Zinfandel is a wine variety that isn’t all that common in Australia but is something I’ve always been a fan of. I think it’s because it has fond memories for me – my first ever wine tour was in Sonoma and Napa in California many years ago. I tried so many Zinfandels that day, and fell head over heels! Although it can be hard to source in Australia, it is becoming more popular. And if you’ve had Primitivo before, you have had Zinfandel as they are the same grape! This Zinfandel wine guide dives into everything you need to know.
Spotlight on Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a black-skinned grape variety that is incredibly popular in the United States. However, it also goes by another name: Primitivo. Yes, this grape has an Italian cousin that is also quite delicious. So whether you’re drinking something labelled Zinfandel or Primitivo – you are drinking the same grape. Zinfandel grows well in warm climates and can be made into a variety of styles, including a Rosé called White Zinfandel.
Zinfandel wine guide: Origins
Zinfandel was regarded as a wine that came from California for many years. However, it was discovered that it was actually the same as the ancient Italian variety Primitivo. Italian winemakers then wanted to be able to call their wines Zinfandel and market them like this, which caused a few disagreements.
Although it isn’t as abundant in Italy as in the US, the grape was actually determined to come from Croatia. After many years of arguments as to whether the grape was Italian, American or Croatian, DNA testing sorted it out for everyone.
Zinfandel arrived in California from Europe in the 1850s. Now, the main difference between Primitivo and Zinfandel is the style of the wines, with the terroir and winemaking style impacting the finished product. As a result, wines from other regions such as Australia can be called Primitivo or Zinfandel, and this is usually used to denote the style.
Zinfandel wine guide: Flavour profile
Typically, Zinfandel has a lighter colour than Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. But it has a bold taste, thanks to its moderate tannin and high acidity. Most Zinfandels also have a high alcohol level, giving them a bigger, bolder body. As a result, these wines tend to have both lighter-bodied characteristics and big flavours simultaneously, making them usually medium-bodied.
The flavours of Zinfandel depend on the style. Medium-bodied styles usually have red fruit characteristics – raspberry, cherry, plum, cranberry and some black pepper. More concentrated Zinfandel will have jammy, spiced and smokey characteristics.
In contrast, white Zinfandel is normally an off-dry to medium sweetness rosé with low alcohol levels which makes it a good entry to wine. Although it isn’t popular with most wine drinkers, it is still very popular in the US.
Zinfandel wine guide: Where you’ll find it
Most of the Zinfandel vines in the world are planted in the United States who hold around 70% of the acreage world-wide. Italy holds about 27%, and Australia, South Africa and Mexico hold the rest.
In Italy, Primitivo is mainly planted in Puglia, which is in the boot of Italy. The climate here is quite warm, and the grapes typically ripen more evenly than Zinfandel.
On the flip side, California in the United States is where you’ll find Zinfandel. Their wines offer a range of styles from lighter reds to darker, full-bodied jammy wines. There are many old vines here which produce complex wines.
In Australia, you’ll find Zinfandel and Primitivo spread out across our warmer wine regions. Think Margaret River, McLaren Vale and the Hunter Valley.
Zinfandel wine guide: What to look for
You can usually use whether a wine is labelled Zinfandel or Primitivo as a good indicator of style. This will help you pick a wine you love.
Zinfandel from California is usually allowed to ripen to generate high sugar and high alcohol content in the wine. This produces wines with reduced acid and tannin, making the wine smoother and sweeter.
In contrast, Primitivo wines are typically not as sweet or fruity as those from California. They have a good structure, are hearty wines and have flavours of blackberry, violet and pepper.
Another good indicator of the style is alcohol content. Zinfandel with around 13.5% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) will be lighter, and wine with around 16% ABV will be bolder and spicier.
Zinfandel wine guide: Food pairings
Zinfandel and Primitivo are great food wines. Because it is usually on the sweeter side of red wine, it pairs beautifully with spiced BBQ and curries. The spice in the wine will shine next to strong herbs and spices, and the fruitiness will cut through some of the sweet-savoury flavours in curries.
The other perfect pairing is meat dishes. You can’t go wrong with pairing this wine with barbecued red meats and lamb, as well as pork and bacon. Those rich, meaty flavours will pair perfectly with the bold flavours in the wine.
In summary
I hope this Zinfandel wine guide has helped you understand this great black grape! Whether you are a lover of softer, fruitier reds or more bold wines, there is something for you with Zinfandel. You can find some delicious red wines from this grape – and no matter if they are labelled Zinfandel or Primitivo you’re sure to have a good time. Pairing beautifully with BBQ and spiced dishes, this wine is a great food wine. So next time you’re in the bottle store, see if you can find a bottle to try. It can be hard to find, but when you do you’ll be in for a treat!