In what region and country does Primitivo live?
Puglia, Italy
Puglia is the heel of Italy’s boot.
What kind of climate does Zinfandel/Primitivo wine prefer?
Warm
Why do some Zinfandels/Primitivos show flavors of dried fruit?
Because individual berries within a cluster can raisinate and give prune-like flavors to the final wine.
What grape makes White Zinfandel?
Zinfandel
Is white Zinfandel dry or medium-sweet?
Medium-sweet
How is White Zinfandel typically made?
- Short maceration on the skins to make it pink
- Yeasts removed before fermentation finishes to keep it sweet
Fill in the blank:
White Zinfandel usually has _____ alcohol, while red Zinfandel usually has _____ alcohol.
low, high
- White Zin has low alcohol (8-10%)
- Red Zin has high alcohol (14+%)
Is aging in oak or in stainless steel more common for red Zinfandel?
oak
Oak aging helps soften Zinfandel’s tannins, and the oak adds beneficial flavors to the wine such as mocha and spice.
What’s the typical flavor profile of California Zinfandel?
- Red and black fruit (raspberry, blueberry, blackberry)
- Dried fruit (raisin, prune)
- Oak flavors (vanilla, coffee)
Which is drier: White Zinfandel or Zinfandel?
Zinfandel
What do the structural elements of Zinfandel include?
- Full body
- High alcohol
- Medium to high acidity
- Medium to high tannin
What are some flavors that Old Vine Zinfandels from California can develop as they age?
- Earthy (dried leaves, forest floor)
- Sanguine (red meat)
