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%.