The vast majority of Zinfandel that I come across is from California, but to mix things up I thought I’d include a review of an Italian Zinfandel. If you look at wines in the Italian section of your favorite wine shop you may not even know that some of the wines you’re looking at are Zinfandel. That’s because in Italy it’s often referred to as Primitivo.
Stylistically, Primitivo is quite different from California Zinfandel. While those from California tend to be big, powerful and fruity, Primitivo typically has lower alcohol levels and more earthy characteristics. This one from Villa Brondello is a great example of that, and an outstanding bargain to boot.
The nose has a dusty nature to it. I would describe the bouquet as cherry, dusty tomato, sage and coffee. The palate is soft, compared to California Zinfandel. It’s full of rich tannins, dark cherry, blackberry, oak and cocoa. It is not at all jammy (something you might expect from a domestic Zinfandel). It’s fairly well balanced and very approachable. In my opinion, it could use a little less oak, but it’s still good.
Wine: Villa Brondello Primitivo
Variety: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2007
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 85
Price: $8.00
Find Villa Brondello Primitivo with Snooth