alcohol. Old-vine Lodi Zin is generous and spicy.

Paso Robles

Fuller↑Rounder↓

Rich, ripe, high-octane Zin. Dark fruit and baking spice.

Sierra Foothills

Old-vine plantings from the Gold Rush era. Rustic, concentrated, with wild berry character.

Sonoma Coast

Firmer↑

More structured, peppery, with brambly fruit. Ridge and other benchmarks.

USA

California

Bold, jammy, high-alcohol reds from old-vine plantings

Food pairings

BBQ pulled pork with smoky dry rubGrilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlicBeef brisket with caramelized onionsWild mushroom risotto with aged ParmesanSpicy Italian sausage pizza with pepperoniDark chocolate tart with espresso ganache

Similar grapes

Tempranillo

strawberryraspberryplum

Samtrot

strawberryraspberryplum

Merlot

strawberryplum

Trincadeira

raspberryplum

Trousseau

plumblack pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zinfandel taste like?▼

Young Zinfandel offers bright fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and plum with distinctive black pepper spice. As it ages, it develops more complex notes of earth, dried fruit, chocolate, and meaty characteristics.

Where does Zinfandel grow best?▼

Zinfandel thrives in warm climates where it can fully ripen its high-sugar content. California, particularly regions like Sonoma and Paso Robles, provides ideal conditions for this heat-loving grape.

What food pairs with Zinfandel?▼

Zinfandel's bold fruit and spice make it perfect for barbecued meats, pizza, and hearty Italian dishes. The wine's natural acidity and pepper notes complement grilled sausages and rich tomato-based sauces beautifully.

How does Zinfandel age?▼

Zinfandel transforms significantly with age, evolving from bright berry and pepper flavors to more complex earthy, meaty, and chocolate notes. Well-made examples can age gracefully for 10-15 years, developing dried fruit and mineral characteristics.

Is Zinfandel similar to other similar grapes?▼

Zinfandel is genetically identical to Croatia's Crljenak Kaštelanski and Italy's Primitivo, sharing similar high sugar content and spicy characteristics. However, Zinfandel's uneven ripening tendency makes it quite unique compared to other red varietals.