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Red Wines

Zinfandel

California's adopted signature — jammy, high-alcohol and boldly fruited, genetically identical to Croatian Crljenak and Italian Primitivo.

In detail

Origin
Croatia, via southern Italy.
Major regions
Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley · Lodi · Napa · Puglia (as Primitivo)
Grapes
Zinfandel
Flavour profile
Blackberry jam, raisin, sweet tobacco, cinnamon and black pepper.
Body
Full
Acidity
Medium
Sweetness
Dry to off-dry

Recommended Glass

Red Wine Glass

A tall bowl with a moderately wide base tapering to a narrower opening, giving wine room to breathe while keeping aromatics in the glass.

About this glass →

Serving Temperature

15–17°C (59–63°F)

A little cooler than room temperature for reds; properly cold but not frozen for whites and sparkling.

Food Pairings

  • Barbecued pork
  • Burgers
  • Spiced sausage
  • Aged gouda
  • Pepperoni pizza

Notable examples & brands

  • Ridge Lytton Springs
  • Turley Zinfandel
  • Seghesio Sonoma