Varietal Intelligence · Red
Zinfandel
Bramble, black pepper, sun-baked fruit. America's adopted hero.
Origin
Croatia (as Crljenak) · 15th century
Bramble, black pepper, sun-baked fruit. America's adopted hero.
Genetically identical to Croatia's Crljenak Kaštelanski and Italy's Primitivo, Zinfandel found its second home in the old hillside vineyards of California — gnarled, century-old vines yielding wines of brambly fruit, black pepper and sunbaked depth. Old-vine Zin, especially from Sonoma's dry-farmed sites, is one of the great American wine experiences.
Flavor Profile
The grape, measured.
Six axes describe how the wine sits on the palate. Hover for sommelier notation.
Region Atlas
Where it thrives.
Hover any pin to read the regional dialect. Climate zones are read in tone.
Mediterranean · USA
Sonoma County
Old-vine bramble.
Sommelier Insights
At the table, in the glass.
Smoked brisket · BBQ ribs · Wood-fired pizza · Aged cheddar
16–18 °C
30–45 minutes opens the bramble and tames the heat.
Drink within 5–10 years; old-vine cuvées go further.
Field-blend historic vineyards (Bedrock, Monte Rosso, Saitone) are the prizes.
Expect ripe blackberry jam and a peppery kick. Generous, never shy.
Sommelier-Level Note
"Watch alcohol carefully — old-vine Zin can flirt with 16%. The best winemakers harness it with acidity and savoury whole-cluster notes."
— The Wine Passport · House Tasting Note
Related Discoveries
Bottles, journeys, kindred grapes.
Recommended bottles
Suggested journeys
- Old-vine Sonoma5 pours · Sonoma
- Zinfandel ↔ Primitivo6 pours · Global
Kindred grapes
Your Palate
The grape, against your record.
Tasting trend
Your palate's affinity for Zinfandel, year on year.