The Wine Institute

Until only recently, Zinfandel was California’s “mystery grape” because its origins were unknown. In 1994, DNA fingerprinting confirmed that the Primitivo and Zinfandel grapes were genetically identical, however, it’s not a 100 percent match. There are clonal differences between the Zinfandel grown in California and the Primitivo in Italy. On wine labels, U.S. regulations require that Zinfandel and Primitivo be identified separately. Historically, they have been separately labeled and sold, and the wines display different characters and styles.

Studies have also indicated that the grape used for making California Zinfandel did not originate in Italy, but migrated from another origin to various destinations that include Italy. Scientists know that the Zinfandel grape has a European origin. Although further research is required, all evidence to date points to Croatian grape varieties as the origin. The Zinfandel name, however, is truly American—the earliest and only documented use of the name is in America where a Boston nursery owner advertised Zinfandel for sale in 1832.

Zinfandel was introduced to California during the Gold Rush somewhere between 1852 and 1857 and became widely planted because it thrived so well in the state’s climate and soil. Today, Zinfandel is the third leading winegrape variety in California, with nearly 50,000 acres planted, according to the 2010 California Grape Acreage Report. A majority of the grapes are used for White Zinfandel. Popular descriptors for Zinfandel wine include blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry, cherry, as well as black pepper, cloves, anise and herbs.

Top California Counties for Zinfandel Acreage 2010

Counties	Bearing and nonbearing acres
1. San Joaquin	19,634
2. Sonoma	5,194
3. Madera	3,021
4. San Luis Obispo	2,899
5. Fresno	2,735
6. Amador	2,105
7. Mendocino	1,982
8. Sacramento	1,515
9. Napa	1,507
10. Merced	1,445
Other	7,099
TOTAL	49,136

Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service.

California Zinfandel Winegrape Crush

Year	Tons Crushed
2010	394,177
2009	446,942
2008	397,982
2007	407,630
2006	341,874
2005	448,144
2004	321,899
2003	327,701
2002	369,772
2001	336,547
2000	404,167
1999	324,397
1998	339,712
1997	421,595
1996	299,843
1995	326,694
1990	185,492
1985	123,370
1980	115,971
1976	72,790

Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service.

Advocacy Group:

Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP) is a nonprofit association that organizes seminars, educational programs and wine tastings across the U.S. to promote Zinfandel and its high quality reputation. There are 300 “producer” members in the group. ZAP supports research surrounding the history and origins of the Zinfandel grape. Website: www.zinfandel.org.