Definition: Zinfandel

A European-style red grape variety, yet typically Californian, of mysterious origin—perhaps the Italian Primitivo—that can produce interesting red wines that are highly distinctive and unique in their own right. A recent DNA paternity test has finally confirmed that Primitivo and Zinfandel are twin brothers, originating on the Croatian island of Krk, where the grape is already known as Crljenak Kaštelanski.

Same texture, similar aromas. This fairly full-bodied, very fruity red wine can be ordinary or remarkable depending on the producer, and its alcohol content can exceed 15°. It comes in a wide range of styles, from a pale pink wine called White Zinfandel and Blush wine, to fortified wine reminiscent of port.

Zin, as it’s known on the U.S. West Coast, in its “great red wine” version—opulent and spicy—is virtually exclusive to California, particularly prevalent in San Joaquin County, where it’s full of character and found almost nowhere else, except in Australia, where it’s produced by a winemaker of Californian origin. In its “jug wine” (open-bottle) version, California is flooding the market with rosé Zinfandel. People are now talking about “Zin bars” and “Zin restaurants.”