A RED GRAPE · LODI & DRY CREEK
Zinfandel
Jammy, bramble, warm spice.
What Zinfandel tastes like
Zinfandel is a red grape. In the glass it reads as jammy, bramble and warm spice. Zinfandel is rich and full-bodied, with soft, moderate tannin and moderate acidity, with a touch of ripe sweetness. A little oak is common. Its home turf, as we hold it, is Lodi & Dry Creek, Puglia.
Where Zinfandel grows
Our appellations table names Zinfandel in 23 wine regions. The ones with the most wines in our database are Russian River Valley (USA), Paso Robles (USA), Alexander Valley (USA), Sonoma County (USA), Howell Mountain (USA), Sonoma (USA), Dry Creek Valley (USA), North Coast (USA), Lodi (USA), Mendocino (USA), Sierra Foothills (USA) and Russian River (USA).
Zinfandel is grown well beyond that list: 11 more appellations name it as a main grape, which is part of why one bottle can taste so different from the next.
How the place changes the glass
- Russian River Valley (USA): Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with elegant fruit and freshness; also known for ripe, fruit-forward Zinfandel in warmer microclimates. Climate: mediterranean with Pacific maritime moderation.
- Paso Robles (USA): Bold, fruit-forward reds with ripe tannins; Rhône-style blends and whites with good acidity are also made. Climate: warm, semi-arid Mediterranean with large diurnal swing.
- California (USA): Highly variable; encompasses everything from elegant cool-climate wines to bold, high-alcohol expressions. Climate: ranges from cool coastal to hot inland.
- Alexander Valley (USA): Rich, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel with ripe fruit and supple structure. Climate: warm Mediterranean with a strong diurnal temperature swing.
What to eat with Zinfandel
The classic partners are bbq ribs, burgers and sausage. It is flexible: it sits comfortably beside a wide range of dishes without overpowering them.
Zinfandel on menus we hold
- BROCCOLI, EGGPLANT, SMOKED PAPRIKA at De Librije: paired with Zinfandel (2022). Farm tables, wildflowers, and unhurried hospitality.
Zinfandel in our cellar
The appellations above account for about 3,070 Zinfandel wines in the Sommurai database, which is how we know which regions pour it most.
Grapes to try next
If you like Zinfandel, these red grapes are worth a glass: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache and Cabernet Franc.
Quick answers
What does Zinfandel taste like?
Zinfandel reads as jammy, bramble and warm spice. Zinfandel is rich and full-bodied, with soft, moderate tannin and moderate acidity, with a touch of ripe sweetness. A little oak is common.
What food goes with Zinfandel?
bbq ribs, burgers and sausage.
Where is Zinfandel grown?
Our appellations table names Zinfandel in 23 wine regions, including Russian River Valley (USA), Paso Robles (USA), Alexander Valley (USA), Sonoma County (USA) and Howell Mountain (USA).
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