Zinfandel

Zinfandel (zin-fan-dell) vines were introduced to California during the Gold Rush, around 1850, and while their origin appears to be Croatia (with a stopover in Italy), Zinfandel is America’s grape—more specifically, it’s California’s grape, with 52,000 acres planted.  And nowhere but California does the wine take on such rambunctious, brambly, wild raspberry/blackberry/boysenberry character with hints of spicy clove and black pepper.  Zin comes in a range of personalities, from light- to full-bodied, to the popular fruity blush wine, White Zinfandel, and to the sleek, elegant red claret.  Delicious with roasted pizzas!  Find out more at www.zinfandel.org.