Zinfandel: The Prestigious Grape of California
Commonly known as Primitivo, Zinfandel originated in Southern Italy but found a true home in the United States, and specifically in California. This red variety is cultivated in lots of Californian vineyards and has truly shaped America’s wine industry. What’s more, there’s a good reason that Zinfandel is cultivated so extensively in California, and that’s because of the Mediterranean climate. Plus, California’s hotness and dryness help the Zinfandel grapes produce dynamic and bold reds with high alcohol content, usually 14-17%.
Red Perfection
Zinfandel grapes grow mostly in Napa Valley, Lodi, and Sonoma County. The grapes do not ripe evenly, meaning wine workers have to go for multiple pickings. Otherwise, they will have to deal with either under-ripe or raisin-type grapes. The ripest grapes give jammy, rich wines with plum and tobacco flavors. The under-ripe grapes produced the famous White Zinfandel, which is California’s signature off-dry rosé wine. Finally, Lodi is renowned for its old Zinfandel vines.
This is the most complex and structured of Zinfandel, hands-down. Hence, old vine Zinfandel wine commands a premium price. Finding the best inexpensive Zinfandel wines is a tough challenge. Fortunately, we have tried the most popular (and low-priced) Zins of the market to help you decide. But without further ado, here are the best affordable Zinfandel wines you can buy right now:
Best Zinfandel Wines Under $10
Best Cheap Overall
- Name — Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Bogle
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Plum, Strawberry, Charred Wood, Vanilla Spice, Clove
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Raspberry, Cherry, Fig, Prune, Cocoa, Smoke, Licorice, Cinnamon Spice
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Rack, Beef Burger, Roast Chicken, Sausages With Peppers
Tasting Notes
Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel shows concentrated flavor and richness, captivating wine enthusiasts from the first sip. Quite complex and robust, this balanced and full-bodied Zin offers vibrant aromas of blackberries, plums, and strawberries and gentle nuances of oak and baking spice on the bouquet.
The palate shows raspberries, cherries, and charred wood sensations, interwoven with a fine, round texture. Flavors of fig, prune, and cocoa join touches of smoke, licorice, and cinnamon for added taste. Smooth and fine-grained tannins finish long and emphatically.
Sourcing Grapes From the Best California Vineyards
Nestled in the Sacramento Delta, the Bogle family began producing wines commercially in 1968, when Warren and Chris Bogle planted their first 20 acres of grapevines in Clarksburg, California. Today, Bogle Vineyards work on over 1,000 acres of wine grapes in the Delta region and produce 100,000 wine cases. The winemaker is Christopher Smith, who sources fruit from some of the best vineyards of California.
Best Value
- Name — Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Smoking Loon
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Bramble, Cherry, Pepper, Sage, Rosemary
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Cocoa, Smoke, Tomato Leaf, Grapefruit, Campfire
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Burgers, Pulled Pork, Venison, Chili Con Carne
Tasting Notes
Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel is inviting with aromas of jammy blackberries and brambles. Medium-bodied, on the palate, it offers tastes of red and dark fruits, tones of pepper, and a lengthy, coconut-influenced finish. The wine has a superb opening, presenting fragrances of blackberries, brambles, and cherries on the bouquet, coupled with hints of pepper, sage, and rosemary.
The mouth is filled with flavors of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cocoa, and smoke. Meanwhile, mushroom and leather tastes are discernable, too, contributing depth and dynamism. As it hits the back-palate, gentle overtones of tomato leaf, grapefruit, and campfire combine with the grippy tannins, delivering a fantastic aftertaste.
Capturing the Varietal Character
Smoking Loon produces wines with bold, exciting flavors, perfect for everyday adventures. Each one of their wines captures the varietal character. For this reason, Smoking Loon wines have been recognized for their incredible quality since 2001, when the winery was founded.
Best White
- Name — Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi White Zinfandel
- Winery — Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Peach, Apricot, Nectarine, Strawberry, Coconut, Pepper
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Butterscotch, Smoke, Prune, Licorice, Brown Sugar
- Alcohol Content — 9.5%
- Sugar — Semi-Dry
- Pairing — Sea Bass, Salads, Crab Cakes, Roasted Asparagus, Pizza, Blue Cheeses
Tasting Notes
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is engaging and displays a broad range of stone and white fruit aromas and hints of smoke and coconut. In the mouth, waves of complex flavors provide structure as they move into the lengthy finish. Consequently, this is a good Zinfandel under $10.
Bright pink-reddish in color, the wine showcases its refreshing nature immediately. On the nose, peaches, apricots, and nectarines combine with nuances of coconut, strawberries, and spicy pepper to complete the complex bouquet. The palate, as expected, is dynamic and powerful. Cherries, raspberries, plums, and butterscotch seamlessly blend with notes of smoke, prunes, and licorice. The finish is pleasant, with lingering touches of brown sugar and cherry cola, while the tannins are fine and soft.
Napa Valley’s Signature Winemaker
Visionary Robert Mondavi established his winery in 1966, intending to create some of the finest Napa Valley wines. He chose the Kalon Vineyard in the heart of Napa as the home for the Robert Mondavi Winery. His signature wine is Fumé Blanc, a smoked, woodsy version of Sauvignon Blanc.
Mondavi believes that the wines should reflect their origins and that they are the product of the climate, soil, and careful winemaking. For him, the combination of innovative techniques with conventional winemaking tradition crafts wines that stand the test of time. Possibly the best value Zinfandel under $10.
Best From Italy
- Name — Tratturi Primitivo Salento
- Winery — Tratturi
- Country/Region — Italy, Puglia, Salento
- Type — Southern Italy Primitivo
- Aroma — Cherry, Redcurrant, Smoke, Clove, Cinnamon Spice
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Raspberry, Blackberry, Plum, Banana, Cream, Coffee, Licorice
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Flank Steak, Barbecued Sausage, Fillet Mignon, Tomato-based Pasta, Pizza
Tasting Notes
Tratturi Primitivo Salento is round and ripe on the palate with abounding fragrances of cherries, blackberries, and warm baking spices giving a rich nose. As a Zinfandel of excellent value, Tratturi Primitivo Salento presents delightful aromas of red fruits as well as hints of smoke, clove, and cinnamon spice. Velvety in the mouth, tastes of cherries, raspberries, blackberries, and plums provide substance and structure.
Subtle touches of banana, cream, and coffee complement the smooth tannins and drive into the licorice-flavored finish. Crispy and refreshing acidity, framed by fine-grained tannins, balances out the creaminess, finishing long. Consequently, this is not just one of the affordable Zinfandel wines you could purchase, but one of the best Zinfandel for the money of $10, too.
Grapes Cultivated Nearby Ancient Paths
‘Tratturi’ is the word describing the ancient trails in the countryside of Puglia that shepherds used to bring their sheep flocks home from the mountains in Autumn. As the name implies, the wine is produced in Puglia, specifically in the subzone of Salento, by the Botter winery. This company matures its wines before commercially selling them to the public. In this way, they produce wines with round, spicy profiles, perfect for barbequed meats, tomato-based pasta, or pizza.
Best From Paso Robles
- Name — Estancia Zinfandel
- Winery — Estancia
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Coast, San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Cherry, Strawberry, Cocoa, Smoke, Clove
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Plum, Blueberry, Cedar, Charred Wood, Leather, Pepper, Potpourri, Cinnamon Spice
- Alcohol Content — 13.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Roast Goose, Pheasant, Rib-eye Steak, Gorgonzola
Tasting Notes
Undeniably complex with rich dark fruits, cherries, strawberries, cocoa, and clove, Estancia Zinfandel intends to impress every wine fan. Jammy fragrances of blackberries, cherries, strawberries, and cocoa, combine with nuances of smoke and clove to create a complex and plush aromatic bouquet.
Tastes of plums and blueberries add a pleasing sweetness to the slightly rough texture, as touches of cedar, charred wood, and leather supply savory sensations. In addition, suggestions of black pepper, potpourri, and cinnamon spice complement each other, as they conclude the tasting profile with a gratifying finish.
Controlling Every Step of Wine Production
Based in Monterey, Estancia was founded in 1986 to produce wines expressive of the terroir. The winemakers of Estancia control the wine production right from the start, from planting, harvesting, fermenting, and oak aging. They have built a winery that enables them to devote the same attention to winemaking as they give to grape growing. On top of that, they advocate the use of open-top fermenters and small basket presses for red wine production.
Best From Sonoma
- Name — The Spice & Jam Trading Co Zinfandel
- Winery — The Spice & Jam Trading Co
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Violet, Honeysuckle, Rose, Raspberry, Cedar, Coffee, Cinnamon Spice
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Blackberry, Plum, Cherry, Prune, Maple Syrup, Vanilla Spice, Chocolate
- Alcohol Content — 13.3%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Roast Pork, Barbecued Venison, Lamb Rack, Manchego
Tasting Notes
A compelling blend of Zinfandel and Petit Verdot, the Spice & Jam Trading Co Zinfandel has a powerful floral and spicy scent and a medium body packed with coffee and chocolate tastes. Scents of violets, roses, and honeysuckle mix with aromas of raspberries, cedar, coffee, and cinnamon spice to produce the fruit-forward and spicy nose.
As the wine enters the mouth, the front-and-mid-palate are treated by wave upon wave of blackberries, plums, cherries, and prunes, as well as touches of maple syrup and vanilla. The tannins are smooth and subdued, muted even, but the finish is engaging and loaded with mocha and chocolate hints.
Dedicated to Producing Audacious and Bold Wines
Coming from the prestigious Sonoma County, one of the best Zinfandel growing regions, The Spice & Jam Trading Co has managed to produce one of the best Zins under $10. The Spice & Jam Trading Co realize that their audacious and bold wines might not be for everyone.
But, they do not care since, as they stress, “we are not for the faint of heart but rather for those who are ready to leave their mark.” And they are right not to worry about satisfying every consumer, at the present moment their Zinfandel has won a total of four awards in international wine competitions.
Best From Lodi
- Name — Maggio Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Maggio Family Vineyards
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Valley, Lodi
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Raspberry, Cherry, Blueberry, Vanilla Spice, Clove
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Plum, Prune, Cocoa, Blackberry, Smoke, Pepper, Tomato Leaf
- Alcohol Content — 13%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Leg, Tomahawk Steak, Glazed Ham, Camembert
Tasting Notes
That is a traditional Lodi Zinfandel with overtones of chocolate, jammy plum, and berries, produced from some of the best Old Vines of California. Full-bodied and warm, Maggio Family Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel has smoky fruit on the nose mingled with nuances of raspberries, cherries, and vanilla spice.
The palate has a solid depth of flavor, as hints of jammy plums and prunes, interlaced with notes of cocoa, blackberries, and smoke, contribute to the smooth texture. The tannins are fantastic and velvety, and the acidity is medium but refreshing. Subtle hints of pepper and tomato leaf define the aftertaste. So, considering the tasting profile, this could be the top Zinfandel under $10.
From Grape Growers to Wine Producers
The Maggio family arrived in Lodi in 1906, more than 100 years ago. The first cuttings were planted in 1928 on the property, which laid the foundation of the Oak Ridge Winery. Originally established in 1934, the winery used to be a wine-making cooperative. However, in 2002, the Maggio family saw an opportunity to expand their long history of grape growing by producing their own wines. And they did just that by meeting the style and volume demands of the growing and evolving American wine market.
Best From Mendocino
- Name — Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Zinfandel
- Winery — Kendall-Jackson
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Mendocino County
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Plum, Raspberry, Cherry, Smoke, Clove, Vanilla Spice
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Prune, Bramble, Strawberry, Tobacco, Cedar, Cinnamon Spice, Sour Cherry, Pepper
- Alcohol Content — 14,5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Veal Stew, Lasagna, Beef Burger, Pulled Pork
Tasting Notes
A matured Zin, produced by a well-respected winery, Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Zinfandel offers way more than simply fruit or wood, as it boasts a superb tannic texture, complex palate, and lengthy, creamy finish. Aromas of plums, raspberries, cherries, and blackberries dominate the nose, as notes of smoke, clove, and vanilla spice complete the bouquet, contributing depth.
Full-bodied, the palate shows cedar and cinnamon spice accents and delicious tastes of jammy prunes, brambles, strawberries, and sweet tobacco. Next, chalky tannins support the mouth, finishing long with an appetizing aftertaste of pepper, cedar, and sour cherries.
Producing Wines of Outstanding Quality
Kendall-Jackson began making wine in 1983, where he produced his first single outstanding cuvée, offering both quality and value. Since then, he has exclusively produced hand-crafted wines packed with rich, round flavors. Above everything else, though, he loves oak aging. And due to this passion, he houses the possibly largest barrel-fermentation project in the world.
Best From Amador
- Name — Terra d’Oro Zinfandel
- Winery — Terra d’Oro
- Country/Region — United States, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Cherry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Dates, Orange Peel, Violet, Cinnamon Spice
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Plum, Blackberry, Chocolate, Coffee, Butterscotch, Clove, Charred Wood
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Flank Steak, Fried Chicken, Smoked Sausage, Roasted Squash
Tasting Notes
Terra d’Oro Zinfandel exhibits pronounced aromas of sugared dates, cherries, raspberries, and orange peel on the nose and plush flavors of cocoa, coffee, butterscotch, and plums, in the mouth. To be frank, this is a great Zinfandel under $10.
With a deep purple hue and fragrances of cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and sugared dates, as well as gentle hints of orange peel, dried violets, and cinnamon, Terra d’Oro Zinfandel begins the tasting journey with dynamism. However, as the wine enters the mouth, slight thinness is felt, even though they are pronounced flavors of plums, blackberries, chocolate, coffee, and butterscotch on the palate. As to the tannins, these are silky and framed by a long and oaky finish.
Amador County’s Winemaking Pioneers
Terra d’Oro produces hand-crafted wines from some of Amador County’s most historic vineyards, perfectly capturing the essence of this Land of Gold. As the first post-Prohibition winery in the Siera Foothills, Terra d’Oro helped bring the attention of wine aficionados back to Amador County. Further, through their impeccable winemaking, they restored Siera Foothills as one of the best wine zones in the world, too.
Honorable Mention
- Name — Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Gnarly Head
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Valley, Lodi
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Cherry, Raspberry, Cinnamon Spice, Vanilla Spice
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Plum, Blueberry, Bramble, Coffee, Tomato Leaf, Violet, Mushroom, Forest Floor, Clove
- Alcohol Content — 14,5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Rack, Roast Pork Loin, Smoked Sausage, Cannelloni, Stilton
Tasting Notes
Full-bodied, bold, and spicy, Zin Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is produced from grapes grown on 35-80-year-old head-trained vines. Jammy fragrances of blackberries, cherries, and raspberries, with layers of cinnamon and vanilla spice, combine on the nose, delivering a complex and rich bouquet. In the mouth, a core of ripe plums, blueberries, and brambles join flavors of coffee, tomato leaf, and dried violets.
On top of this, tastes of mushrooms, forest floor, and cloves complete the palate, driving into a moderate finish. The silky tannins contribute to the smooth and pleasant mouthfeel. To sum it up, Zin Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is fantastic. However, the best thing about it is that there is enough ripeness without being overly jammy.
Head-Trained Vines, Hand-Crafted Wines
Gnarly Head embarked in 2004 on its mission to make high-quality Zinfandel. To achieve their mission, they traveled to Lodi to search for the famed Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards. These grapevines have been grown in the head-trained, spur-pruned method for at least a century, producing concentrated red fruit. Gnarly Head produces juicy wines in a big, gratifying style.
Conclusion
And this is the end of our wine list. As presented, these were the top-rated Zinfandel under $10 you can find. Sure, there are much more affordable Zins available, but then again, this list should have you covered, at least when it comes to the best budget Zinfandel wines. So, don’t waste time, stock up on these beauties today!