Z
infandel is considered an All-American grape. It does not originate in France, unlike most of the famed international grape varieties. Until recently is was California’s mystery grape, with its origin unknown.
In 2001, DNA profiling by University of California at Davis unraveled Zinfandel’s secret. Zinfandel is genetically identical to Crljenak Kastelanski, an ancient Croatian variety, and Italy’s Primitivo. Despite these international roots, American winegrowers cultivate it differently and winemakers have a style different from that in Europe. This gives “Zin” its own particular flavor profile. The Zinfandel name is truly American with the earliest documented use of the name in America in 1832. During the Gold Rush, California miners slaked their thirst with Zinfandel. It thrived in the state’s soil and climate and became the most widely planted red grape in California until Cabernet Sauvignon surpassed it in 1998. Zinfandel has medium tannins and satisfying flavors that range from blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry, cherry, as well as black pepper, cloves, anise, and herbs. The Lodi AVA has some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California, something that delights Zin fanatics. Very old vines produce relatively little fruit concentrating the vine's efforts into fewer grapes of great flavor and intensity. Lodi is the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the World producing over 40 percent of California’s premium Zinfandel