WineGuessrPlay →Red grape variety
Zinfandel
Also called Primitivo, Tribidrag, Crljenak Kaštelanski, Kratošija
Zinfandel is a red grape from the Adriatic coast known for ripe, high-alcohol wines with blackberry, raspberry and pepper notes. It is a California classic and, as Primitivo, the grape of Apulia. DNA showed in 2001 that it is identical to Croatia's Crljenak Kaštelanski, historically called Tribidrag.
| Color | Red (black-skinned) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Dalmatian coast, Croatia and Montenegro (identical to Primitivo and Tribidrag) |
| Body | Full |
| Acidity | Medium |
| Tannin | Medium |
| Typical aromas | blackberry, raspberry, jam, black pepper, anise, spice |
| Key regions | California (United States), Lodi (United States), Sonoma (United States), Paso Robles (United States), Apulia (Italy), Croatia, Montenegro |
Origin and history
Zinfandel's European roots lie on the eastern Adriatic. In 2001 Carole Meredith's team at UC Davis confirmed by DNA that it is identical to Crljenak Kaštelanski, a Croatian variety historically called Tribidrag and documented in 1444; Montenegro, where it is called Kratošija, is considered a strong candidate for its birthplace. Its identity with the Italian Primitivo was suggested by ampelography in 1972 and confirmed by DNA fingerprinting in 1993. The grape reached the United States in the 1820s through George Gibbs, a Long Island nurseryman who imported vines from the imperial collection in Vienna and elsewhere, and it spread to California during the Gold Rush of the 1850s.
Where it grows
California is Zinfandel's adopted home: the state had 39,500 acres in 2019, and it ranks third in crush volume behind Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Lodi is one of its leading areas; Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley, Napa's Howell Mountain, Paso Robles and the Sierra Foothills of Amador County are other key areas. In southern Italy, as Primitivo, it is the main red grape of Apulia, with Primitivo di Manduria its best-known appellation. In Croatia and Montenegro it survives under its local names, Crljenak Kaštelanski and Kratošija.
Taste, wine styles and food
Zinfandel ripens unevenly and reaches high sugar levels, so red versions often exceed 15% alcohol. Cooler sites give red berry fruit such as raspberry, while warmer areas produce blackberry, anise and pepper, sometimes with a jammy richness. Styles range from bright, lighter wines to powerful, concentrated bottlings. A very different style, White Zinfandel, was created by Bob Trinchero of Sutter Home in 1972 by bleeding off pale juice; a stuck fermentation in 1975 left it semi-sweet, and that pink version became a commercial success that now outsells red Zinfandel about six to one. Red Zinfandel and Primitivo suit barbecue, burgers, pizza, spiced sausages and slow-cooked pork. See rosé wine for more on blush styles.
Wines made with Zinfandel (5)
WineGuessr lists 5 wines made with Zinfandel, from 2 countries. Most come from the United States (4).
Zinfandel: questions and answers
Is Primitivo the same as Zinfandel?
Yes. DNA fingerprinting in 1993 confirmed that Italy's Primitivo and California's Zinfandel are the same grape variety.
Where does Zinfandel come from?
Zinfandel comes from the eastern Adriatic. DNA analysis in 2001 matched it to Croatia's Crljenak Kaštelanski, historically called Tribidrag, and Montenegro is considered a likely birthplace.
What does Zinfandel taste like?
Red Zinfandel tastes of blackberry and raspberry with black pepper and anise, and is often high in alcohol. Warm sites give jammier fruit.
Is White Zinfandel made from Zinfandel?
Yes. White Zinfandel is a pale, semi-sweet pink wine made from red Zinfandel grapes, first produced by Sutter Home in the 1970s.
Where is Zinfandel grown in California?
Key California areas for Zinfandel include Lodi, Sonoma's Dry Creek and Russian River valleys, Paso Robles, Napa's Howell Mountain and Amador County.
Other red grapes
All grape varieties →Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Last reviewed October 2026.