zinfandel

[ zin-fuhn-del ]

noun

1. a black vinifera grape, grown in California.
2. a dry red wine made from this grape in California.

Zinfandel

/ ˈzɪnfənˌdɛl /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of zinfandel¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of zinfandel¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

With the exception of a St. Helena estate and vineyard on Zinfandel Lane at the banks of the Napa River, the rest are owned by her husband.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Washington Post

“I think that’s why it’s worth spending time on the Zinfandel Trail, because you’re not just going to different tasting rooms and different wineries. You’re discovering all the different styles of zinfandel in the process.”

From Washington Post

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

Enter the California Zinfandel Trail, a new online destination from a group called Zinfandel Advocates and Producers.

From Washington Post