Zinfandel Wine: A Mysterious and Flavorful Red

Zinfandel wine is a type of red wine that has an interesting history. It's past is the source of a lot of discussion in the red wine industry.

This red wine type became a big part of the California wine industry starting in the 1880s. A lot of controversy has surrounded it as it is difficult to grow well, although Dry Creek Valley wineries in Sonoma County are starting to master it.

For years, its history and origin were unknown. In the early 1990s, the industry decided it was time to learn more about it and conducted DNA testing.

The results of the testing linked it back to a wine grown primarily in Italy, with origins in Croatia, called Primitivo. On my recent visit to Croatia, several wine enthusiasts said it arrived in California from a local that relocated. Apparently, he moved to California and brought some plants with him. He seemed to be a little bit of a local celebrity, since many people I talked to told me the same story.

Red Zinfandel Wine Today

Today, it is still primarily grown in California, with the Northern California wine counties growing the largest amount in the state. You will also find it grown in and around other regions in California, at Washington State wineries, in Australia and most recently in South Africa.

It is challenging to grow since it has the tendency to grow unevenly and can rot easily. It needs just the right temperature and altitude to grow well. Northern California, specifically Dry Creek Valley Wineries, has figured out the secret key to grown it and other regions are trying to follow its success.

zinfandel wine

Another interesting fact about it is that you will run across different types of Zinfandel such as old vine, white, late harvest and others. Each type is different with unique characteristics. I'd recommend that you taste a few different kinds to learn more about what you like.

The old vine zins were vines originally planted in California many, many years ago and these vines are still producing wine quality grapes. It happens to be one of my favorite reds due to the variety available and because I'm spoiled living so close to the region that's mastered it, Dry Creek Valley.

Zinfandel Wine Recommendations

Here are some of my favorites:

Winery Location	Winery	Estimated Price
Dry Creek Valley	Mauritson's Family Winery	$27 - $40
Napa Valley	Napa Cellars	$25 - $35
Dry Creek Valley	Lake Sonoma	$22 - $25
Dry Creek Valley	Seghesio Family Vineyards	$23 - $26
Dry Creek Valley	Ridge Vineyards - Several Options	$20 - $150
Lodi, California	Michael David Winery - 7 Deadly Zins	$17 - $20