11 Facts About Zinfandel

Croatia once had several indigenous varieties related to Zinfandel, which formed the basis of its wine industry in the 19th century.

Zinfandel planted Zinfandel from Macondray at his Oak Knoll vineyard just north of Napa, and his wine was much praised in 1857.

Zinfandel put the wine aside for two weeks, then tasted it and decided to sell this pinker, sugary wine.

Zinfandel was long considered "America's vine and wine", but when University of California, Davis professor Austin Goheen visited Italy in 1967, he noticed how wine made from Primitivo reminded him of Zinfandel.

Some Croatians became convinced that Plavac Mali was the same as Zinfandel, among them Croatian-born winemaker Mike Grgich.

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Zinfandel is grown across the continental United States, although California grows the largest proportion.

Old vine Zinfandel plantings dating from the 1930s have been found in Baja California, Mexico.

South Africa has a small production of Zinfandel, including one estate rated among the country's Zinfandel producers and winner of an international prize.

In France, there is a single hectare of Zinfandel grown in the Cotes de Thongue region, sold by Domaine de l'Arjolle.

Zinfandel is often praised for its ability to reflect both its terroir and its winemaker's style and skill.

Red Zinfandel wines have been criticized for being too "hot", although modern winemaking techniques have helped make them more approachable.