Although having similar characteristics to its twin brother Primitivo, Zinfandel is less resistant to diseases, particularly gray rot, because its skin is thinner and its berries are larger and more compact. Here again, the level of maturity of the grapes within the same cluster is disparate: certain grapes therefore provide acidity, aromas of fresh fruit and herbaceous notes, while others give notes of dried fruit and jammy.
Zinfandel-based wine styles
White Zinfandel makes up the majority of the volume produced from this grape variety. A term that can be confusing since White Zinfandel is actually a rosé wine. It would be the result of an accident: in the 70s, the producer Sutter Home would have obtained, following the cessation of fermentation, a semi-dry rosé with a low alcohol content, with a deep pink color because having macerated with the skins. This very inexpensive White Zinfandel with strawberry and candy flavors replaced the originally desired dry rosé de saignée and became very popular in the United States. A success which has waned in recent years, as consumers have discovered other types of lighter and refreshing rosés, such as pressed rosés from Provence . Today, some producers are bringing White Zinfandel up to date in a lighter and less sweet version. White Zinfandel therefore still has a future ahead of it.
In red, a Californian Zinfandel can be full-bodied and powerful or, on the contrary, lighter. The common point between these different expressions: you will find intense aromas of jammy red fruits, licorice and sweet spices. The tannins are velvety, medium to high, giving excellent structure to the wines. It is not uncommon to see alcohol levels above 14% vol. The Lodi region is particularly renowned for its Zinfandel, made from very old vines. Other producers from the AVA (American Viticultural Area, American appellation system) of Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek Valley or Paso Robles also reveal the qualitative potential of this characterful grape variety.
Our selection of Zinfandel vintages
Made from grapes from the Dry Creek Valley AVA, the 2017 Director's Cut Zinfandel vintage is produced by the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, owned by the famous American director. After careful sorting of the best grapes, the wines are fermented in open barrels, then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which is new wood. This gives rise to a structured and velvety wine, with aromas of blackberry and raspberry and notes of clove and mocha, of remarkable length.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery also produces the 2018 Diamond Collection Zinfandel , a Californian blend combining Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes from Paso Robles and Sonoma Valley. The influence of different microclimates results in a balance between freshness and cooked fruit notes. Aging for 12 months in French oak barrels brings touches of sweet spices, which complement the wine's pronounced prune and caramel notes.
