Zinfandel

Zinfandel, or 'Zin' as it is sometimes affectionately known, is a black grape variety of Croatian origin, which today is cultivated mainly in California. (The grape is also grown widely in Italy, where it is known as Primitivo). Zinfandel wines are typically high in tannin, alcohol and display big, powerful, concentrated flavours of dark, brambly fruit, mocha, and typically take oak influence well. The grape likes warm, but not hot climates and thrives on well-drained hillside sites, making California's valleys the ideal situation for the production of high quality Zinfandel.