The Grape Itself: Zinfandel
Characteristics of Zinfandel Grapes: Zinfandel grapes typically have a deep color and a rich flavor profile. They contain a good amount of tannins and acidity, which contribute to the structure of the wine. The thick skins also mean that they can withstand longer periods of ripening, allowing for the development of higher sugar levels. This is an important factor when considering the production of both red Zinfandel and White Zinfandel.
Adaptability in California: California’s diverse climate and soil conditions have proven to be ideal for Zinfandel cultivation. The warm days and cool nights in regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County allow the grapes to ripen evenly and develop complex flavors. In some areas, the grapes can achieve high levels of sugar, which is crucial for the production of sweet or semi-sweet wines like White Zinfandel.
The Birth of White Zinfandel
Sutter Home’s Role: Sutter Home Winery played a significant part in the popularization of White Zinfandel. Bob Trinchero, the owner of Sutter Home, was working on a batch of Zinfandel. The fermentation process was halted earlier than usual, leaving a significant amount of residual sugar in the wine. This resulted in a wine that was pinkish in color and had a sweeter taste compared to traditional red Zinfandel. Initially, it was not a planned product, but rather a byproduct of an experiment. However, consumers took a liking to this new style of wine. It had a lighter, more approachable flavor and was less tannic than red Zinfandel, making it appealing to a broader audience.
Changing Consumer Tastes: At that time, the American wine market was evolving. There was a growing demand for wines that were easy to drink and had a sweeter profile. White Zinfandel fit perfectly into this niche. It became a popular choice for casual wine drinkers, especially those who were new to wine or preferred something less bold than a full-bodied red.
Winemaking Process of White Zinfandel
Harvesting: The Zinfandel grapes are harvested at a specific level of ripeness. For White Zinfandel, the winemaker may choose to harvest slightly earlier than for red Zinfandel to maintain a certain level of acidity and prevent the grapes from becoming too high in alcohol. The grapes are then carefully sorted to remove any damaged or underripe berries.
Pressing: Unlike in the production of red Zinfandel where the grapes are fermented with the skins for a period to extract color and tannins, in White Zinfandel production, the grapes are pressed soon after harvest. This helps to separate the juice from the skins quickly, minimizing the extraction of color and tannins. The resulting juice is a pale pink or sometimes almost white color.
Fermentation: The fermentation process is carefully controlled. As mentioned earlier, it is often stopped before all the sugar has been converted to alcohol. This is done by cooling the wine or adding sulfur dioxide. The amount of residual sugar left in the wine determines its sweetness level. For a semi-sweet White Zinfandel, there may be around 2 – 5% residual sugar, while a sweeter version could have up to 10% or more. After fermentation, the wine may be aged for a short period in stainless steel tanks to preserve its fresh fruit flavors.
Major Producers of White Zinfandel
Sutter Home: As the pioneer of White Zinfandel, Sutter Home remains one of the leading producers. Their White Zinfandel has a consistent flavor profile, with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus. It is widely available and has a large following. They have perfected the production process over the years and have been able to maintain the quality and popularity of their White Zinfandel.
Beringer Vineyards: Beringer is another well-known winery that produces White Zinfandel. Their version often has a more complex flavor, with additional floral and spice notes. Beringer uses a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to create a White Zinfandel that is both approachable and has a certain level of sophistication. They source their Zinfandel grapes from carefully selected vineyards in California, ensuring the quality of the raw material.
Kendall-Jackson: Kendall-Jackson’s White Zinfandel is recognized for its balance. It has a good acidity that cuts through the sweetness, making it a refreshing choice. The winery focuses on sustainable viticulture practices, which may contribute to the unique characteristics of their grapes and, in turn, the wine. Their White Zinfandel has a fruity nose with aromas of peaches and apricots, and a smooth finish on the palate.
See Also: How is Rosé Different from Other Wines?
Flavor Profile and Pairing of White Zinfandel
Flavor Profile: White Zinfandel typically has a fruity flavor profile. It is dominated by notes of fresh strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and sometimes tropical fruits like pineapple. There is often a hint of sweetness, which is balanced by a certain level of acidity. The wine has a light to medium body and a relatively low alcohol content compared to some red wines. The color can range from a very pale pink to a slightly deeper blush, depending on the winemaking process and the amount of skin contact.
Food Pairing: White Zinfandel is a versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. It pairs well with light salads, especially those with strawberries or other berries. It also goes nicely with grilled chicken, as the sweetness of the wine complements the savory flavor of the chicken. Seafood such as shrimp or crab can be paired with White Zinfandel, especially if the seafood is prepared with a light sauce. For dessert, it can be paired with fruit tarts or vanilla ice cream, enhancing the fruity and sweet flavors.
The Global Impact and Future of White Zinfandel
Global Impact: White Zinfandel has had a significant impact on the global wine market. It introduced many consumers around the world to the concept of blush wines. It has been exported to numerous countries and has become a staple in many wine lists, especially in restaurants and bars that target a wide range of customers. Its popularity has also inspired other winemakers in different regions to experiment with similar styles of blush or semi-sweet wines.
Future Trends: The future of White Zinfandel looks promising. While the wine market is constantly evolving, there will always be a demand for easy-to-drink, approachable wines. Winemakers are likely to continue to innovate in the production of White Zinfandel, perhaps experimenting with different grape blends or aging techniques. Additionally, as consumers become more interested in sustainable and organic wines, producers may focus on these aspects in the production of White Zinfandel, further enhancing its appeal and marketability.
