Chapter 7 - Zinfandel/Primitivo

Question 1

Where is Zinfandel grown?

Answer 1

• California under the name Zinfandel

- Puglia under the name Primitivo

Question 2

What kind of climate conditions does Zinfandel need to ripen successfully?

Answer 2

• Warm climate

Question 3

What are the flavours of Zinfandel?

Answer 3

• As it ripens, flavours change from red fruits (strawberries, raspberries) to black fruit (plums, black cherries)
• If grapes raisin before they are ripe, flavours of dried fruit are added (prune, raisins)

Question 4

What are the characteristics of White Zinfandel?

Answer 4

• Medium-sweet rose wine from California
• Short maceration rose winemaking process
• Low alcohol wine (8-10%), medium sweetness
• Pink in colour
• Simple aromas of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries)

Question 5

What are the characteristics of red Zinfandels?

Answer 5

• Red winemaking process, complete fermentation, juice stays in contact with skin
• Matured in oak to soften tannins to add flavour complexity
• Pronounced aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), dried fruit (raisins, prune) and oak (coffee, vanilla)
• Dry with medium to high acidity and tannins
• Some very old Zinfandel vines produce low quantities of concentrated fruit (develop tertiary flavours of earth and meat in the bottle)

Question 6

What are the characteristics of red Primitivos?

Answer 6

• Grown in Puglia in Southern Italy
• Soft, fruity, dry red wine for high-volume brands
• However, there are also some top quality Primitivos from controlled vineyards. Can be good value for money