Zinfandel vines were planted on the east coast of the United States originally, but made their way west to California during the Gold Rush. Today, over 10% of California vineyards grow Zinfandel. The taste of the red wine depends on the ripeness of the grapes from which it is made. Red berry fruit flavors like raspberry predominate in wines from cooler areas, whereas blackberry, anise and pepper notes are more common in wines made in warmer areas and in wines made from the earlier-ripening Primitivo clone. The Zin grapes’ high sugar content can be fermented into levels of alcohol exceeding fifteen percent!
Fun fact, Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetic twins, clones of an ancient Croatian varietal. But the Italian rendition can be very different from what comes out of California. Primitivo is considered the light-hearted, easy-going sister to Zinfandel's broody potency.
Zin grapes typically produce a robust red wine, although, in the United States, a semi-sweet rosé (blush-style) wine called White Zinfandel has six times the sales of the red wine. White Zinfandels were purportedly created by Sutter Home Family Vineyards winemaker Bob Trinchero in 1975 through a chance occurrence during the fermentation process.
In honor of National Zinfandel Day, we will sample FOUR wines:
Foxhorn White Zinfandel, California — The first time a White Zin has crossed our doorstep, but you know we HAD to do it! Aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries with the perfect amount of sweetness that leads to a soft and satisfying finish. 10% ABV. $10.99/6 (you might as well buy the bottle!)
Filippo Cassano 'Calx' Primitivo 2020, Puglia, Italy — The certified organic winery, Polvanera, is located in Puglia (the heel of Italy’s boot). Calx is the Latin word for limestone, which is in the soil in the area. The limestone imprints the Primitivo grape, giving a fresh and taut wine with notes of zingy red berries and dried figs. 100% Primitivo from vines that are 20-30 years old. The winery aims to bring organic, small-production, daily drinking Italian wines to the US. 12.5% ABV. $22.50/7.50
Seghesio Zinfandel 2021, Sonoma, California — Physically twice as large as Napa Valley, the Sonoma region only produces about half the amount of wine but it boasts both tremendous quality and variety. Established in 1895, Seghesio Family Vineyards produces benchmark Zinfandels that honor five generations of winegrowing leadership, and share the heart of Sonoma County and their Italian heritage. Seghesio Family Vineyards encompasses more than 300 acres of estate vineyards in the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys; a significant amount of Old Vine plantings are more than 50 years old and up to 125 years old. This Zin offers intense aromatics of currant and plum are complemented by savory notes of black olive, anise and allspice. A bright entry of briary black raspberry gives way to a bold palate of supple, lively tannins and a powerful, lingering finish. Blend: 83% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 3% Alicante, 4% Mixed Reds. 15% ABV. $28.99/9.50
Oakville Winery Zinfandel 2021, Napa, California — Lincoln Creek is a family-owned and certified organic vineyard in the Oakville appellation of Napa Valley. The vineyard contains an 18-acre block of Zinfandel near the base of Yountville Hills. The 2021 vintage was made by Lynn Watanabe, who steers away from the classic fruity California Zinfandel. This wine exhibits aromas of cherry, raspberries, pomegranate, spices, and hibiscus flower. Elegant, clean entry with fine-grained tannins and well-balanced structure, finishing with a lively crispy finish. 14.5% ABV. $37.99/$12.50
See you Friday!