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• zinfandel
  zinfandel

  noun

  a black vinifera grape, grown in California.
• Zinfandel
  Zinfandel

  noun

  a Californian wine grape originally transplanted from Europe and producing a quick-maturing fruity red wine

zinfandel

American  

[zin-fuhn-del] / ˈzɪn fənˌdɛl /

noun

1. a black vinifera grape, grown in California.

2. a dry red wine made from this grape in California.

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Zinfandel British  

/ ˈzɪnfənˌdɛl /

noun

1. a Californian wine grape originally transplanted from Europe and producing a quick-maturing fruity red wine

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Etymology

Origin of zinfandel

First recorded in 1895–1900; origin uncertain, perhaps via Czech or Hungarian as a corruption of Zierfandler, an Austrian grape

Example Sentences

There’s plenty for visiting foragers to enjoy — in addition to the rows of sauvignon blanc, zinfandel and many other grape varieties, Wittstrom notes, there are around 40 different species of mushrooms on the ranch.

From Salon • May 30, 2024

He remembers driving out to Georgetown, where Tony Picardo, a legendary supplier of zinfandel grapes brought up from California, held court.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 3, 2023

Other varietals farmed in different regions took on different names even though the grapes are genetically identical, such as zinfandel and primitivo.

From Scientific American • Sep. 21, 2023

Fans of old-style zinfandel should take note and stock up.

From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2023

Then, in 1994, Franzia and other Bronco executives were indicted on federal fraud charges for falsely claiming that their wine came from premium grapes, such as zinfandel, chardonnay or cabernet.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2022