Zinfandel

**Zinfandel** is a red grape genetically identical to Croatia's Tribidrag (or Crljenak) and to southern Italy's Primitivo, though it became an icon in California. **In the glass** — a bold, ripe red brimming with jammy blackberry, brambly raspberry, black pepper and sweet baking spice. It often carries high alcohol, moderate tannins and a plush, juicy body, sometimes tipping into raisined, port-like richness when very ripe. **Where it grows** — California is its heartland, with old-vine plantings in Sonoma, Lodi and the Sierra Foothills giving concentrated, characterful reds; it is also the grape behind sweet, pale "White Zinfandel" rosé. As Primitivo it makes darker, rustic reds in Puglia, and its roots trace back to Croatia. **At the table** — a natural with barbecue, burgers and smoky grilled meats. **Cellaring** — usually best in its exuberant youth, though old-vine bottlings can hold for several years.

Wines

• '80 Vecchie Vigne' Old Vines — Cignomoro
• 18 Primitivo — Riolite
• 1951 Limited Edition Primitivo di Manduria — Vincenzo Andronaco
• Alegria — Stone's Throw Winery
• Amador County Zinfandel — Easton
• AmerItal — Goosecross Cellars
• Ancient Vine Zinfandel — Oak Ridge
• Appassimento — Casa de Bellucci
• Appassimento — Pavo Nero
• Aremera Primitivo di Manduria — Passione Natura
• Boschetti Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel — River Road
• Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Blend — Beringer Bros
• Cabernet-Sauvignon Primitivo — Tenuta Albrizzi
• Cali Red — 19 Crimes
• Cellar Port Ink Grade Vineyard — Heitz Cellar
• Conte Giangirolamo — Tenute Girolamo
• Conundrum 10th Anniversary Red Blend — Caymus Vineyards
• Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon — The Prisoner Wine Company
• Desire Lush & Zin Primitivo — Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine
• Edizione Cinque Autoctoni — Fantini