Tastes likeblackberry jam, raspberry, black pepper, cinnamon, dried fig
Alcohol14.5-16%
Serve at60-65°F (16-18°C)
GlassRed wine glass
Decant?Optional
What to payGood bottles $12-$30
Red Zinfandel is big, ripe and generous: think blackberry jam with black pepper and baking spice. (White Zinfandel is a sweet pink wine made from the same grape.) It’s the same variety as Italy’s Primitivo.
Best food with Zinfandel
Spicy & AsianChinese food
Riesling · Pinot Noir · Chenin Blanc
How it tastes
Jammy blackberry and raspberry, black pepper, cinnamon and sometimes dried fig. Alcohol often tops 15%, which gives a warm, rich feel.
Food it loves
Zinfandel’s ripe fruit stands up to sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, pepperoni pizza and chili: foods that make drier reds taste thin. Its high alcohol does make spicy heat feel hotter, so go easy with very spicy dishes.
Buying tips
- Old Vine on the label usually means deeper flavor (there’s no legal definition).
- Lodi and Paso Robles are great value; Dry Creek Valley is classic.
- Italian Primitivo di Manduria is a cheaper, rustic cousin.
Where it’s grown
Lodi Sonoma (Dry Creek) Paso Robles Puglia (as Primitivo)
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Rate itIf you like Zinfandel, try…
Full-bodied redSyrah / Shiraz
blackberry · blueberry · black pepper · smoked meat · olive
Medium-bodied redGrenache (Garnacha)
strawberry · raspberry · white pepper · orange peel · dried herbs
Very full-bodied redPetite Sirah
blueberry · blackberry · black pepper · dark chocolate · plum
Full-bodied redMalbec
plum · blackberry · cocoa · violet · sweet tobacco