This March our Grape of the Month is Zinfandel…the red kind. Zinfandel is a grape that produces delicious bold, jammy red wine. They are outgoing and friendly wines. Zins are medium to full-bodied and are packed with berry fruit such as blackberries raspberries, and cherries. They can range from bright, juicy styles to rich lush reds leaning into decadent flavors of fig and chocolate.
While some are more structured than others, Zinfandels generally drink best in their youth, within 5 years of their vintage date.
Zinfandel is a terrific cocktail or sipping red. It’s bold, fruit-forward, and has barely any tannins. (That’s the compound in some red wines that feels like its drying out your mouth). So it’s delicious on its own. Zinfandel is also good with meaty-rich dishes whether they are grilled, roasted, or spicy. It is impressively food versatile and deals well with the barrage of dishes that as you might find on a holiday meal table. As for cheeses, I enjoy firm, assertive ones such as a dry jack or robust cheddar with Zin.
Where Zinfandel is Cultivated
California - Zinfandel is cultivated predominantly in California, and is grown throughout the state. California was always very proud of Red Zinfandel; it was something they could call their own. Yet, alas, the varietal was recently traced back to its native Croatia.
(Click here for a helpful map of California’s wine regions.)
Italy- A few years ago it was discovered that our Zinfandel is genetically identical to the Primitivo grape of southern Italy. Italian producers are now allowed to label their bottles of Primitivo as “Zinfandel,” so you may see them either way. While they are the same grape, the Californian and Italian versions are stylistically very different.
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 Most Interesting: Ridge “Three Valleys” 2002, Sonoma County $20.99 ($17.84 with GOGO discount)
Three Valleys is comprised of Ridge’s signature Zindfandel-based blend. Small percentages of Carginan, Petite Sirah, and Mataro lend an added complexity to their wines. Ridge’s house style is to make elegant, more refined expressions of Zinfandel.
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 Best Bargain: Rosenblum Zinfandel “Vintner’s Cuvee XXVII”, California $12.99 ($11.04 with GOGO discount)
Rosenblum is a well-established reliable producer of Zinfandel. This bottle is a terrific bargain Zin, and a great introduction to what the varietal is all about. It is cheerful and offers up bright, ripe berry fruit.
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 Friendliest: Noah “ Duarte Vineyards” Zinfandel 2002, Sonoma County $19.99 ($16.99 with GOGO discount)
Thoroughly enjoyable wine from a small, up-and-coming producer. Noah bursts from the glass with aromas of raspberry, black cherry and hints of milk chocolate. It follows up with a satisfyingly rich mouthful of flavors.
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 Best in Show: Neyers “Pato Vineyard” Zinfandel 2002, Contra Costa County $35.99 ($30.59 with GOGO discount)
If you like a Zin with a rich, chewy texture, this full-bodied, hedonistic wine overtakes your senses with loads of blackberries and a touch of fig.
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Want to try even more Zinfandel?
Come to one of our March Tasting Events
(click here)
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