Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a dark-skinned grape variety best known for expressive red wines from California, although its genetic roots connect it with Croatia's Tribidrag and Italy's Primitivo. In the glass it is usually generous, fruit-driven and immediately appealing.

Typical aromas include blackberry, raspberry, plum, cherry, sweet spice and sometimes pepper or dried herbs. Depending on region, ripeness and winemaking, Zinfandel can range from juicy and medium-bodied to powerful, full-bodied and oak-aged.

What does Zinfandel taste like?

Zinfandel often tastes of ripe blackberry, raspberry jam, dark cherry, plum and baking spice. Warmer sites and riper harvests can bring notes of fig, raisin, chocolate and sweet oak, while fresher examples show red fruit, pepper and a lively lift.

The tannins are usually moderate and round rather than severe, with medium to full body and a plush texture. Alcohol can be higher in richer styles, so the best wines rely on freshness and balance to keep the fruit vibrant.

Where does Zinfandel come from?

Zinfandel is most strongly associated with California, where it became one of the state's signature red grape varieties. Historic old vines are especially important in areas such as Sonoma, Lodi, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Contra Costa and the Sierra Foothills.

DNA research has shown that Zinfandel is closely connected to Croatia's Tribidrag, also known as Crljenak Kaštelanski, and to Primitivo in southern Italy. In the English-speaking wine market, however, the name Zinfandel is most closely tied to California.

Which Zinfandel styles are there?

The classic dry red style is ripe, spicy and generous, often with blackberry fruit, soft tannins and a warm finish. Some wines are polished and oak-matured, while old-vine examples can add concentration, savoury spice and impressive depth.

There are also lighter, fresher red styles, rosé wines, and the well-known off-dry White Zinfandel style. For quality-focused red wine drinkers, the most exciting examples are usually dry reds that balance abundant fruit with freshness and structure.


What food pairs with Zinfandel?

Zinfandel is excellent with barbecue ribs, grilled steak, burgers, pulled pork, smoky sausages, lamb, chilli con carne and tomato-based pasta. Its ripe fruit and spice handle char, smoke and sweet-savoury sauces particularly well.

Softer examples pair nicely with pizza, meatballs and roasted vegetables, while fuller bottles suit richer dishes with spice and glaze. Avoid very delicate fish or ultra-light dishes, as the wine's fruit and body can easily dominate them.

Buy Zinfandel online

Zinfandel is a compelling choice when you want a red wine with generous fruit, spice and a satisfying texture. It is approachable enough for relaxed drinking yet serious enough in old-vine and carefully made examples to reward closer attention.

Browse our Zinfandel selection online and discover wines that range from juicy and vibrant to bold, layered and powerful. It is a grape variety made for flavourful food, convivial evenings and lovers of expressive red wine.




Enjoyment without tracking: We avoid unnecessary cookies. Your privacy matters to us as much as a fine vintage.