Zinfandel Grape
The Zinfandel grape is very resistant to disease and has high yields. But, high quality Zinfandel is relatively difficult to grow. Proper vineyard management is extremely important to grow this varietal correctly.
Zinfandel grapes are prone to uneven ripening, and usually have to be harvested by hand late in the growing season. Growers must pay careful attention to canopy management and irrigation irrigation, and usually have to harvest the grape by hand.
Zinfandel is a naturally prolific varietal that thrives in warm climates. But too much heat will lead to baked, jammy wines. It is picked very ripe compared to other grape varietals and especially likes soil with a high mineral content.
The vine tends to form a second crop midway through the growing season. This must be pruned as well as excess foliage throughout the season. Zin grape bunches are large and dense. Mildew and rot can be an issue, but the berries themselves have thick skins and are quite resilient.
Individual grapes tend to ripen unevenly. Irrigation must be very consistent and closely monitored throughout the vineyard to minimize this tendency. The grape is usually harvested by hand to screen out under ripe grapes and raisins.
The vine itself is quite resilient to disease, explaining in part the many acres of 50 year + vines in California. As vines get older, grapes ripen more uniformly and yield less per acre. This causes many old vine Zins to have deep pigments and concentrated, extracted flavors.
The flavor profile of these wines includes raspberry, cherry, blackberry, clove and spice. Lighter Zins have strawberry and raspberry flavors and range to plums and raisins in heavier Zins. They can also have a fair amount of spice as well as the tar and leathery characteristics common in Cabernet Sauvignon. Zinfandel pairs well with roasted meats, but I enjoy it most on its own.
A bit of American oak can be very beneficial for Zin, but not when overly done. The vast majority will gain little after 5 years of age. The fruit fades with time and the high alcohol content, (many are over 14%), begins to make these wines taste hot.
