Red Zinfandel is a fruity, full-bodied red wine with notes of blackberry, cherry, and pepper. It’s the perfect match for beef recipes, turkey recipes and even spicy cajun recipes.
The strong flavors of Zinfandel will stand up to the rich taste of beef and lamb as the acidity will cut through the fat in the dish.
History of Zinfandel
Zinfandel is one of America’s oldest grape varietals, dating back to the 18th century. Zinfandel, also called Primitivo, is a type of black-skinned wine grape. This grape arrived in the United States in the mid-1800’s and was named similar to “Zierfandler” from Austria.
Brought over from Europe by early settlers, it quickly became a favorite among vintners in California. Today, there are more than 1,000 acres of Zinfandel grapes planted in the state.
Read more interesting red zinfandel history over on Wikipedia.
How to Select the Right Zinfandel
When choosing a Red Zinfandel for your meal, look for a bottle that’s been aged for at least two years. This will ensure that the flavors have had time to develop and mellow out.
Avoid wines that are too sweet or overly tannic as these can be unpleasant when pairing with food.
Recipe Pairing Ideas
Here are a few recipes that work extremely well with a nice bottle of Red Zinfandel.
Prime Rib Recipes
Garlic and Herb Prime Rib Recipe
Sous Vide Prime Rib
Smoked Prime Rib
Beef Recipes
Picanha
Denver Steak
Smoked Beef Tenderloin
Sous Vide Chuck Roast
Sous Vide Tri Tip
Smoked Tri Tip
Sous Vide Ribeye
Turkey Recipes
Smoked Turkey
Sous Vide Turkey Breast
Smoked Turkey Breast
Lamb Recipes
Smoked Leg of Lamb
Smoked Rack of Lamb
Sous Vide Lamb Chops
Cheese
Reference our Wine and Cheese Pairings list for recommendations of what cheese to serve with red Zinfandel.
When it comes to wine, there’s no need to play it safe. Be bold and try something new this year! Your taste buds will thank you.
