Zinfandel

Zinfandel - the american way

The Zinfandel grape variety is used to make powerful and fruity red wines, similar to those in Italy. But also rosé wines (White Zinfandel) and white wines, when the Zinfandel grape variety is fermented without the skin, delight the palate in a playful and relaxed way. No matter what your taste buds are like - Zinfandel offers unlimited enjoyment.

The Zinfandel in America

The viticulture in America has always been influenced by European influences in viticulture and cellars. Autochthonous grape varieties did not exist from the beginning, but this did not stop American winegrowers from naturalising one variety or another. When a grape variety called Zinfandel was loaded from the ship, which produced splendid results, especially in California, a new favourite among American grape varieties was found. Zinfandel caused a sensation, and was even a popular contraband during the Prohibition period, being offered to wine fans in the speakeasies. Zinfandel even became so popular that Italian winegrowers from then on marketed their Primitivo - an identical grape variety under a different name - as Zinfandel.

The American winegrowers were of course no friends of this measure and demanded a kind of protected designation of origin for Zinfandel wines from the state - with success. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms decided in 1985 that Zinfandel was not a synonym for Primitivo and therefore Italian wines were not allowed to appear on American shelves as Zinfandel. Less than 10 years later the decision was overturned - DNA analysis proved the identical profile of Zinfandel and Primitivo.

Where does Zinfandel come from?

The true origin of Zinfandel is neither in Italy nor in America. Rather in Croatia, although not as long suspected in the Plavac Mali grape variety. But that did not stop Croatian winegrowers from labelling their wine made from the Plavac Mali grape variety as Zinfandel. Hope for the true origin was raised by the variety Crljenak Kaštelanski, from Kaštel Novi in the north of Split. A DNA examination later it was clear; Crljenak Kaštelanski and Zinfandel are identical. But the oldest mention of the Zinfandel grape variety was under the name Tribidrag. This grape variety, autochthonous in Croatia, has been known under this name since the early 15th century.

Today Zinfandel plays an important role in many wine countries under different names. The main growing areas are undoubtedly Puglia, where Zinfandel is known as Primitivo di Manduria, and California. There are also vineyards in France, Croatia, Australia, Israel, Mexico and Canada. Whatever the grape variety is called there, the full-bodied red wine with intense fruit aromas delights people everywhere.

Zinfandel wine from California

Zinfandel from the USA is called Zinfandel from California. The warm and dry climate is ideal for fully ripening Zinfandel vines, although sometimes grapes with different degrees of ripeness hang from an umbel. Manual harvesting is therefore essential. The grapes have a high sugar content and can thus develop alcohol-rich red wines. Zinfandel wine is also known for its dark colour and juicy structure with aromas of pepper and wild berries. From California we get a diversified variety, which reveals itself in red and rosé wine. Popular in the U.S.A. are for example the White Zinfandel wines and Blush wines, both rosé varieties that have only short contact with the grape skins. The best results are achieved with old, deep-rooted vines, so Zinfandel from California presents itself as a strong red wine matured in wood, which despite its opulent structure presents finesse-rich aromas. 

Buy Zinfandel wine online at VINELLO

A "native" grape variety from America? Sure: first-class Zinfandel wines. Sometimes strong, sometimes rosé, but always wine - you will find a wide selection of Zinfandel wines at VINELLO. Discover the strong character of this grape variety in its greatest splendour from the vineyards of California. This and more you will find online at VINELLO - the best wines at the best price. Order Zinfandel wine online now and use our numerous payment options and fast shipping. Securely packed, we will take your order wherever you want it to go. Put your feet up, enjoy the best service, sommelier advice and a large selection of award-winning wines - the Zinfandel wine is on its way.