Q. Where is Zinfandel originally from?

A. Zinfandel is thought to be one of the world’s oldest grape varieties. While it might be known as “California’s grape,” in the early 2000s, scientists discovered nine vines of an ancient grape variety called Crljenak Kaštelanski (“red grape of Kaštela”) on the Dalmation coast. Through DNA analysis, they proved these vines were identical to California Zinfandel. Your grandmother’s cupboard may be the origins of your first Zinfandel, but Zinfandel’s origins may even extend back further to the Caucasus, with ancestors of the vine appearing as early as 6000 BC (quite a bit older than Granny).

Ancient grape varieties make the best wines. Nebbiolo is another oldie-but-goodie, with references back to at least 1200 AD (not quite 6000 B.C., but–older than Granny!). Try it in our Cozy Fireside Red Wines in the Wine365 Shop: