Zinfandel Wines: Creating Gold from a California Treasure
Zinfandel’s roots are deep in California, and although this humble grape was once considered a “mystery grape” with unknown origins, DNA testing in 2002 confirmed that Italy’s Primitivo and Zinfandel are identical, both tracing back to the ancient Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski.
Zinfandel’s rise to fame began during the California Gold Rush when settlers brought vine cuttings with them and planted vineyards in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills. Zinfandel proved to be well-suited for the warm California sunshine, and by the late 19th century, it was the most widely planted wine grape in the state. Today, Zinfandel is one of California’s signature grapes – bold, juicy, and delicious!
The grape has been a part of the Clif Family story and our winemaking from the beginning. Clif Family co-owner Gary Erickson always had a fondness for Zinfandel, and our Gary’s Improv Zinfandel has reflected the unique profile of California Zinfandel since its inception.
Zinfandel is often described as having aromas and flavors of blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, boysenberry, black pepper, cloves, and anise. It can range from bold and jammy to elegant and structured. The versatility of the grape is what makes it a favorite of many winemakers. Clif Family Winemaker Laura Barrett makes two very distinct Zinfandel wines from the same vineyard – our organically farmed Gary’s Improv Zinfandel and our more recently released Valle di Sotto Estate Zinfandel.
Some will confuse the sweetness and lighter style of White Zinfandel (a blush wine made with Zinfandel grapes) with its bold red wine Zinfandel cousin. And no wonder, as White Zinfandel was long one of the most popular selling wines across the United States, introducing many new consumers to wine. But although they are made from the same grape, White Zin is light and fruity, while Red Zinfandel is much bolder and more complex, offering depth and serious flavor.
