When it comes to bold and full-bodied red wines, Zinfandel has cemented its place as a staple in the American wine scene.
Often celebrated as the “All-American” grape, Zinfandel has a fascinating backstory that spans continents, cultures, and centuries. This grape has charmed wine lovers with its diverse styles, from robust reds to refreshing rosés under the guise of “White Zinfandel,” yet its genetic roots reach far beyond American soil, linking it back to Italy and ultimately Croatia.
The Great Debate: Zinfandel vs. Primitivo
For decades, wine experts and historians debated Zinfandel’s true origins, wondering if it was an indigenous American grape or a long-lost European varietal. In the United States, Zinfandel gained such popularity that it was heralded as an American icon, especially after wineries experimented with making a light, rosé-style wine marketed as White Zinfandel. However, Italian vintners believed they recognized the grape, calling it Primitivo in Puglia, Italy. After years of heated debate, DNA testing through the Zinquest project settled the argument, revealing that Zinfandel and Italy’s Primitivo are indeed genetically identical. Yet, before either region claims victory, there’s a twist: the grape’s lineage can be traced even further back to Croatia, where it was known as Tribidrag or Crljenak Kaštelanski.
From Croatia to California: An Epic Journey
The journey of Zinfandel from the Adriatic coast to American vineyards remains somewhat mysterious, but it’s believed that Austrian immigrants brought cuttings of the grape to the U.S. in the early 19th century. With its arrival in California’s vineyards, Zinfandel thrived, benefiting from the state’s warm climate and diverse terroirs. Although America may not have won the origin debate, its winemakers have certainly given Zinfandel a new life. With innovation and care, they’ve created wines that range from rich, jammy reds to refreshing rosés and even dessert wines, transforming Zinfandel into a grape with international acclaim.
The Best Zinfandels on the Market by Wine-Searcher
Here’s a look at some of the most highly regarded Zinfandels that exemplify the grape’s versatility and quality:
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Martinelli Jackass Hill Zinfandel – 95 points, USD 156
Cultivated in the Russian River Valley, this vineyard was established by Italian immigrants Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli. They chose a steep, challenging hillside, humorously named “Jackass Hill,” to plant their vines. Known for its intensity, this Zinfandel boasts flavors of licorice, jammy berries, and earthy spices. -
Martinelli Jackass Vineyard Zinfandel – 94 points, USD 131
Situated near Jackass Hill, this Zinfandel showcases smoky, savory notes with blackberries and exotic spices. It’s a refined expression with deep roots in the Martinelli family legacy. -
Hartford Family Winery Highwire Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel – 93 points, USD 66
This Russian River wine, made from century-old vines, balances ripe red and black fruits with subtle herbal tones. Founded in 1994, the Hartford Family Winery is known for crafting wines from unique, single-vineyard sites. -
Hartford Family Winery Dina’s Vineyard Zinfandel – 93 points, USD 64
Grown from dry-farmed, head-trained vines planted 100 years ago, this Zinfandel is a concentrated blend of baked cherries, blackberries, and plums. -
Hartford Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard Zinfandel – 93 points, USD 51
With hints of vanilla and cedar, this rich and structured wine exudes berry flavors in a full-bodied style. It represents the winery’s commitment to excellence at an accessible price. -
Turley Wine Cellars Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel – 93 points, USD 108
From Napa Valley, Turley’s Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel is both robust and elegant, demonstrating how this winery, founded by Larry Turley, has mastered high-alcohol Zinfandels with balance and finesse. -
Carlisle Montafi Ranch Zinfandel – 92 points, USD 56
This Sonoma County gem is celebrated for its lush blackberry and cherry flavors, accentuated by floral notes and a hint of menthol. -
Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel – 93 points, USD 58
This estate-grown Zinfandel has been described as bright and fruit-forward with notes of boysenberry and spice, showcasing the winery’s dedication to preserving old-vine heritage. -
Hartford Old Vine Zinfandel – 92 points, USD 43
Known for its fresh profile, this wine is a departure from typical chocolatey Zinfandels, emphasizing wild blackberries and raspberries instead. -
Turley Wine Cellars Ueberroth Vineyard Zinfandel – 93 points, USD 69
One of the oldest dedicated Zinfandel vineyards in Paso Robles, this wine is elegant and layered, paying homage to Turley’s commitment to the varietal.
Zinfandel’s Legacy
Zinfandel’s journey across the Atlantic and its rise in popularity throughout the U.S. highlight the grape’s adaptability and appeal. Today, American winemakers proudly carry on its legacy, crafting Zinfandels that continue to capture the attention of wine enthusiasts worldwide. From its Croatian roots to its Italian incarnation as Primitivo, Zinfandel’s evolution has been shaped by each region’s unique contributions, making it a truly global grape with a distinctly American spirit.
Source: Wine-Searcher