California Zinfandel

Zinfandel was once known as California’s “mystery grape” because its origins were unknown. That all changed in 2002, when DNA fingerprinting confirmed that Italy’s Primitivo and Crljenak Kastelanski, an ancient Croatian variety, are genetically identical to the Zinfandel grape. Differences in vine vigor and cluster size, however, distinguish Zinfandel from the Italian and Croatian grapes, and cultivation, terroir and winemaking combine to give California Zinfandel its own unique flavor profile. On wine labels, U.S. regulations require that Zinfandel and Primitivo be identified separately.

Studies indicate that the grape used for making California Zinfandel probably originated in Croatia. The Zinfandel name, however, is truly American; the earliest documented use was recorded in 1832 in Boston, when a nursery owner advertised Zinfandel for sale.

Zinfandel was introduced to California during the Gold Rush sometime between 1852 and 1857. The variety thrived in the state’s climate and soil, and plantings increased. Today, Zinfandel is the third-leading winegrape variety in California in terms of acreage. It is grown in the majority of California’s 58 counties.

Common descriptors for Zinfandel include blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry and cherry, as well as black pepper, cloves, anise and herbs. Although Zinfandel is a red grape, the variety is also used to make a rosé (blush) wine called White Zinfandel.