Zinfandel

Zinfandel has become a the signature grape of American wines, especially Lodi in California. It is lighter in colour than Cabernet Sauvignon, but not by much, and full of black fruits, spice (like star anise, black pepper and cardamom) and often oaky flavours (vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and even peach yogurt). It can be quite high in alcohol, these wines will be bolder and deeper (beautifully expressed by Orin Swift's 8 Years in the Desert, £48), and some of the lighter (but not light) will have berries and spices (a great example of this is the Heritage Collection Zinfandel by DeLoach, £14).

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