Zinfandel/Primitivo in Winery

Question 1

Zinfandel Disease Sensitivity/Thickness of Skins

Answer 1

Thin skins and susceptible to mildew, rot, and sunburn

This means sorting is needed which adds to cost

Question 2

Zinfandel Unique Skin Aromas

Answer 2

Ripens unevenly so some berries are overripe and jammy while others are underripe and green

Shorter maceration for inexpensive wines
Longer maceration for more premium wines

Question 3

Is Zinfandel an Aromatic Variety

Answer 3

Yes

Inexpensive wines fermented at medium temps to extract color, flavor, and tannin

Premium wines spend longer times on the skins for concentration

Question 4

Is Zinfandel Reductive or Oxidative

Answer 4

Reductive
Can handle oak

Question 5

Zinfandel Skins/Pigmentation

Answer 5

Thin Skinned
Short maceration for white zin leads to medium pink color

Question 6

Zinfandel sugar levels/potential ABV

Answer 6

Accumulates sugar quickly

High potential alcohol for red wines requires balance

Fermentation stopped early for White Zin leading to medium dry wine with low alcohol

Question 7

Zinfandel Tannin Levels

Answer 7

Medium to medium +

Question 8

Zinfandel Affinity for Oak

Answer 8

Yes

Overt vanilla from oak integrates well with juicy profile

Oak alternatives used for inexpensive wines