Basic Zinfandel Wine Information

A great wine gift or wine club selection

2009 Rombauer California Zinfandel Wine

Special Price: $29.99 750ml
Regular Price: $32.99

Zinfandel is a kind of red grape variety which is planted mostly in California vineyards. In the mid-19th century Zinfandel grape vines found their way into the United States. In the beginning, it was thought that the grape was originally from Italy because it is similar to Primitivo. However the latest research has proved that the original roots, called Crljenak Kaštelanski were were in Croatia . Ever since its rediscovery after prohibition in 1933, the dynamic red grape has found firm footings in the New World.

What color is Zinfandel? The grape is red on the outside and typical Zinfandel wine is always red. White Zinfandel, which is a bit of a misnomer, is made from the exact same grape using a different method producing a slightly pink wine called "white."

Here is another way to look at it: White grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are yellow or green on the outside and can only produce a "white" wine. On the other hand, red grapes such as Zinfandel and Merlot can produce two colors of wine: red and slightly pink.

Which is the best Zinfandel?
Zinfandel grape produces a strong red wine. The ripeness of the grapes directly affects the taste of the red wine. A sweeter version called White Zinfandel has a higher percentage of sales in the United States. The Old vine Zinfandels are made from 50+ year old vines and is loved for its taste and color. Most people prefer drinking it young but it is up to you whether you like it young or old since the taste of old zin is far more mellow. The wine ratings and reviews are highest for the old vine grapes.

Turley Wine Cellars is known for some outstanding Zinfandel (and it is expensive starting at $40 a bottle and easily reaching $100 per bottle but there are many, many more excellent Zins available below $20.

Red Zinfandel is a classic wine made from Californian grapes. It grows best in cool coastal locations. The color of Zinfandel wine is deep red. It has a spicy, peppery flavor. It is served at around 65 degrees and tastes best in a narrow mouthed glass. Some great zinfandel wine pairing ideas include burgers, pizza and barbecued foods. It also matches up with thick red sauces.

Apart from California, Zinfandel grapes are also grown in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The quality of the wine mainly depends on the area in which it is grown. The age of the vineyard and the viticulture and winemaking skills applied for growing it are also important factors to bring out the flavors of red berry fruits, anise and pepper.

Basic Wine Information for the White Zin
White Zinfandel wine is prepared from the same red Zinfandel grape. The only thing that the winemaker does is to remove the red skin before making the wine. Without this skin the wine becomes light and sweet. It also loses its red color in the process.

White Zinfandel is also known as White Zin. According to a wine industry survey conducted in February 2006, the demand for White Zinfandel accounted for 10% of all the wine sold in the United States. This makes it the third most popular wine in the United States.

The sugar content of White Zin makes it taste similar to a fruit punch. It is low in alcohol and sweet which is why most new wine drinkers prefer it. White Zin is best if it is consumed young.

White Zinfandel

Gnarly Head Zinfandel

Old Vine Zinfandel

Sonoma Zinfandel

Edmeades Zinfandel

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