A fruity and medium-bodied Zinfandel pairs best with rich and robust foods like grilled Hamburgers, BBQ Ribs, Chinese Takeout, Liver and Onions, Baked Beans, Roasted Lamb and Pulled Pork. Zinfandel is a rich red wine with flavours of raspberry, blackberry, plum, smoke, spice, and black pepper. If barrel-aged, expect notes of chocolate, vanilla and leather. Also, expect to pay more for barrel-aged Zinfandel as oak-ageing costs money.
High in acidity and with medium tannin, Zinfandel can easily take on pizza and pasta containing tomato sauce. The fruity sweetness of Zinfandel makes it a wonderful pair with slightly sweeter dishes such as Peking duck, duck a l’orange, or chicken teriyaki.
The pairings below refer to lower-alcohol and minimally oaked Zinfandel commonly produced in California. This style of Zinfandel runs around the $25 range and is best enjoyed young to appreciate the fruity freshness. Edmeades, Ravenswood, Rosenblum, Bogel, Cline and Frog’s Leap are among the many great California winemakers who make exceptional Zinfandels in this affordable style.
More expensive Zinfandel are oaked, higher in tannin, and boast alcohol of up to 17%. These syrupy Zinfandels are often nicknamed ‘Fruit-Bombs’ due to their explosive fruit flavours. With high alcohol and oak-ageing, this style of Zinfandel often comes with a high price and are difficult to pair with foods due to the high level of alcohol and overwhelming flavours. In this instance, I’d stick with hearty and heavy dishes venison stew, pasta tossed with grilled sausage and beef and rib-eye steak.
wine | Zinfandel Flavours | How Common? |
---|---|---|
509 | blackberries | highly common |
509 | sweet tobacco smoke | very common |
509 | Hickory | oaked |
509 | vanilla | oaked |
509 | nutmeg | oaked |
509 | new leather | common |
509 | raisins | common |
509 | hibiscus | common |
509 | cinnamon | very common |
509 | black cherries | very common |
509 | cassis | common |
509 | cedar | common |
509 | black pepper | very common |
509 | blackberries | common |
509 | cloves | common |
509 | coffee | common |
509 | cranberry | common |
509 | cranberry | common |
509 | chocolate | common |
509 | plum | very common |
509 | jam | highly common |
509 | herbs | common |
509 | licorice | common |
509 | raspberries | very common |
509 | roses | common |
509 | smoke | common |
509 | spices | very common |
509 | five spice powder | highly common |
509 | tar | common |
509 | violets | common |
509 | strawberry | common |
Best Food With Zinfandel
Varietal | Food | Rating (out of 5) |
---|---|---|
Zinfandel |
BBQ Ribs | 5 Stars - Amazing! |
Zinfandel |
Hamburgers | 5 Stars - Amazing! |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Hamburgers | 5 Stars - Amazing! |
Zinfandel |
Hamburgers (Well Done) | 5 Stars - Amazing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Short Ribs | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Monterey Jack Cheese | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Barbecued Chicken with BBQ Sauce | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Chili | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Beef Curry Dishes | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Dishes | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Lamb | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Mexican Cuisine (beef based) | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Pizza | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Pork | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Sausage | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Steak | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Steak | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Venison | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Chinese Food Takeout/Buffet | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Pork Spare Ribs | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Cabbage Rolls | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Pork Tacos | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Chili Con Carne | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Pulled Pork | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Black Forest Ham | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Spam | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Char Siew | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Sausage, Cheese and Basil Lasagna | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Chili Dog | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Beef Rendang | 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommended |
Zinfandel |
Basil | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Bay Leaf | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Baked Beans | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Bourguignon | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Pot Roast | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Stew | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Tacos | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Blue Cheese | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Cheddar Cheese | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pecorino Cheese | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Chicken Cacciatore | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Chicken | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Tandoori Chicken | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Chicken Tikka Masala | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pasilla Chilies | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Cloves | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Asian Style Stir Fry with Soy Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Duck | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Duck à l'Orange | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Peking Duck | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Eggplant | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Eggplant Parmesan | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Empanadas | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Figs | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Ham | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Hot Dogs | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Fajitas | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Barbecued Lamb | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Burgers | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Kebabs | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Shanks | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Lasagna | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Meatloaf | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Moussaka | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Mushrooms | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Mustard | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Oregano | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Oxtail | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Paprika | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pasta Bolognese | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pasta with Meatballs/Meat Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pasta with Tomato Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Wild Boar | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Black Pepper | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pizza with Sausage | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Pork Chops | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Roasted Pork Chops | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Pork | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Roast Pork | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Barbecue Chicken Pizza | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
General Tso's Chicken | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Rabbit | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Ratatouille | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Rosemary | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
BLT Sandwich | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Sausage | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Chorizo Sausage | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Shish Kebabs | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Corn Dog | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Smoked Fish | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Southwestern Cuisine | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Steak with Black Pepper | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Tacos | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Teriyaki | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pork Teriyaki | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Turkey | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Roasted Turkey | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Vegetarian Dishes | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Haggis | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Goulash | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Roast Duck | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Spaghetti and Meatballs | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Bruschetta | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Cheese Sandwich | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Black Bean Burgers | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Gyro | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Hot Dogs with Ketchup | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Mole Poblano | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pasta with Wild Boar Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Blackberry Pie | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb with Aioli Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Creole Jambalaya - Beef/Sausage | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Banh Hoi Thit Nuong - Beef Wrapped in Rice Noodles | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Penne all'Arrabbiata | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pastitsio | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Baked Ziti | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Fajitas De Carne | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Elk Steak | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
American Goulash | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Salisbury Steak | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Xiang Su Quan Ya - Vietnamese Crispy duck | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Baby Back Ribs - pork ribs | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pizza Rolls - Pizza Bites | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Tagine | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Liver and Onions | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Curry Feng | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Masala Shalgam | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Sup Buntut | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Gom-tang | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Samgyeopsal | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Yong Tau Foo | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Char Siew Rice / Noodles | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Spicy Kelantan Chicken | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Barbecued Lamb Chops | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Frog Legs | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Coda alla Vaccinara - Oxtail Stew | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Perogies with Ground Beef | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Smalahove | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Pinnekjøtt | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Cocido Madrileno | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Noisettes of Lamb | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Kalahari Kreef | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Duck with Cherries | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Steak with Bordelaise Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Steak in a creamy Pepper Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Aubergine | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Baqala Pokhteh | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Dami-e balguyr-o mash | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Pot Pie | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Blackened Salmon | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pheasant Pie | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Braised Grouse | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Roast Ptarmigan | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Wild Duck | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Stuffed Woodcock | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Braised Partridge | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Venison Stewed in Beer | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Brunswick Stew | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Chicken Paprika | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Duck Fesenjan | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Duck Breasts with Shallots | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Penne with Sausage and Fennell | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb, Rice and Chickpea Pilaf | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Stuffed Pork Chops | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Southwest Black Bean Soup | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Bollito (Boiled Beef) | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Barley Soup with Sausage | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Pork Stir Fry | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Venison Loin with Blackberry Lavender Sauce | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Poutine) | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Bo Ssäm Pork Shoulder | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Romesco Baby Leeks | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Kitfo | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Falafel Shawarma | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Beef Barbacoa (spicy) | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Abgoosht | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Aji Panca Beef Tenderloin | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Portobello Mushroom Burger | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Albondigas (meatball soup) | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Burnt Eggplant Pasta | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Hamburger with Aioli | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Curry - Mild | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Duck & Sausage Creole Gumbo | 4 Stars - Great Pairing! |
Zinfandel |
Bacon | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chicken with Barbecue Sauce | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Red Beans | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Beef Brisket | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Braised Beef | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Beef Carne Asada | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Beef Casserole | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Beef with Ginger | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Roast Beef | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Beef Stroganoff | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Beef Tenderloin | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Beef Wellington | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Berries | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Biscotti | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Wild Boar | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Braised Dishes | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Buffalo Chicken Wings | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Calzone | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cannelloni | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Caribbean Cuisine | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cassoulet | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Colby Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Edam Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Emmental Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Gloucester Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Gorgonzola Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Gruyère Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Muenster Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Parmesan Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Roquefort Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Stilton Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Valdeon Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Zamarano Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Philadelphia Cheesesteak | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chives | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chocolate | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cinnamon | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Corned Beef and Cabbage | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Couscous | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cranberries or Cranberry Sauce | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cumin | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Duck with Black Pepper | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Duck with Fruit Sauce | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Duck | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Ethiopian Cuisine | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Game prepared with Fruit | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Garlic | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Greek Cuisine Meat Dishes | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Herbed Dishes | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Horseradish | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Game | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Kidneys | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Lamb Chops | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Macaroni and Cheese | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Nachos | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Nutmeg | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Nuts | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Osso Buco | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Pasta with Sausage | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Roasted Wild Boar | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Barbecued Wild Boar | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Prime Rib of Beef with Horseradish | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Red Bell Pepper | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Green Bell Pepper | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cobb Salad | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Salami | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Roast Goose | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Turkey Sandwich | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Vegetable Sandwich | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Pasta Puttanesca | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Italian Sausage | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Bratwurst Sausage | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Spicy Sausage | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Shepherd's Pie | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Baked Beans and Bacon | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Gumbo | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Soy Sauce | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Squab | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chicken Fried Steak | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Filet Mignon | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Sirloin Steak | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
NY Strip Steak | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Sushi - Eel | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Sushi Tuna | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Swordfish with bacon | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Tacos Bean | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Tandoori | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Tapenade | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Thyme | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Tuna | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Veal | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Veal | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Vietnamese Cuisine | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Wasabi | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Wiener Schnitzel | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Seafood Jambalaya | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chicken Jambalaya | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Japanese Cuisine | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Pork Tenderloin | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Ostrich Burgers | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Meat Lovers Pizza | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chicken Parmesan | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Thai Beef Salad (Spicy) | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cottage Pie | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Butter Chicken | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Ribeye Steak | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Veal Marsala | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Mussels in a Tomato Broth | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Irish Stew | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chicken Peri Peri | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Bo Xao Sa - Beef With Lemongrass | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Dau Hu Nhoi Thit - Braised Stuffed Tofu | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Penne alla Vodka | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Lucky Charms Cereal | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Steak au Poivre | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Porchetta | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Pork Perogies | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Sauerbraten | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Dougmaj: Loghmeh-ye-sabz-e Eshquabad | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Zeytoun Parvadrdeh - Caspian Olive Tapenade | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Chimichurri Sauce & Steak | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Cioppino | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Dark Chocolate Brownies with Raspberry Sauce | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Grilled Chicken in a North African Marinade | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Pork Afritada | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Salted Caramel Brownies | 3.5 Stars - Pretty Good |
Zinfandel |
Seafood Macaroni and Cheese | 1.5 Stars - Not Very Good |
Varietal | Food |
BBQ Ribs & Zinfandel Pairing
Zinfandel’s sweetness from its fruity flavours makes the red wine exceptional with Barbecue Ribs. The fruity flavours of blackberry, cherry and raspberry brings out the sweet and savoury spice tones in the barbecue sauce. Meanwhile, the smoke, spice, and black pepper complement the BBQ sauce’s spiciness. The pairing works both ways as both the sauce and the ribs make each other taste even more delicious.
High in acidity, Zinfandel cuts through the fatty flavours of your BBQ ribs, keeping your palate refreshed in between bites. This allows every magnificent bite of ribs to taste just as delicious as the very first bite. The high acidity also ensures the savoury flavours of the ribs shine through, as acidity is a flavour enhancer. Finally, while flavourful and rich, a medium-bodied Zinfandel has enough restraint to not wash away all those hard-earned and slow-cooked meaty rib flavours.
Grilled Hamburgers & Zinfandel Pairing
The best wine pairing with hamburgers is Zinfandel as this perfect pairing makes both the wine and the burger make each other taste better. The smoky and black pepper flavours of Zinfandel mingle perfectly with the savoury flavours of your grilled hamburger, enhancing the flavours of the burger and the fruitiness of the wine.
Meanwhile, refreshing flavours of plum, black cherry, raspberry and blackberry come across as refreshing against the meatiness of the hamburger. This refreshing nature is important, as in North America we often served our hamburgers well-done. This, unfortunately, cooks out all the fat and flavour and can often leave the hamburger tasting dry. Fortunately, one sip of Zinfandel solves this problem, and the high acidity of the wine draws out all the delicious meaty flavours that remain.
Finally, the high-acidity of Zinfandel ensures it will pair well with even the most difficult hamburger toppings. Banana peppers, ketchup, fried onions, blue cheese, bacon and roasted red peppers will all be supported by the fruity but smoky kiss of Zinfandel. For similar reasons, you’ll find Zinfandel just as delicious with Lamb Burgers.
Chinese Food Takeout & Zinfandel Pairing
While Zinfandel is dry, the fruitiness of the wine makes it taste slightly sweet, making it perfect with foods that are slightly sweet such as Chinese Food Takeout. Often we smother our chicken balls and egg-rolls in plum sauce or sweet and sour sauce, and the sweetness of Zinfandel complements the nature of this sweetness.
Soy Sauce is another element of Chinese Food that gives the dishes a rich earthiness, and the smoke, black pepper and spice element of Zinfandel complement the soy sauce.
Finally, Chinese Takeout is incredibly salty, thus the high acidity of Zinfandel, along with its fruity flavours of blackberry, jam, raspberry and cherry, offer an incredible amount of refreshment. The high acidity also scrubs the carbohydrates and fats found in chicken balls, pork fried rice, spareribs, battered shrimp, and noodle dishes off our cheeks, ensuring each Chinese food bite tastes as fresh as the first.
Pulled Pork Tacos & Zinfandel Pairing
Pulled Pork is shredded meat pulled off a barbecued pork shoulder, which is then mixed with barbecue sauce. The fruity sweetness of Zinfandel, along with its hints of smoke and spice, complement the barbecue sauce of the pulled pork. The medium-bodied nature of Zinfandel ensures that it shouldn’t overwhelm the smoky-sweet but subtle flavours of the pulled pork.
High in acidity, Zinfandel will go great with any toppings you shove into your pulled pork taco, including re-fried beans, salsa, grilled vegetables and any additional sauces. Acidity acts as a flavour enhancer, so you’ll be guaranteed to taste the pork, plus all the other fillings with each bite.
Liver and Onions & Zinfandel Pairing
Liver and Onions is a sweeter dish and Zinfandel’s jammy flavours of blackberry, blueberry and plum complement the sweetness of the dish. Meanwhile, the fruitiness also helps mask the mineral and iron flavours of the liver that not everyone finds pleasant. Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel if you want to taste some of the Liver’s minerality. Or if you want to ignore the iron flavours completely, now’s the time to bust open a bottle of full-bodied Zinfandel.
The earthy flavours of the liver and onions also enhance the Zinfandel as it draws out all the subtle flavours of cinnamon, herbs, licorice, smoke and black pepper that are found in this delicious red wine.