When making White Merlot wine, the grape skins are . Plus, it has a low alcohol content, usually around 10%, making it a perfect wine for casual drinking and social occasions. But when the residual sweetness, acidity and alcohol are all in balance, the wine can still be refreshing. To control the alcohol level, the fermentation process is stopped before all the sugars are converted into alcohol. A Guide to Buttery Chardonnay: Our 11 Best Picks Under $20, Landon Winery Reserve Chocolate Finale Dessert Red WineO Mark Review, 12 Best Lodi Wineries That You Should Visit, Castello del Poggio Moscato WineO Mark Review, Oliver Cherry Moscato WineO Mark Review, Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Ramato WineO Mark Review, Bieler Pre & Fils Sabine Rose WineO Mark Review. Best Sweet Red Wines: Your Complete Buying Guide, Best Riesling Wine Reviews & Shopping Guide, Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Top 10 Best Sweet White Wines, Your email address will not be published. Mendocino experiences high temperatures during the day, but its cool at night. My mission is to help connect wine lovers with great wines from across the world. Lets get started! Although many people still enjoy White Zinfandel wine, there are other types of sweet wines that may be more to your taste. There are general foundations in winemaking, not specific recipes. If youre new to the world of wine, I think White Zinfandel is a great entry point! Bottling the slightly sweet, pale pink vintage as is (and removing Oeil de Perdrix), Sutter Home introduced the White Zinfandel we still love today. 11 Penn Circle By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week. While I wouldnt be surprised if there were some winemakers making a blush wine that blends red Zinfandel grapes with white wine grapes, keep in mind that for a wine to be labeled Zinfandeleven a white versionit must be made from at least 75 percent Zinfandel grapes, according to labeling laws. Brush away dirt on the midsole and outsole of the shoe. It was invented at Napas Sutter Home winery in 1975 when a batch of bled-off juice from a red Zinfandel fermentation failed to go dry. This big name label is actually based in the small town of Geyserville in Sonoma County. The wine was invented in the 1970s by Bob Trinchero of Sutter Home Winery. FILE - Pedestrians walk towards the Harvard Medical School, Aug. 18, 2022, in Boston. Please just verify that youre 21 years of age orolder. However, others argue that white Zinfandel is a legitimate wine that deserves to be appreciated for what it is. The funny thing is, White Zins and ross have more in common than people realize. Discover more about Sutter Home White Zinfandel! My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. The one thread they all have in common? You may be wondering, then, why White Zinfandel is sweeter than other ross. The short answer is, No way, ros. Just about every winemaking decision here is different as the end result for white Zin (lightly colored, refreshing, lighter in alcohol, slightly sweet) is just about the opposite of everything red. You can expect top notes of bright red fruits like strawberry, raspberry, cherries, and even watermelon, with hints of citrus, nutmeg, and clove. Zinfandel has been touted as Americas grape, but it actually hails from Croatia and was likely brought to the USA in the early 1800s. It is often referred to as a blush wine due to its light pink color. Led by our pink Sutter Home White Zinfandel, Sutter Home also received Wine Spectators, Sutter Home Wine & Food Series: White Zinfandel. For wines made in warmer climates, flavors turn to deeper black fruits. Arbor Mists Exotic Punchcalls for coconut rum, pineapple chunks, lime juice, and lemon lime soda. Please check settings. White Zinfandel is a versatile wine that can be paired with a wide range of foods. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics. In a tall, ice-filled glass or the bottom part of a shaker, add Captain Morgan spiced rum, wine zinfandel, pineapple juice and lemon-lime soda. Zin berries are thin skinned, but theyre also quite small, which means less skin-to-juice ratio and therefore potentially higher tannins. So what are you waiting for? White zins tend to be lightly sweet with flavors of strawberry, cherry, and citrus. It is made from the red Zinfandel grape, but the skins are removed before fermentation, which results in a lighter color and lower tannins. Though both white and red Zinfandel are made using the same Zinfandel grapes, the distinctions come from how theyre cultivated, when theyre harvested, and how they are made at the winery. Put the emphasis on the white in white Zinfandel and youll be steered right every time. Yes, White Zinfandel is generally considered a sweet wine. Like ros, White Zinfandel pairs well with a variety of foods. Im a little old school when it comes to malolactic fermentation, but its always served me well. But the fact is, it did help introduce many Americans to wine. The question of whether or not White Zinfandel tastes good really all comes down to personal preference, but personally, I really enjoy this sweet, fruit-forward pink wine. Use a damp cloth to rinse away excess soap. Burrow, one of the game . Plus, it has a low alcohol content, usually around 10%, making it a perfect wine for casual drinking and social occasions. Even though ros, blush and pale red wines have been made for centuries, white Zinfandel as we know it was invented in the early 1970s at Sutter Home by Bob Trinchero, and yes, it started as a mistake. Beaujolais vineyards. And it helped many wineries stay afloat during that time by having a product that was very much in demand. White Zinfandel is sweet, soft, and low in alcohol, making it a popular choice with those who would not otherwise drink wine. [2] Other wineries and beverage manufacturers also produce and sell this variety of wine. Wine 101 Learn About Zinfandel, Both Red & White words: VinePair Staff Zinfandel is synonymous with California wine. By the mid-1980s, Sutter Home White Zinfandel was Americas most-popular premium wine. Its deliciously sweet with essences of strawberry and melon. White Zinfandel should be served chilled, but not too cold. Its sweetness is a defining characteristic that sets it apart from other Zinfandel wines. This helps to keep the cork moist, which prevents it from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle. It's usually made in a blush style, which means that it has a pink color. White Zinfandel is made only from Zinfandel grapes. Dont allow malolactic fermentation (MLF) to occur: You want to keep acid, not lose it, remember? Pasta with creamy sauces: White Zinfandels sweetness can complement the richness of pasta dishes with creamy sauces, like fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara. Pooh-poohed as cheap plonk, I take a more charitable view of the brew as white Zinfandel can be a gateway wine for those new to the grape. White Zinfandels were purportedly created by Sutter Home Family Vineyards winemaker Bob Trinchero in 1975 through a chance occurrence during the fermentation process. White Zinfandel is a type of ros made from Zinfandel grapes that is sweeter than most ross. They work well, too, with spicy foods and barbeque. He decided to bottle it up and sell it anyway, and to everyones surprise, the new varietals popularity caught on like wildfire. The climate in the Lodi wine region is Mediterranean with hot days and cool nights. Zinfandel is a name that comes from the Italian word for "new branch.". Its a great pick for Taco Tuesdays, since it pairs well with most cajun dishes and tangy cheeses! Why are wineries outside of Portugal allowed to call their fortified wines Port? Check out these10 things you may not know about this ultimate Summer Sipper. It can be enjoyed all on its own, but I highly recommend pairing it with a skillet chicken in a white wine sauce! Funny you ask this question as Ive just now got three tanks full of 2016 Monterey Pinot Noir ros fermenting in the winery. How can I make sure a bottle of wine has been stored properly before I buy it? It then had a decline in popularity, but it is still considered the wine that introduced many Americans to drinking wine. White Zin typically has an AVB of 10% meaning its a bit on the higher side. Bob gave his pink-tinged wine a French name, Oeil de Perdrix (Eye of the Partridge), a descriptive term for white wines made from red grapes in France. MyBartender This extended maceration of the grape skins gives red wine its deep ruby color and high tannin levels. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Networks Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. by Once fermentation is complete, the wine is separated from the grape solidspressed or drained away. (Photo credit: National Museum of American History). Because only a small quantity of the red color are released from the grape skins when wine is pressed, it has a slight pink color. Feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in working with us for content creation and recipes. Alternatively, you can use a wine chiller or sleeve to cool the bottle to the desired temperature. Surprise, Surprise. The production process of White Zinfandel involves a unique fermentation process that results in its distinctive taste and color. A wine cellar is the perfect place to store white Zinfandel as it provides a cool, dark environment that is free from temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Is it a blend of red and white wines? At first, it was an error. In my opinion, yes White Zinfandel is sweet and very cheap. Your email address will not be published. So by listening to his customers, his wine exploded and White Zinfandel quickly became extremely popular in the 1980s and 1990s. How is it made? Federal . Furthermore, the fermentation process used to make White Zinfandel is relatively simple and does not require aging. serving. White Zinfandel is made the same way - because it was the result of bottling excessive grape juice after trying to create a bolder red Zin. Everyone Will Cheer for our Red, White Zin, & Blue Wine Dessert. Arbor Mists. White Zinfandel was initially marketed as a low-cost alternative to traditional red wines. This method exists, but it's pretty uncommon. The yeasts died before eating all the sugars and the wine was ruined! These are popular for their sweet flavor, lower alcohol, and low price. White Zin created back in 1972 continues to rake in plenty of awards to this day. White Zinfandel is a type of Ros wine that falls between the categories of off-dry and sweet. All Right Reserved. It's also key to enjoying with caviar and smoked salmon. It is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. I'm Paige! But U.S. laws require an English-language description, so a white zinfandel wine was included in small print. Id say that the majority of white Zinfandel is made the same way it was when it was invented in the early 1970s at Sutter Home: from red wine grapes with limited exposure to the skins. Its common to find wines labeled by variety in Puglia, although there are also some official wine regions that specialize in Primitivo. First of all, contrary to popular belief,ros wineisn'ta mixture of red and white wines. Quick Overview: Sweet, Fruity, and Cheap! Then the smushed-up grapes and their juice are fermented together, a process that converts the sugar to alcohol. Zinfandel (aka Primitivo) is the fourth most planted wine grape in California (after Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir). If youre looking for the best White Zinfandel wine to buy, youve come to the right place! Following this, Sutter Home made the unintentional discovery. Or is it made by limiting skin contact with the grapes? A surprising 70% of all Zinfandel grapes are grown in the U.S., with about 10% in California alone! The wine was invented in 1975 and quickly became a favorite in the 1980s and 1990s. The recommended serving temperature for white Zinfandel is between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius). They only made around 200 cases to begin with, but at that time people kept coming back for this blush wine that had a sweet, fruity taste. Cheese: White Zinfandel can pair well with a variety of cheeses, from soft cheeses like brie to fresh goat cheese. It is made from Zinfandel grapes, which are typically used to produce a full-bodied and spicy red wine called Zinfandels. The wine is known for its sweet and fruity flavor and is a popular drink among wine enthusiasts. If youre enjoying a sweet White Zinfandel, youll have lots of great options when it comes to food pairings! Thanks for being part of the adventure! Some wine experts argue that it is not a real wine because it is made from a grape that is traditionally used to make red wine. Additionally, ros is not a grape varietal but rather made from a variety of red grapes such as Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, and Sangiovese, among others. However, even the sweetest ros is typically not as sweet as a standard White Zinfandel. Ferment cool/cold: As opposed to a red wine fermentation, where you want temperatures high (up to 90 F/32 C) to help you extract color and tannin from the skins, here your goal is to preserve aroma and crispness. September 3, 2022 by MD-Rasel Answer Cooking with white zinfandel can be a fun and interesting experience. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics. It can also be a good match for barbecue or smoked meats. White Zinfandel isnt actually white at all, its pink! [1] In 2018, Sutter Home held a significant market share in the White Zinfandel industry, accounting for 29.1% of the total dollar sales and 73.1% of the 187 mL (6.3 U.S. fl oz) segment of the market. First bottled by Sutter Home a little over 50 years ago, White Zinfandels popularity caught on like wildfire, and its remained a top-pick among wine lovers ever since! Winemaker Rafael Jacinto Jofre has been crafting a select handful of varietals at Canyon Road Winery since 2004, and his White Zinfandel has delicious tasting notes of strawberry, cherry, and watermelon. The red variety is planted in more than 10 percent of all Californian. Pour sangria over ice and . Try ribs, grilled chicken, roast lamb, pulled pork, pork chops, blackened salmon, bacon-wrapped tenderloin, game meats, and burgers! When storing white Zinfandel, its important to keep the bottles lying on their sides. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cool temperature to preserve the fruity flavors and aromas. Folks start with the sweet pink stuff but as their taste buds mature they start to gravitate towards other, more expensive products. Sutter Homes White Zinfandel the OG White Zin created back in 1972 continues to rake in plenty of awards to this day. This wine was made popular in the 70's. Similar to a ros, but with a much sweeter flavor. White Zinfandel is made from the Zinfandel wine grape, which would otherwise produce a bold and spicy red wine. This creates a lighter-hued, lighter-bodied wine with lighter tannins and low alcohol. All rights reserved. In fact, White Zin hasbeen credited with helping to save a ton of Old Zinfandel Vines that likely wouldve been ripped up to make more room for more popular varietals. Your email address will not be published. White Zinfandel was first crafted by Sutter Home in 1972, when a batch of dry ros (made from runoff juice thats been separated from the grape skins) got stuck mid-fermentation process. Itll feel light and crisp on a hot summers day, and the perfect thing to serve at an outdoor dinner night. And this means that it can be bottled and sold relatively quickly after production, reducing the overall cost of storage and aging. A popular region for Primitivo where the wines must be a minimum of 85% of the variety. Pizza: White Zinfandel can be a good match for pizza with spicy toppings like pepperoni, spicy sausage, or jalapeno. The grapes used to make White Zinfandel are harvested early, before they fully ripen. The soils here are rich and well-drained, giving wine tartness, acidity, and red berry notes. And the wine was sweet and fruity, as well as inexpensive, making it very easy to drink. The grapes are harvested and crushed, and the juice is separated from the skins. A good rule of thumb is to chill the wine in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Better yet, customers loved it! Yes, white Zinfandel does have sugar in it, but the amount of sugar varies depending on the type and the winemaker's method. While I wouldn't be surprised if there were some winemakers making a blush wine that blends red Zinfandel grapes with white wine grapes, keep in mind that for a wine to be labeled "Zinfandel"even a white versionit must be made from at least 75 percent Zinfandel grapes, according to labeling laws. Sutter Homes White Zinfandel . When the White Sox announced Taylor's selection late Sunday night, he was with his parents and one of his friends from high school at their home in Florence, Ala. His brother, Evan, is a closer for the Low-A Jupiter squad in the Marlins' organization, while a second brother, Collin, pitched for Arkansas and Alabama-Birmingham. The making process of White Zinfandel is quite different from that of red Zinfandel. One of the easiest ways for a home winemaker to make pink wine is to literally tread on the grapes with your feet in their picking container or containers (assuming its watertight) and letting the grapes sit for a little while. Don't miss a thing! Your email address will not be published. He used a technique called saigne (a winemaking method that involves "bleeding" off a portion of red wine juice after it's been in contact with the skins and seeds) in an attempt to intensify the wine's color, body, and flavor. Or is it made by limiting skin contact with the grapes? Ask wine lovers and many will say White Zinfandel was first to fill their glass, later trying Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. These are a few of my favorites that give you the best bang for your buck! If your sweet tooth is extra strong, youll love this White Zin from Arbor Mist! Holland PA 18966, 2023 | All Rights Reserved. White Zinfandel holds an important role in US wine market history, and for that reason, I respect it. June 28, 2023, 6:14 am. The white zinfandel is made by promptly removing the skins of the grape after crushing, which creates a lighter-hued, lighter-bodied wine with lighter tannins and low alcohol. The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search term Search. Cheers to National Ros Wine Day: Savoring the Delights of Pink Elegance. One of Beringer Main & Vines signature varietals, this White Zin has delicious top notes of red berries, citrus, and melon thats complemented by more subtle hints of nutmeg and clove. The wine quickly gained a reputation as a cheap, sweet wine that was popular with people who were new to wine drinking. (Its the skins that give the wine its red color.). So he simply put it together, thewine was a white wine (Ros was not a categoryat the time) and made from Zinfandel grapes. I like to ferment between 5762 F (1417 C) if possible. The longer the fermentation process, the higher the alcohol content of the wine. As interest in wine culture increased, so has the quality, andmore people started turning to less sweet, more "grown-up" wines, including dry ross from places like Provence in France. Delivered right to your mailbox. rather than try to stop the fermentation right at that perfect balance point. These wines offer the refreshing qualities of white wine with the flavor characteristics of reds, and they pair well with food. Sign Up for Wine Spectators Free Email Newsletters and stay up-to-date with all things wine. In fact, most white Zinfandels are meant to be consumed within a few years of their vintage date. I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. This White Zinfandel has delicate notes of strawberry without being overly sweet. In this blog post, well share our top White Zinfandel wine brands and shopping tips. Red Zinfandels did not attract interest from many consumers in the 1970s due to a combination of high alcohol content and taste. Most white Zinfandels are perceptibly sweet, though I like mine a little drier. You see, yeast and bacteria actually talk to each other during fermentation and sometimes they dont like what they hear., Well I like your moxie. Flavors: blackberry, black cherry, bramble, vanilla, black pepper. While many ros wines are dry, White Zinfandel has become such a popular varietal over the past 50 years that most Americans believe all ross are sweet. Cheese Pairing: Think rich and bold such as sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and grilled halloumi. But, like with most wines . Sutter Home also received Wine Spectators Distinguished Service Award in 1994 for having introduced more Americans to wine on the table than anyone in history, thanks to White Zinfandel. Enroll in the WineMaker Digital Membership for 12 months to access premium tips, techniques, and DIY projects. So here are some White Zinfandel substitutes: White Zinfandel is a type of Ros wine made from the Zinfandel grape. Thats perhaps the best thing about being a home winemaker: Freedom. How long should I allow for skin contact, and is everything else the same as making a red Zin thereafter? WSET 3 & Certified American Wine Expert. Red Zinfandel wine can offer . July 13, 2023. There are sweet and fruity flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and other red fruits. So aside from skin contact time, is making white Zin the same as making a red Zinfandel? Whether you are having fun at home or busy behind the bar of your local watering hole, we will supply you with the drink recipes to impress even the seasoned cocktail seeker. Then comes agingmost red wines age in oak barrels for about 1 to 3 years. I always recommend adding bentonite for protein stability and then doing what you can to cold stabilize. I disagree. 2. Expect high alcohol (14%+ ABV) but with a rustic edge, as opposed to a jammy character. White Zinfandel, often abbreviated as White Zin, is an off-dry to sweet, pink-colored ros wine. Some soils are so sandy, they completely resist grape phylloxera.