Zinfandel

Zinfandel – power, fruit & versatility from California

Zinfandel is one of California’s most distinctive grape varieties and is known for its intense fruit, warm spice and powerful structure. It originally comes from the Dalmatian grape variety Crljenak Kaštelanski, so it is closely related to the Italian Primitivo, but has its very own characteristics in the American climate.

Zinfandel comes in many varieties: from the lighter “Old Vine” style to concentrated reserve wines to semi-dry, jammy varieties and even Zinfandel Rosé (White Zinfandel).

Typical aromas include ripe blackberry, plum, cherry, cinnamon, clove, pepper, vanilla, chocolate and, in mature wines, leather, smoke and tobacco.

🔹 Classic Zinfandel (California Zinfandel): Fruit-driven, spicy, with a medium to full body.
🔹 Old Vine / Reserve Zinfandel: Concentrated, complex, with maturity and depth.
🔹 White Zinfandel (Rosé): Fruity, slightly sweet, refreshing.

➡ Zinfandel is a real BBQ hero and goes perfectly with grilled meat, spicy sauces, pizza, ribs & Texan cuisine.

🍖 Zinfandel & food – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Fruity California Zinfandel (e.g. Lodi, Sonoma, Paso Robles)

Taste: Medium to full-bodied, with ripe fruit, warmth & soft tannins.
Typical aromas: blackberry, plum, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ BBQ & grilled dishes → Ribs, short ribs, burgers with bacon
✔ Pizza & Tex-Mex → BBQ chicken pizza, chilli con carne, enchiladas
✔ Spicy cold cuts & hard cheese → Chorizo, cheddar, old gouda

➡ Recommended recipes:
– BBQ ribs with smoky barbecue sauce
– Chili con carne with chocolate & cumin

2️⃣ Old Vine / Reserve Zinfandel (e.g. from old vines or barrique ageing)

Taste: Powerful, complex, with structure, depth & long finish.
Typical aromas: black cherry, cassis, tobacco, leather, mocha, spices.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Braised dishes & game → braised beef cheeks, game ragout, lamb shank
✔ Hearty pasta & oven dishes → lasagne, baked mac & cheese, pasta with ragù
✔ Matured cheese & truffle dishes → parmesan, pecorino, truffle gnocchi

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Lamb shank with rosemary & baked potatoes
– Truffle gnocchi with butter & parmesan

3️⃣ White Zinfandel (rosé style, semi-dry)

Taste: Fruity, slightly sweet, with low alcohol & lots of drinking pleasure.
Typical aromas: strawberry, red currant, watermelon, grapefruit.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Asian & sweet & spicy cuisine → Thai curry, teriyaki chicken, sweet & sour pork
✔ Summer salads & light dishes → Couscous, prawn salad, fruit plate
✔ Cheese with fruit components → Brie with fig, camembert with cranberries

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Shrimp salad with mango & chili
– Thai curry with pineapple & coconut milk

🔍 Zinfandel & food pairing at a glance

Zinfandel style	Best food pairings
Fruity California Zinfandel	Ribs, Pizza, Tex-Mex, Cheddar
Old Vine / Reserve	Lamb, ragout, truffle dishes, lasagna
White Zinfandel (Rosé)	Thai, curry, prawns, fruity cheese

📌 Tip: Californian Zinfandel is unbeatable for BBQ and ribs. If you are looking for something light for hot days, go for a well-chilled White Zinfandel.

🚀 Conclusion: Why Zinfandel is the perfect wine for BBQ & Co.

Zinfandel is a real powerhouse for barbecue fans & connoisseurs. Whether as a fruity Californian, deep Old Vine or refreshing White Zinfandel – this grape variety delivers intense flavors and strong food combinations! 🔥🍇

⭢ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀