Zinfandel

        Zinfandel is a popular grape of the dark skinned variety. Brought over during the 18^th century to the America’s, it is now commonly grown in sunny California though has roots in other vineyards across the United States grape growing states. About 11% of California’s grape vineyards are of the Zinfandel grape variety. Zinfandel grapes are most commonly used in the United States compared to any other country.

        Zin as it is sometimes affectionately known in North America originally has its roots in Croatia’s Adriatic Cost and also in Italy’s heel (Puglia). Originally hailing from Croatia, Zinfandels true variety name is Crljenak Kastelanski. The Crljenak Kastelanski is aslo known as Primitivo in Italy which it also originally hails from. Grape DNA testing has been able to tell us all this.

        Being of a dark skinned red grape Zinfandel is commonly made into a robust flavoured red wine though isn’t nearly as popular as the blushed “Zinfandel white wine”. Zinfandel whine wine is made by removing the highly pigmented dark red skins of the grapes shortly after crushing them; this is what causes the wine to produce a “blushed” rosy colour. While red Zinfandel wine has a deeper robust flavour to it, Zinfandel white wine has a semi-sweet flavour to it (the semi-sweet flavour is one of the major causes for Zinfandel white wines popularity in North America).

        Zinfandel vines grow best in climates that are warm but are not too hot since the grapes will easily raisin; this is why they do so well in California though they are grow in other American Sates. Zinfandel grapes grow in tight bunches on the vine (this sometimes causes them to bunch rot). A fast growing grape variety, Zinfandel grapes are known for their uneven ripening patterns. In a single tight bunch of Zinfandel grapes it is common to find grapes that are already starting to raisin and yet grapes that haven’t developed their brilliant dark red skin colour as they are still bright green. Due to the uneven ripening Zinfandel grape growers sometimes will pick the grapes individually from the grape bunch as they ripen. Not all Zinfandel grape growers will individually pick their grapes though as it is laborious and increases the cost. Since not all Zinfandel grape growers are willing to pick individual grapes as they ripen it is common practice to vinify the bunches while they have their varying levels of ripeness.

        The Zinfandel grape is a sweet grape with a high natural sugar content. When the grapes are harvested will affect the taste of the Zinfandel wine, for white Zinfandel wine the grapes are usually harvested relatively early while on the other hand if climate permits some grape growers will produce a late harvest which is good for making dessert wines. Since the Zinfandel grape variety has a high sugar content red Zinfandel wine will often have a stronger alcohol level. In the past the high alcohol level in Zinfandel red wine has been complained about and criticized, modern technology and wine making methods has been able to help with that though.