Grapes · Red grape
Zinfandel / Primitivo
California's heritage grape, genetically identical to Italy's Primitivo. Uneven ripening gives a mix of fresh and raisined berries — and rich, jammy, high-alcohol wines.
Also known as: Primitivo (Puglia, Italy), Crljenak Kaštelanski / Tribidrag (Croatia)
On the nose
Young wines (primary aromas)
- blackberry jam
- raspberry
- black cherry
- raisin
- black pepper
- cinnamon
Oak & winemaking (secondary)
- vanilla
- smoke
- sweet spice
With bottle age (tertiary)
- dried fruit
- leather
- tobacco
On the palate
Dry or just off-dry, full body, high alcohol, medium acidity and medium tannins. Jammy fruit, sweet spice and a warm finish.
Tasting tip
If it tastes like blackberry jam with a peppery kick and warms your chest, it may be Zinfandel.
Often confused with
Shiraz (more pepper, firmer), Grenache (lighter, red fruit).