A ripe, jammy red grape best known from California, and identical to Italy's Primitivo.
History
DNA research showed Zinfandel, Italy's Primitivo and the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski (also called Tribidrag) are the same variety, originally from the Dalmatian coast. It reached the United States in the early 1800s and became California's own red grape, with famous old-vine vineyards.
In Puglia, southern Italy, it is called Primitivo.
Zinfandel in Australia
Zinfandel is a small but established variety in Australia. Cape Mentelle in Margaret River made it a feature from the 1970s, and it is also grown in McLaren Vale, the Barossa and the Riverland.
Some producers use the Primitivo name, especially for Italian-inspired styles.
Tasting notes
Full-bodied and often high in alcohol, with ripe, jammy fruit. Expect blackberry, raspberry jam, cherry and plum, with sweet spice, black pepper and dried fruit or raisin characters.