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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

See Examples For:

zinfandel Zinfandel

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

Rombauer is best known for its chardonnay, which has become iconic for its traditional California style, and its zinfandel.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 17, 2022

Made with chardonnay and zinfandel grapes, navel and Valencia oranges, and ripe Triple Crown blackberries, the vinegars taste great.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2022

The other 10% he kept for his own brand, Balletto Vineyards, which sells Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2025

Zinfandel is increasingly becoming a niche wine, which is code for expensive.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 17, 2022

For a Zinfandel parallel, Jukes 6 bursts with dark berries like blackberry and black currant, and is sweet, tart, and just a tiny bit bitter in all the right amounts.

From Salon ● Nov. 24, 2021

Zinfandel, carignan and mourvèdre round out the blend.

From New York Times ● Jul. 10, 2020

On Fridays, back in Chicago, we had a standing date night, usually meeting downtown at a restaurant called Zinfandel after we’d both finished up work.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama