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Zinfandel is recognized as the only American vinifera.
Zinfandel (ZIN-fan-del) is California’s very own? Not really. Nonetheless, Zinfandel is recognized as the only American vinifera. After much debate as to where Zin originated, the question was finally answered in 1998. Prof. Carole Meridth (UC Davis), with the help of DNA fingerprinting, confirmed that California’s Zinfandel is southern Italy’s Primativo. However, it is closely related to Croatia’s Plavac Mali. Zinfandel was brought to this country in 1822 and grown in the Northeast as fancy table grapes. Due to their heat requirements these early Zinfandel vines were grown under glass. It was not until 1852, on the heels of the gold rush that the vines were brought to California. These early plantings thrived in the warmer climates of the state, and in the 1880s, Zinfandel became the most planted red varietal in the state.
This grape’s modern day popularity arose from its white version. However, Zinfandel’s true nature or calling is to be made into a wonderfully robust red…..a wine you can sink your teeth into. These high-octane monsters are not for the faint of heart. Most Zins possess an intense ruby-purple color with medium to high tannin content. Zins often have blackberry and raspberry aromas and flavors, with spicy and jammy characteristics. Affordability priced Zins are meant to be consumed young, while more seriously made Zins could be aged. Foods to serve with Zinfandel should be as big and as intense as the wine itself: Barbequed ribs, stews, steaks and dark fruit sauces.
Today, there are nearly 50,000 acres of Zin planted throughout California. There is even Zinfandel planted here in Monterey County, a cooler climate that is not known for its Zinfandels. Nevertheless, there are some pockets of very warm growing areas where the grape is doing well, like Carmel Valley. As a matter of fact, in March of this year, Joullian Vineyards in Carmel Valley grafted Zinfandel on to 4 acres of Chardonnay rootstock. Monterey County Zinfandel may never be as popular as Zinfandel wine from our Northern neighbors, but we can all agree that the Zinfandel wines from our area are unique and special.
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