Description
The Zinfandel grape (which has recently been proven to be an obscure Italian grape called Primitivo) is used to make both red whines and rosé, which is called White Zinfandel. Zinfandel red wines are dark, nearly purple. They are well-structured with strong tannins, and can vary from quite dry to rather sweet, and from light-bodied to heavy. They tend to have hints of plumb, raisin, leather, and spice.
Aging
Zinfandel can be drunk when young, but it does improve with age.
Regon
Zinfandel is the oldest and most commonly grown grape in California, and the best Zinfandels are made in that region. It is also grown in areas of South Africa and Australia, as well as in a small region of Italy.
Food Pairings
Zinfandel is a versatile wine in pairing with food. It pairs well with everything from white meat to game meats to spicy foods.
Hi there,
Is Zinfandel grape a very rich wine and would it be overpowering with something like game meats? How would it compare to Sauvignon Blanc?
Thanks,
Sarah.
It’s difficult to compare a sauvignon blanc to a red zinfandel. A rosé of zinfandel, better known as white zinfandel, would compare somewhat to a sauvignon blanc.
Zinfandels do go very well with gamier meats - the spiciness and strong tannins stand up well to the gaminess of a meat like venison, elk, or duck.