Zinfandel
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Primitivo, Tribidrag, Crljenak Kastelanski (Dalmatia)
Zinfandel is a red wine grape with signature aromas of blackberry jam, black pepper, bramble. Structure: Full body, Medium acidity, Medium(+) tannin, High alcohol. Often confused with Tempranillo and Syrah.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Check alcohol and ripeness first: Zinfandel often reads warm and generous.
- Look for brambly jammy fruit with pepper and spice.
Confidence signals
- High alcohol with brambly fruit
- Pepper and dried-fig notes
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Sonoma · Lodi · Puglia
- Classic styles: High-alcohol ripe-fruited Californian red · Primitivo (#9703)-based warm-climate red
Common questions
Is Zinfandel a red or white grape variety?
Zinfandel is a red wine grape variety.
What does Zinfandel smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Zinfandel include blackberry jam, black pepper and bramble. Structural profile: Full body, Medium acidity, Medium(+) tannin, High alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Zinfandel?
Documented tells for Zinfandel: Check alcohol and ripeness first: Zinfandel often reads warm and generous. and Look for brambly jammy fruit with pepper and spice..
What is Zinfandel most often confused with in blind tasting?
Zinfandel is most commonly confused with Tempranillo, Syrah and Grenache. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Zinfandel grown?
Classic regions for Zinfandel include Sonoma, Lodi and Puglia.