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Zinfandel

By Stacy Slinkard, About.com

Definition: The Zinfandel grape has been a cornerstone of the California viticulture scene since the mid-1800s. Thought by some to have originated from Italy others are sure it's roots were firmly planted in Croatia - either way it is a dynamic red grape that has made itself quite at home in the New World. This versatile varietal is known and loved as "White Zin" by some and just "Zinfandel" by others.

White Zinfandel wine is made from the red Zinfandel grape, but the grape skins are quickly removed after they are crushed so there is significantly less contact time with the heavily pigmented red grape skin, resulting in a pink/rose colored wine, instead of a deep red wine.

Zinfandel, meaning the red wine, is known for its rich, dark color scheme, medium to high tannin levels and a higher alcohol content. The Zinfandel feature flavors include: raspberry, blackberry, cherry, plums, raisins, spice and blackpepper all wrapped around various intensities of oak.

Food Pairings

White Zinfandel pairs well with a massive variety of foods, ranging from Cajun fare to Asian fare, from BBQ chicken to heavy-duty seafood entrees.

Zinfandel pairs well with red or white meat, fish tacos, spicy numbers or burgers.

Key Domestic Producers

Ravenswood

St. Francis

Limerick Land

Pezzi-King

Cline

Rosenblum

Edmeades

White Zinfandel Producers: Sutter Home, Beringer

Pronunciation: Zin-fan-Dell
Also Known As: "Zin" and Primitivo (South Italy)

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Wine

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