What to Pair Your Zinfandel With

3 Recipes for Zinfandel

Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue Ribs

Description :

Zinfandel’s bold fruit flavors and spicy notes pair perfectly with the smoky, savory flavors of barbecue ribs, enhancing both the sweetness of the sauce and the charred meat.

Pizza with Meat Toppings

Pizza with Meat Toppings

Description :

The wine’s rich fruit and spice complement the savory, spicy flavors of meat-topped pizza, balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheese.

Grilled vegetables

Grilled vegetables

Description :

The wine’s herbal and vegetal notes match well with the smoky, savory flavors of grilled veggies.

More on Zinfandel

Zinfandel

Bold, robust red wine known for its intense fruit flavors and high alcohol content. It’s versatile, ranging from light and fruity to rich and spicy.

Appearance:

  • Color: Deep ruby to purple, sometimes with a garnet edge in older wines.
  • Opacity: Medium to high, often with a rich, dark appearance indicating concentration and intensity.

Aroma:

  • Primary Aromas: Rich red and black fruit notes, such as blackberry, raspberry, cherry, and plum.
  • Secondary Aromas: Spice-driven notes like black pepper, anise, and clove, often resulting from the fermentation process.
  • Tertiary Aromas: As Zinfandel ages, it develops more complex aromas like leather, dried fig, tobacco, and earthy undertones.

Flavor Profile:

  • Fruit Flavors: Jammy and ripe fruit flavors dominate, including blackberry, blueberry, plum, and cranberry.
  • Other Flavors: Black pepper, licorice, and sometimes a smoky, spicy finish that can include chocolate or coffee in more aged examples.
  • Oak Influence: Flavors of vanilla, coconut, baking spices, and a hint of toast or smoke.

Structure:

  • Body: Medium to full-bodied, depending on the region and winemaking style.
  • Tannins: Medium tannins that provide structure without being too overpowering.
  • Acidity: Medium acidity, which balances the wine’s bold fruit flavors and makes it food-friendly.
  • Alcohol: Ranges from 14% to 17%.

Popular Locations for Zinfandel

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