The Road Linds Travels

The first time I ever tried Zinfandel, affectionately known as ‘Zin’ to many, I was immediately turned off. It was too sweet, too syrupy, and the flavor profiles were wrong for my palate, which prefers something more earthy, spicy, and bold. Furthermore, this is the same palate that would rather eat 70% dark cacao than melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate.

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Zinfandel originated in Croatia, then spread to Southern Italy. Italian immigrants brought Zinfandel, known as Primitivo in Italy, to America in the mid-1800s. By the time the California Gold Rush happened, Zinfandel grapes were being planted up and down California.

This thin-skinned black grape thrives in dry, warm climates with the ability to produce wines close to 20% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). Its popularity peaked in the 1970s and remains strong.

BLACK GLASS TASTING

During a black glass tasting at Bridlewood Winery, formerly of Santa Ynez, California, I was tasked with guessing the varietal, the year, and the price of three different wines. On the third glass, which happened to be my favorite, I guessed very wrong. Never in a million years would I have thought that the deliciously spicy red wine with notes of dark chocolate and black cardamom from 2016 was a…you guessed it…Zinfandel.

This Zinfandel became my favorite Bridlewood wine. It was unlike any zin I’d tasted before, inadvertently leading me to join my first wine club. The only way I could go home with a bottle of one of the best wines I’d ever tasted was if I joined the club. This particular wine was explicitly reserved for club members only—no need to twist my arm. I went home with a bottle of Zinfandel and club member status at one of the best wineries on the Central Coast.

HAPPY NATIONAL ZINFANDEL DAY

I sure wish I had a bottle of Bridlewood’s Zinfandel to celebrate National Zinfandel Day today. Alas, Bogle Vineyards’ will have to suffice. I’ve since discovered a handful of other “Zins” I’m a fan of while inadvertently tasting some that still receive that same ol’ ick reaction from me. Those “icky” ones tend to be white Zins or Rosés made with Zinfandel grapes.

The beautiful thing about Zinfandel, though, is that there may be a traditional flavor profile or base taste, but there are nuances. These nuances can produce that particular varietal in a way that pleases various palates. It could be as simple as harvesting early or planting a grape in a climate that’s five degrees cooler than where it typically thrives. Winemaking is truly a beautiful art form.

Happy National Zinfandel Day! Below are my top 3 picks for best Zinfandels. Saluti!

LINDS’ TOP 3 PICKS FOR YOUR NEXT BOTTLE OF ZINFANDEL

Bogle Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel

Gnekow Family Winery 2016 Campus Oaks Winemaker’s Reserve Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

Bridlewood Estate Winery 2019 Zinfandel, Santa Ynez Valley