Zinfandel California red wine

Zinfandel is a variety of red grape that has become a signature of Californian viticulture. While the grape's genetic roots trace back to Croatia and Italy (where it is known as Crljenak Kaštelanski and Primitivo, respectively), it rose to global prominence in the United States during the 19th century.

Today, California produces the vast majority of the world's Zinfandel, ranging from the popular semi-sweet White Zinfandel to robust, high-alcohol red wines. Because 'Zinfandel California' refers to a wine variety and region rather than a single trademarked brand, it is produced by hundreds of different wineries across the state, from boutique family estates to massive global beverage conglomerates.