Zinfandel/Primitivo

Question 1

What is Zinfandel/Primitivo

Answer 1

• A black grape variety that requires a warm climate to ripen successfully.
• High sugar, med-high acidity & tannin
• Ripens unevenly
• As it ripens, it’s flavors change from red fruit (straw, rasp) to black fruits (plums, black cherries), sometimes ripening further to dried fruits (prune, raisin). High sugar levels

Question 2

Zinfandel/primitivo is most well known from where

Answer 2

California, USA - Known as Zinfandel. Used to make rose (white zinfandel) and red wine.

Puglia, Italy - Known as Primitivo.

Question 3

Describe California white zinfandel

Answer 3

• med-sweet rose
• aromas of red fruit (straw, rasp)
• low alcohol, typically 8-10%
• typically made using short maceration, and removing yeast before fermentation has finished

Question 4

Describe California red zinfandel

Answer 4

• Dry with medium to high acidity and tannin
• High alcohol and full body
• Commonly matured in oak to mellow tannins and add flavor complexity
• Typically pronounced aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), dried fruit (raisin, prune), and oak (vanilla, coffee)
• California is home to some old vines the produce low quantity of concentrated grapes, resulting in wine that can develop tertiary flavors (earth, meat) in the bottle

Question 5

Describe Primitivo from Italy

Answer 5

• This warm region produces soft, fruity, dry red wine, often for high-volume brands
• Very good or outstanding examples can be made from controlled yields of grapes, and offer excellent value for money.