White Zinfandel is a wine that often sparks debates among wine enthusiasts. This sweet, light, and refreshing rosé-style wine is made from the same Zinfandel grape used to create full-bodied red wines, yet it offers a completely different drinking experience. Whether you are new to wine or a seasoned connoisseur, White Zinfandel has a unique appeal with its fruity, approachable style. Its popularity surged in the 1980s, and despite some misconceptions, the wine has earned a place in many wine lovers’ collections.
In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best White Zinfandel wines available today. From established brands with a rich history to new, innovative wineries, these White Zinfandels offer a range of flavors, sweetness levels, and food pairings that highlight the versatility of this delicious rosé wine.
What Is White Zinfandel?
Before diving into the best White Zinfandel wines, it’s important to understand what makes this style of wine so unique. White Zinfandel is made from the Zinfandel grape, which is known for its rich, fruity flavor. Unlike traditional red Zinfandel, which ferments with the skins to extract color and tannins, White Zinfandel is created using the saignée method. In this process, the juice is separated from the skins early in fermentation, resulting in a lighter, pale pink wine that retains the grape’s natural fruity characteristics but lacks the tannins of red wine.
Most White Zinfandel wines have a sweet to semi-sweet taste profile, with flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and melons. Though they can range from dry to sweet, the majority of commercial White Zinfandels fall on the sweeter side. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer light, approachable wines that are perfect for sipping on a warm day or pairing with light meals and desserts.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a White Zinfandel
When selecting a White Zinfandel, there are several factors to keep in mind:
Sweetness Level: White Zinfandel is typically sweet or semi-sweet, though some producers offer drier versions. It’s important to consider whether you prefer a sweeter or more balanced wine.
Flavor Profile: The best White Zinfandels have vibrant fruit flavors, such as strawberry, raspberry, and melon, as well as refreshing acidity that balances the sweetness.
Region: While White Zinfandel is most commonly associated with California, particularly Napa and Sonoma Valley, it is also produced in other regions. The region can influence the flavor, acidity, and overall style of the wine.
Food Pairing: White Zinfandel pairs beautifully with light dishes, such as seafood, salads, grilled chicken, and even spicy foods. It can also complement fruit-based desserts, cheeses, and summer fare.
With these factors in mind, let’s dive into the 8 best White Zinfandel wines available today.
1. Beringer White Zinfandel
Overview:
Beringer is one of the most iconic names in American winemaking, and its White Zinfandel has become synonymous with the style itself. Beringer’s White Zinfandel is a light and refreshing wine with the right balance of sweetness and acidity. With its vibrant pink color and fruit-forward flavors, this wine has become a staple for wine lovers who enjoy a crowd-pleasing option.
Tasting Notes:
Beringer White Zinfandel showcases the classic aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon, and a touch of citrus zest. On the palate, the wine offers juicy flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and a hint of peach. It has a light body, with crisp acidity that balances the sweetness, making it a refreshing option on a hot day.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Beringer’s White Zinfandel is a great introduction to the style. It’s affordable, easy to find, and provides a classic, fruity expression of White Zinfandel. Whether you’re new to wine or simply looking for an easy-drinking option, this wine won’t disappoint.
2. Sutter Home White Zinfandel
Overview:
Sutter Home is another California winery that helped popularize White Zinfandel in the 1980s. The Sutter Home White Zinfandel has a sweet, approachable flavor that appeals to a wide range of wine drinkers. It’s consistently one of the best-selling White Zinfandel wines in the world.
Tasting Notes:
With aromas of fresh red berries and watermelon, Sutter Home’s White Zinfandel is juicy and refreshing. The palate is filled with flavors of ripe strawberry, melon, and citrus, with a balanced sweetness that finishes clean and crisp. Its smooth texture and moderate acidity make it incredibly easy to drink.
Why It’s One of the Best:
This wine is a classic choice for casual gatherings and outdoor events. It’s consistently well-made, and the approachable sweetness makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a sweeter style of White Zinfandel.
3. Robert Mondavi Private Selection White Zinfandel
Overview:
Robert Mondavi is one of California’s most respected wineries, and its Private Selection White Zinfandel showcases the quality and craftsmanship of the Mondavi brand. This wine is slightly more sophisticated than some of the mass-produced White Zinfandels but still retains the fruitiness and lightness that make White Zinfandel so popular.
Tasting Notes:
The nose of this wine reveals aromas of strawberry, cherry, and a subtle floral note. On the palate, it offers bright red berry flavors with hints of melon and peach. The wine has a delicate sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity, making it a great choice for pairing with a variety of dishes.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Robert Mondavi’s White Zinfandel is a higher-end offering that still captures the essence of the varietal. Its balance of sweetness and acidity makes it a versatile wine that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a more refined White Zinfandel experience.
4. Coppola Diamond Collection White Zinfandel
Overview:
The Coppola Diamond Collection White Zinfandel is part of the renowned Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s collection. Known for producing wines that offer depth and complexity, Coppola’s White Zinfandel is no exception. It delivers a full, round flavor profile that sets it apart from many other White Zinfandels.
Tasting Notes:
This White Zinfandel is rich and vibrant, with aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon, and orange zest. The wine is juicy and full of ripe fruit flavors, including strawberries, raspberries, and melon. The sweetness is well-balanced by bright acidity, and the wine finishes with a smooth, refreshing finish.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Coppola’s White Zinfandel offers a more complex and flavorful profile than many other options. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a slightly more robust style while still enjoying the sweet, fruit-forward nature of White Zinfandel.
5. Barefoot Pink Moscato White Zinfandel
Overview:
Barefoot is a widely popular brand known for producing affordable, approachable wines. Its Barefoot Pink Moscato White Zinfandel blends Moscato and White Zinfandel grapes to create a unique, fruity wine with a hint of sparkling effervescence. The wine is sweet and vibrant, making it perfect for casual occasions.
Tasting Notes:
The Barefoot Pink Moscato White Zinfandel is packed with bright flavors of strawberry, peach, and orange blossom. It has a slight effervescence, which adds a fun, bubbly texture to the wine. The sweetness is prominent, but the crisp acidity helps keep it refreshing and light.
Why It’s One of the Best:
If you’re looking for an extremely approachable and fun White Zinfandel that offers a bit of sparkle, Barefoot’s Pink Moscato is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for casual drinking, picnics, and parties.
6. Meiomi Rosé
Overview:
Meiomi is better known for its Pinot Noir, but its Meiomi Rosé is a standout wine made from Zinfandel and other red varietals. This wine has a richer and more layered profile compared to typical White Zinfandel offerings, making it a great alternative for those who enjoy rosé with a bit more depth.
Tasting Notes:
The Meiomi Rosé opens with delicate floral and strawberry aromas, followed by flavors of ripe raspberry, melon, and citrus. The wine has a smooth texture, with just the right amount of acidity to balance the subtle sweetness. It’s refreshing, yet has a bit more complexity than many of the sweeter White Zinfandel wines.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Meiomi’s Rosé is a great option for those seeking a White Zinfandel that is a bit more refined. It combines the refreshing fruitiness of White Zinfandel with a more elegant style, making it a versatile wine for various occasions.
7. Foppiano Vineyards White Zinfandel
Overview:
Foppiano Vineyards is a family-owned winery in Sonoma County with a long history of producing exceptional wines. Their White Zinfandel is a delightful example of the versatility of the Zinfandel grape when made into a rosé-style wine.
Tasting Notes:
Foppiano’s White Zinfandel is fresh and vibrant, with aromas of strawberries, citrus zest, and hints of floral notes. On the palate, it offers juicy flavors of red berries, watermelon, and a touch of melon. The wine is balanced by crisp acidity, which enhances its refreshing finish.
Why It’s One of the Best:
This wine is an excellent representation of a well-made White Zinfandel with a nice balance of fruit and acidity. Foppiano’s White Zinfandel stands out for its fresh, approachable flavors and can be enjoyed as an everyday wine or paired with lighter meals.
8. Seghesio Family Vineyards White Zinfandel
Overview:
Seghesio Family Vineyards is one of the top producers of Zinfandel in Sonoma County. Their White Zinfandel is a true expression of the versatility of the Zinfandel grape and the care that goes into producing wines in this region.
Tasting Notes:
The Seghesio White Zinfandel has aromas of fresh strawberries, citrus, and melon. The palate is bursting with flavors of ripe berries, watermelon, and hints of peach. The wine has a lovely balance between sweetness and acidity, making it an easy-drinking yet flavorful option.
Why It’s One of the Best:
Seghesio’s White Zinfandel is a standout for its rich fruit flavors and bright acidity. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a more nuanced, flavorful version of White Zinfandel that is still refreshing and approachable.
Conclusion
White Zinfandel is a wine that continues to evolve and surprise. From the mass-market options like Sutter Home and Beringer to the more refined offerings from Robert Mondavi and Coppola, there’s a White Zinfandel for every palate. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm afternoon or pairing it with your favorite summer dish, these 8 best White Zinfandel wines showcase the diverse range of flavors, sweetness levels, and styles that make White Zinfandel such an enduring and beloved wine.
Each of these wines brings something unique to the table, so don’t hesitate to explore them and find the perfect bottle to suit your tastes.
Related topics:
- Who Is Suitable to Drink White Zinfandel?
- Which White Zinfandel Is Sweet
- Who Invented White Zinfandel?
