Wanda Haynes,
Certified Sommelier
Zinfandel is a low tannin dry red wine made from zinfandel grapes. The individual grapes don’t all ripen at the same time and the cluster isn’t harvested until all the grapes are fully ripened. This harvesting practice gives the wine a “fruit forward” taste.
Pairs well with a hot ham and cheese sandwich and barbeque chicken.
Some Zinfandels are blended with other grape varietals, be sure the bottle reads 100% zinfandel. A white zinfandel is a rosé and made in the rosé style with a pink hue.
California has made zinfandel a household name, and over 10% of the vineyards are zinfandel grapes. Lodi, California produces a fine zinfandel for a value price.
The late harvest version of zinfandel is a sweet rich red wine generally sold in half bottles.