- Last updated on March 31, 2023
Our Best White Zinfandel Selection
5 Best White Zinfandel Reviewed
Find below the reviews for our wine selection of the 5 Best White Zinfandel so that you have all the info you need to pick what’s best for you.
Vivino’s tips: 2020 vintage rates better than any other year for this wine
Region: United States, Sonoma County
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Elderflower.
This delicious white zin is probably one of the best you’ll find around at this price point.Â
This is probably why it’s very popular in the Vivino community.
Expect strawberry, watermelon, grapefruit, tropical fruit, hint of oak and elderflower.
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Raspberry, Strawberry, Watermelon, Citrus, Honeysuckle.
Delicate raspberry and strawberry fruit character. Jasmine tea and orange zest perfume the aromas and lightly sweet flavors.
With hints of citrus and juicy red fruit from a proprietary blend of grape varieties, the wine’s fruity aromas and flavors come alive through watermelon and floral notes.
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Raspberry, Strawberry, Tropical fruit, Peach, Hibiscus.
Expect flavors of Georgia peach, sun-ripened strawberries, succulent pears and pineapple.
Since it’s sweet, have it stone cold and it’ll be perfect for a hot summer day.
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Raspberry, Strawberry, Tropical fruit, Peach, Rose water.
A medium-bodied wine. With a gorgeous, jewel-like color, the wine has fruit flavors and lingering aromas of sweet raspberries and notes of tropical fruit.
Region: United States, California
Tasting notes: Strawberry, Watermelon, Melon, Cream.
A delicate blush pink color introduces this fresh, lively wine. On your palate, light creaminess surrenders to a refreshing crisp finish of strawberries and melon.
Buying Guide to White Zinfandel
It’s not just about which White Zinfandel you should buy. There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.
The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview on all these topics.
White Zinfandel Overview
Here you find an overview on where this White Zinfandel style is most commonly planted.
Grape
Zinfandel
ABV
8%–10%
Main Regions
USA: California (Napa, Sonoma)
Other Regions
-
Grape
Zinfandel
ABV
8%–10%
Main Regions
USA: California (Napa, Sonoma)
Other Regions
-
White Zinfandel Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of White Zinfandel.
Color
Pink
Nose
Cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry,
Citrus Note
Palate
Red Fruit
Citrus Fruit
Baking Spice, Graphite
Medium to Sweet
Medium-Low Acidity
Medium-Low Tannins
Light Body
Color
Pink
Nose
Cherry, Strawberry, Raspberry,
Citrus Note
Palate
Red Fruit
Citrus Fruit
Baking Spice, Graphite
Medium to Sweet
Medium-Low Acidity
Medium-Low Tannins
Light Body
White Zinfandel Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for White Zinfandel.
Appetizer
Sliced Salami/Pancetta,
Salads,
Fresh or Roasted Vegetables
Meat
Spicy Chicken,
Pork,
Indian cuisine
Fish
Crab cakes
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Hard (Grana Padano),
Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola)
Appetizer
Sliced Salami/Pancetta,
Salads,
Fresh or Roasted Vegetables
Meat
Spicy Chicken,
Pork,
Indian cuisine
Fish
Crab cakes
Cheese
Soft (Philadelphia),
Hard (Grana Padano),
Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola)
Serve and Store White Zinfandel
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store White Zinfandel.
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay / Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
Up to 2 years
Decant
Nope
Glass
Chardonnay / Viognier
Serve at
45 - 50 °F
7 - 10 °C
Store for
Up to 2 years
White Zinfandel Useful Insight
Regions and winemaking techniques influence White Zinfandel taste profiles. A rule of thumb is:
- Cool Climates: red fruit notes like raspberry and strawberry are predominant.
- Warm Climates: black fruit notes like blackberry, cherry, anise are predominant.
Our Verdict
White Zinfandel is the Rosé version of Zinfandel. It has a light body, red fruit aromas and unlike other Rosé, it’s moderate to sweet.
What to do next?
Be sure to serve your White Zinfandel at the right temperature.Â
Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro! Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Zinfandel/Primitvo, Syrah/Shiraz, or the other red wines?
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about White Zinfandel.
What is White Zinfandel history?
Zinfandel’s history is quite interesting and deserves to be told!Â
Zinfandel grapes originated in Croatia around 6000 BCE and DNA wise are identical to Primitivo in Italy and Crljenak KaÅ¡telanski and Tribidrag grapes in Croatia.Â
In the 18th century, it was introduced in Puglia in Italy. It then arrived in the US in the 1820s and by the 19th century, it became the most popular variety in California.
Up until the 1950s, Zinfandel was nearly forgotten following the Great Depression [1] and the Prohibition [2].
Finally, at the end of the 20th century red Zinfandel rose to popularity once again and today is widely planted in California.
Where does White Zinfandel grow best?
Zinfandel/Primitivo grows best in warm and sunny regions. The grape ripening has a direct effect on the taste profile of the wine.
- Under-Ripe / Cool Climates: red fruit (raspberry, red berry) flavors.
- Ripe / Warm Climates: black fruit (blackberry, blueberry), anise, and black pepper flavors.
When is the perfect event to drink White Zinfandel?
Are you hosting or going to an event with spicy food, like Indian cuisine? White Zinfandel is a great match!
Is White Zinfandel sweet?
White Zinfandel is a medium sweet to sweet wine.
The sweetness level of a wine is expressed in grams of sugar per liter, aka g/L, or as a percentage.Â
- A medium wine contains less than 30-50 g/L.
- A sweet wine contains between 50-100 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
When is the International White Zinfandel day?
There is an International Zinfandel day and it’s the 3rd Thursday in November. But Zinfandel has its own festival as well, the ZINEX [3].
How was White Zinfandel created?
White Zinfandel was actually created by accident. During the fermentation, the yeast died early and left a sugar residual.
The good news was that customers loved it and since then it gained popularity.
What’s White Zinfandel's typical price range?
White Zinfandel it’s an affordable wine! You’ll get a nice bottle for about $10-$15.
