Zinfandel/Primitivo Flashcards
What are the 2 main regions which have established a reputation for Zinfandel?
California (USA)
Puglia (Italy)
What type of climate does Zinfandel need to ripen successfully?
Warm
What sorts of primary flavours are typical of the grape variety Zinfandel?
As it ripens, flavours change from red fruits (strawberries and raspberries) to black fruits (black plums, blackberries, blueberries)
What is particular about the way bunches of Zinfandel/Primitivo sometimes ripen?
They sometimes ripen unevenly, with some grapes in the bunch starting to raisin before the others have ripened.
What is the result in the wine of uneven ripening in bunches of Zinfandel/Primitvo?
High sugar levels in the grapes can lead to high alcohol and fuller body in the wine.
Raisined grapes lead to flavours of dried fruit (prunes, raisins).
Describe a typical Californian White Zinfandel.
Rosé
Medium sweet
Low alcohol
Simple aromas of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries)
What is the name of the rosé winemaking method is used to produce a Californian White Zinfandel?
Short maceration
How does a winemaker achieve the medium sweetness in a Californian White Zinfandel?
Removing the yeast by filtration before the fermentation has finished.
True or false: Californian red Zinfandel is typically not matured in oak.
False
These wines are commonly matured in oak to soften the tannins and add flavour complexity.
Describe a typical Californian red Zinfandel.
Dry red wine
Medium to high acidity
Medium to high tannins
High alcohol
Full body
Pronounced aromas of red and black fruit (raspberry, blueberry, blackberry), dried fruits (raisin, prune) and oak (vanilla, coffee)
True or false: Californian red Zinfandel can mature in bottle and develop tertiary flavours of earth and meat.
True
What is Zinfandel known as in Italy?
Primitivo
Which region in Italy is an important source of soft, fruity, dry red Primitivo for high volume brands?
Puglia
How can more premium, very good to outstanding examples of wines be made?
Controlled yields
