Zinfandel is a red grape variety grown primarily in California, known for producing bold, fruit-forward wines with high alcohol levels and a range of flavours.
Zinfandel is often described as a "big" wine, with a powerful and robust character. Zinfandel typically has aromas of blackberry, raspberry, and spice, with some varieties displaying a hint of black pepper. On the palate, Zinfandel can have a range of flavours, from ripe black fruits to red fruits such as cherry and strawberry, with a full-bodied and rich mouthfeel and a moderate level of acidity.
Zinfandel is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, including red meat, barbecue, and spicy cuisine. The wine's bold and fruity character makes it a perfect match for grilled meats, rich stews, and flavourful Mexican and Southwestern dishes. Zinfandel can be enjoyed young, with a bright and fruit-forward character, or aged for a few years, developing a more complex flavour profile with notes of vanilla, tobacco, and oak.
Some of the finest examples of Zinfandel wines come from the appellations of Sonoma County and Napa Valley in California.