Best Zinfandel - Zinfandel Reviews

Discover the best zinfandel. Find the zinfandel that's best for what you like and that fits your budget with these zinfandel reviews.

Zinfandel is known as California's wine. 10% of California's vineyards are planted with Zinfandel grapes. Zinfandel can be light to full bodied. It can be rich and spicy or lighter and fruitier. Aromas and flavors that are typical include raspberry, jam, black pepper, and licorice.

Amador Zinfandel
Amador County is known for its robust, spicy, bold Zinfandel. There are many old vines planted during the Gold Rush in 1849 that are still producing wine grapes. They are among the oldest zinfandel vineyards found anywhere. A great Zinfandel from Amador will be bursting with flavors of berries, pepper, and perhaps chocolate.

Sonoma Zinfandel
Sonoma vineyards enjoy a cooler climate resulting in Zinfandels dominated by rich berry flavors. They're not usually as spicy as the Zinfandels from Amador.

Lodi Zinfandel
The hot summer days of Lodi accompanied by nights cooled off by gentle Delta breezes makes Lodi a prime Zinfandel region. In fact, 40% of Californias Zinfandel grapes are grown in this area. Many of the old vines in Lodi were planted in the late 1800s. These old vines produce distinctive Zinfandels with intense flavors.

Paso Robles Zinfandel
You'll find a diverse offering of Zinfandels from this Central Coastal area. It's hilly coastal terrain and the warmer inland areas produce a variety of well-balanced Zinfandels. You are sure to find some choices that suit your personal taste.

Origin
It is believed that Zinfandel may have originated in Croatia. It has been grown in California since the late 1840s. Most people agree that California produces the best Zinfandel, but other regions have begun producing this wine as well.

Food and Wine Pairing
Zinfandel is best paired with steaks, grilled meats, and tomato based dishes. You can't beat grilled lamb chops and a glass of Zinfandel.