Zinfandel/Primitivo Flashcards
Characteristics of Zinfandel
Black grape
Needs warm climate to ripen successfully.
As it ripens flavor change from red fruits ( strawberry and raspberry) to black fruits ( plums, black cherries)
Sometimes grapes in a bunch start to raisin before others have ripen. This gives high sugar, and flavors of dried fruit. Prune and raisins.
Zinfandel in the USA.
In California Zinfandel is used to make rosé wines labelled white Zinfandel.
White Zinfandel is a medium-sweet rosé wines made from Zinfandel. Usually made with short laceration rosé winemaking process. Low alcohol typically 8-10% with medium sweetness achieved by removing the the yeast before fermentation has finished. A typical white Zinfandel is Pink with simple aromas of red fruit ( strawberry raspberries).
Cali red Zinfandel are made with red wine making method involving a complete fermentation.
Commonly matured in oak to soften the tannins and add flavor complexity.
A typical Red Zin has PRONOUNCED aromas of Black fruit (blackberry, black plum) Dried Fruit ( raisin, prune) and oak (vanilla, coffee ).
It is dry, medium to high acid and tannin, high alcohol and full body.
California has very old vines that produce low quantities of very concentrated fruit. Can develop tertiary flavors ( earth, meat) in bottle.
Zinfandel in Italy
Important region is Puglia in he south.
Known as primitivo.
Warm region,
Important source of soft fruity dry red wines from high volume brands.
Very good or outstanding examples can be made from controlled yields.
Top produces are excellent value for money.
