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Zinfandel

Zinfandel (Red) (ZIHN-fan-dell)

 

Regions: As the name Zinfandel, this grape is planted almost entirely in California. However, Primitivo is the same grape and is grown in Italy, primarily in the south.

 

Characteristics: This grape is capable of everything from simple fruity wines to huge, ripe wines of considerable heft and depth. Generally tending towards the fruity end of the spectrum but often has nice spicy aromas and flavors. It is capable of intense ripeness with high alcohol and almost cloying ripe fruit. The best examples can have a nice velvety texture and good complexity. While it can age some, they are generally best in their first several years. The Primitivos from Italy tends to be more earthy and not as over-ripe and alcoholic.