Zinfandel (ZIN-fan-dell) offers an array of flavors including fruits like Black currant, Cherry, Blackberry, Plum and Raisin, spice, pepper, licorice and wood.

Depending on the climate and vineyard location, California winemakers in Napa Valley, Alexander Valley and Amador County generally produce three distinct styles of red Zinfandel.

The first is the most abundant and the most popular easy drinking style. They are light, young, fresh Zinfandels in a Beaujolais style with fresh berry flavors. These wines offer charm and balance with light tannins.

This is followed by the medium-bodied, fuller fruit flavored Zinfandels with the tannins more detectable. The spicy character becomes more apparent and the finish is longer, complementing meat dishes like Lamb and Venison.

The third full-bodied style offers big, concentrated and powerful Zinfandels with an underlying spiciness overlaid with flavors of raspberries and blackberries. With its intense fruit and unbelievable richness, these Zinfandels have the capacity for aging.

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