Red Zinfandel. The most widely planted red grape in California, much of it is made into white Zinfandel, a slightly sweet blush wine. But red Zinfandel is the quintessential California wine – a full-bodied, ultra-ripe, intensely flavored and firmly tannic wine designed to age. It has been made in a claret style, with berry and cherry flavors, mild tannins and oak shadings. And it has been made into Port-style late-harvest wines that feature very ripe, tannic raisin flavors and alcohol above 15 percent. The most popular Zinfandels emphasize the grape's zesty, spicy pepper, raspberry, cherry, wild berry and plum flavors, and its complex range of tar, earth and leather notes.

Serve Red Zinfandel with tarragon, thyme, black pepper or clove dishes.
Try it with Sizzling NY Strip Steaks.