California’s Signature Grape Variety
Known also as Primitivo, Zinfandel comes from Italy but has found its paradise in California. It has become so popular in the USA that today, Zinfandel is synonymous with Californian wine. Moreover, this red variety is planted in more than 10% of California vineyards and influences the American wine industry.
If you’re wondering how come Zinfandel is cultivated so widely in California, I can explain. The Mediterranean-type climate provides all the sunshine and the rain that the vineyards require. California’s warmth encourages the Zinfandel vines to produce concentrated and juicy grapes that end up as bold wines with high alcohol content.
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Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Lodi are densely planted with Zinfandel grapes. These ripen unevenly, for the most part, so it is common to find under-ripe or overripe grapes in the same bunch. In general, the ripe grapes give jammy wines with blackberry, bramble, and plum flavors, as well as notes of sweet tobacco. The under-ripe grapes are used to produce California’s off-dry rosé wine, White Zinfandel.
This article presents the best Zinfandel wines under $20. Some are produced with fruit sourced from Old Vines as single-varietals, while others are blends from various vineyards. All of them, however, are delicious and of high quality. So, for the best Zinfandel wine deals, keep reading!
Best Zinfandel Wines Under $20
Best Overall
- Name — Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel
- Winery — Seghesio
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Sage, Cinnamon Spice, Cedar
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Blueberry, Licorice, Leather, Raisin, Smoke, White Pepper
- Alcohol Content — 15.6%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Burgers, Rib-eye, Stilton, Gorgonzola
Tasting Notes
With a bouquet packed with sun-ripened blackberries, baking spices, and cedarwood and a palate reflecting notes of plum, blueberry, and blackcurrant, Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel is one of the best value-for-money Zins on the market. Reliable and compelling, this Zinfandel is a phenomenal example of what the Seghesio winery does best.
The wine exhibits ripe raspberry and blackberry aromas and nuances of vanilla spice, sage, and pepper. The palate is loaded with dynamic notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, and plum, and considering this Zin has aged in both American and French oak, the clove, smoke, and charred wood hints should not surprise. As to the tannins, these are smooth and velvety, driving to a long and sleek aftertaste.
A Century-Old and Highly-Respected Winery
The Seghesio Family Vineyards winery is a highly respected wine estate in California. It has over 125 years of experience in winemaking. Now, despite Zinfandel’s drop in popularity, the winemakers at Seghesio still try their best to produce wine-class Zins.
Best Value
- Name — Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Klinker Brick
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Valley, Lodi
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Cherry, Raspberry, Dried Violet, Smoke, Game Meat
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Blackberry, Blueberry, Prune, Plum, Fig, Tobacco, Coffee, Pepper, Charred Wood
- Alcohol Content — 15.8%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Beef Steak, Barbecued Pork, Penne Arrabbiata, Cured Meats
Tasting Notes
Produced under relatively cold and foggy influences, this Old Vine Zinfandel from Klinker Brick shows notes of red berries and refreshing acidity. On top of that, the low yields of the century-old vineyards contribute flavors of cocoa and sweet tobacco for an immersive and complicated wine-drinking experience.
This Zin uses fruit sourced from 55-to-120-year-old vines from 16 different hand-harvested vineyards. Klinker Brick’s flagship Zin has a core of bold spices and flashy oak. The bouquet exhibits cherry and raspberry fragrances, as well as gentle touches of dried violets, smoke, and game meat. Next, on the palate, the wine sees concentrated dark fruit and sweet tobacco and cocoa notes. A twist of coffee and a touch of pepper on the lengthy finish completes the balanced but complex tasting profile. Finally, the tannins are fine-grained and unobtrusive, contributing just the right amount of depth.
A Special Zinfandel Produced From Old Vines
This is a seriously special Zin since Zinfandels produced from Old Vines are uncommonly rich and powerful. Old Vines, also known as Old World Vines or Ancient Vines, are in decline. They tend to produce fewer grape clusters with smaller fruit sizes and typically yield more color, sugars, and flavor concentration than traditional grapevines. Consequently, they give wines of superb balance and high structure, such as this Zin. And for these reasons, this is one of the best value Zinfandel under $20.
Furthermore, the vineyards are located within Lodi, in the Mokelumne and Clements Hills region. They produce some of the highest quality fruit in California, and, from time to time, Klinker Brick produces vineyard-designated wines that express phenomenal complexity. Klinker Brick’s Old Vine Zinfandel vineyards were planted in the early 1900s and have been delivering exceptional wine for over a century.
Best Under $15
- Name — 1000 Stories Zinfandel
- Winery — 1000 Stories
- Country/Region — United States, California
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Nutmeg, Clove
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Blackberry, Cocoa, Coffee, Clove, Caramel, Butterscotch
- Alcohol Content — 15.2%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb With Anchovies, Veal Stew, Lasagna, Sausages With Peppers, Feta
Tasting Notes
If you are on the lookout for a good Zinfandel under $20, then 1000 Stories Zinfandel could be for you. By combining American and French oak perfectly, it comes off as bold and distinctive. Rich and smoky, this Zinfandel is warm, plush, and graceful.
It starts with fragrances of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries that then join hints of cloves and nutmeg. The palate is luscious, with yummy dark berries, cocoa, mocha, and caramel tastes. The bourbon influence is pronounced, too, as well as the smoky and butterscotch touches on the finish. Combine with beef, chicken, or sausages for an awesome wine and food pairing.
Wines Produced With a Bourbon Twist
When Bob Blue wanted to age his wines, there weren’t any wine cask choices in the United States, so he used old bourbon barrels. Fortunately, his risk turned out well for wine enthusiasts. He produced extremely complicated wines with unique nuances and flavors of wood, smoke, and tobacco. Even though American and French oak barrels are commonly available in the USA today, Bob Blue keeps maturing his wines in bourbon vessels. Thus, 1000 Stories was born!
Best From Italy
- Name — Masca del Tacco Old Vines Zinfandel
- Winery — Masca del Tacco
- Country/Region — Italy, Puglia
- Type — Southern Italy Primitivo
- Aroma — Raspberry, Strawberry, Redcurrant, Tobacco, Charred Wood, Vanilla Spice
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Plum, Cherry, Balsamic Vinegar, Coffee, Prune, Fig, Almond
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Chicken Thighs, Curried Pork And Squash, Deep-fried Lamb Ribs, Beef Burgers
Tasting Notes
Sourced from meticulously selected Old Vine Primitivo grapes cultivated in some of the best breeding areas in Apulia, Masca del Tacco Old Vines Zinfandel proudly displays its Italian roots with every sip. The wine begins with an attractive deep and bright ruby-purple color with a pink reflection. On the nose, red berries dominate, accompanied by clove, charred wood, tobacco, and vanilla nuances.
Full-bodied with medium but racy acidity, Masca del Tacco Old Vines Zinfandel has a smooth palate of plum, cherry, balsamic vinegar, and touches of mocha, prune, and dried fig. The finish is long and lingering, accentuated by a nutty and raisiny sensation. Further, the tannins are dusty and unobtrusive, adding a fine layer of complexity to the body.
Maximizing Oak Influence and Advanced Winemaking Techniques
Founded in 1949 Masca del Tacco has utilized identity, tradition, and territory across its winemaking. The firm tends to favor native grapes and manual vineyard work. In this way, every bottle has flavors that represent historical wine properties. There is a hearty use of aging wood, but the maturation is never too invasive, and as such wine as pure as possible is crafted.
Best From Paso Robles
- Name — Maddalena Wines Zinfandel
- Winery — Maddalena Vineyards
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Coast, San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Raspberry, Blackberry, Plum, Clove, Smoke, Butterscotch
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Blueberry, Plum, Fig, Chocolate, Oak, Charred Wood, Coffee Forest Floor
- Alcohol Content — 14.9%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Tunisian Spice-roasted Chicken, Lamb Rack, Butternut Squash, Spaghetti, And Meatballs
Tasting Notes
A flavorful Zinfandel from Paso Robles, the wine shows vibrant red and dark fruits on the nose and characteristic barrel-aging notes in the mouth. This, together with a frame of silky tannins and round, mouthwatering sensations all leads to one of the top-rated Zinfandel under $20.
Maddalena Vineyards Zinfandel has pronounced aromas of raspberry, blackberry, and spicy black plum. Nuances of clove, smoke, and butterscotch are present on the nose, too. As the wine enters the mouth, the silky texture, framed by fine-grained tannins surfaces. It is mouthwatering, captivating wine enthusiasts. Tastes of chocolate, oak spice, charred wood, and forest floor mingle with blueberries, plum, and dried fig touches. The finish is medium but delicious with coffee notes.
Dedicated Winemaking and an Expansive, Diverse Wine Portfolio
Since 1947, when Riboli Family Wine Estates opened California’s first tasting rooms, the Maddalena wine portfolio has been distinctive. Gentle yet elegant flavors reflect the passion and dedication of Maddalena Riboli, the former head of the winery. As a tastemaker, dreamer, and visionary, with a strong work ethic and eagerness for success, she expanded the Riboli business from San Fernando Valley to Monterey County and Paso Robles, where Maddalena Vineyards Zinfandel originates.
Best From Sonoma
- Name — Valravn Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Valravn
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Sonoma County
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Raspberry, Blackberry, Boysenberry, Smoke, Sage, Thyme
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Strawberry, Cherry, Redcurrant, Blackberry, Plum, Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Cassis, Chocolate
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Grilled Lamb, Steak Au Poivre, Barbecued Pork Ribs, Pan-seared Salmon
Tasting Notes
Racy and effervescent, this wine is super palatable, with a mouth of concentrated red and dark fruit flavors. Satiny and smooth, Valravn Old Vine Zinfandel is comprised of a compote of cassis and blackberry, as well as grapefruit and sanguine touches.
An uplifting bouquet of raspberry, blackberry, and boysenberry emanates from the glass. On the palate, a cascade of ripe strawberries and cherries combines with tastes of redcurrants, blackberries, and plums, as a faint hint of grapefruit and blood orange blended with cassis define the core. On top of this, Valravn Old Vine Zinfandel sees chocolate and coffee tastes and soft-spoken elements of smoke and baking spices. The finish is energetic and quite long, inviting wine fans to drink further!
Phenomenal Quality From Vineyard to Bottle
The Valravn has been producing wine in Sonoma County for at least ten years. During this time, they have established a powerful network of grape growers, vineyard owners, and winemakers. This has allowed them to secure access to high-quality fruit and world-class wine production from vineyard to bottle. That said, they also produce wine on their own, albeit rarely, but once they do, such as in this Old Vine Zinfandel’s case, the resulting wine is delicious, approachable, and table ready.
Best From Napa Valley
- Name — Girard Zinfandel Old Vine
- Winery — Girard
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Napa County, Napa Valley
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Coffee, Smoke, Leather
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Cherry, Raspberry, Vanilla Spice, Tobacco, Clove
- Alcohol Content — 15%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Lamb Rack, Fried Chicken, Andouille Sausage, Oysters, Stilton
Tasting Notes
This is a silky and robust Zinfandel, with bold blackberry and blackcurrant fruit notes interlaced with baking spice and florals. Richly concentrated but uplifting, Girard Zinfandel Old Vine is one of the best Zins from Napa Valley. Strong aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, and mocha coffee emerge as soon as the wine bottle is uncorked, complemented by nuances of smoke and leather. The palate showcases delicate but concentrated flavors of cherries, raspberries, sweet vanilla, tobacco, and clove.
The tannins are present and velvety, finishing long and balanced. In fact, the uplifting acidity is what keeps Girard Zinfandel Old Vine in balance. Just as some lingering fruit touches hit the back palate, the pronounced oak impact reveals itself. Aging in American and French oak has contributed savory toasted notes, as well as a smooth and luscious texture.
Attentive Winemaking Resulting in Well-balanced Wines
With a long history in winemaking, spanning over the past 40 years, Girard has been dedicated to ensuring perfect balance in their wines. To do this, they have focused on choosing the best grapes of Napa Valley, respecting the fruit at each step during winemaking.
Additionally, they work with passionate growers in both valley and mountain vineyards, ensuring that grapevines are nurtured to develop berries with a fine balance between acidity and sugar when it is time for harvest. Finally, their ultra-modern winery employs innovative barrel technology that brings out ripe structural components as the Girard wines ferment and age.
Best From Lodi
- Name — Boneshaker Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Boneshaker
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Valley, Lodi
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Raspberry, Plum, Fig, Damson
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Blueberry, Blackcurrant, Cinnamon Spice, Clove, Pepper, Charred Wood
- Alcohol Content — 15%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Pepperoni Pizza, Grilled Meat, Lasagna, Cioppino
Tasting Notes
Exceptionally balanced with a pleasant mouth and a gentle toasty character, Boneshaker Zinfandel certainly shakes the palate with concentrated flavors and warm timber elements! This is a rich and opulent Zinfandel, with spicy aromas and a pleasant, jammy mouth. The nose is characterized by blackberry, raspberry, and sweet baked plum notes, as well as scents of fig and damson.
On the palate, slightly bitter woody sensations combine with cinnamon spice, clove, pepper, and dark berry flavors, giving substance to the fulfilling mouth. The finish is gentle and toasted, as delicate touches of warm timber produce a compelling aftertaste. The tannins are grainy and contribute depth and structure. Serve this wine along with pepperoni pizza, grilled meat, lasagna, or cioppino.
Production of Attention-Worthy Wines
Boneshaker is a proprietary label of Hahn Family Wines, a winery of second-generation vintners. Based in Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, Hahn Family Wines was established in the 1970s. Since then, they have produced attention-worthy wines of exceptional nuance and flavor.
Best From Mendocino
- Name — Edmeades Mendocino County Zinfandel
- Winery — Edmeades
- Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast, Mendocino County
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Clove, Sage, Toasted Wood
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Raspberry, Cherry, Blueberry, Plum, Fig, Tobacco, Violet, Orange Peel
- Alcohol Content — 14.7%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Filet Mignon, Beef Kabobs, Chili Burgers, Roast Pork Loin, Gloucester, Brie
Tasting Notes
With intense aromas of baking spice and dark fruit together with a plush palate with well-integrated tannins, Edmeades Mendocino County Zinfandel is, by far, the most structured Zin of Mendocino County and one of the top Zinfandel under $20.
Cinnamon and vanilla spice combine with clove, blackberry, blackcurrant, and sage to create a powerful bouquet. The mouth sees a dynamic fruit expression, as lush flavors of cherry, raspberry, blueberry, plum, and fig interweave with delicate hints of tobacco, violet, and orange peel, composing an irresistible result. Round and subtle, the integrated tannins emphasize the richness of the mouth, and the racy acidity finishes with freshness and balance.
Native Yeast Fermentation for Pure Varietal Character
Edmeades is as Mendocino as it gets, renowned for tremendous quality wines from Mendocino Ridge and the Redwood and Ukiah Valleys of California. By planting 24 acres of grapevines, Dr. Donald Edmeades, a cardiologist from Pasadena, became the first modern-day grape grower in this coastal region in 1963. He established the Edmeades brand, a few years later, in 1972, but in 1988, the Jackson family purchase both the winery and the vineyards.
The Jackson family believes in native yeast fermentations, in small, open-top vessels, and minimal manipulation without fining or filtration during bottling. That means that the resulting wines are as pure as possible and highly expressive of the terroir!
Best From Amador
- Name — Renwood Premier Old Vine Zinfandel
- Winery — Renwood
- Country/Region — United States, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
- Type — Californian Zinfandel
- Aroma — Raspberry, Cherry, Plum, Smoke, Dried Herbs, Clove
- Grapes — Zinfandel
- Taste — Blackberry, Fig, Cinnamon Stick, Charred Wood, Tomato Leaf, Mint
- Alcohol Content — 14.5%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Charcoal Broiled Rib-eye Steak, Black Angus Beef Burgers, Roast Pork, Lamb Rack, Barbecued Venison
Tasting Notes
With grapes sourced from Renwood’s Estate Ranch in Plymouth, this Zinfandel is dominated by robust red fruit flavors and powerful cherry and raspberry aromas. Renwood Premier Old Vine Zinfandel is, hands-down, a fantastic blend of young and Old Vine Zinfandel grapes. Aromas of bright red fruits, such as raspberry, cherry, and plum, combine with lush nuances of smoke, dried herbs, and cloves on the nose, as the brisk acidity sets a refreshing tone.
Full-bodied and bold in the mouth, complex tastes of blackberry, plum, fig, cinnamon, and charred wood join touches of tomato leaf and mint. On top of that, the smooth, velvety tannins drive to the lingering and oak-influenced finish, which concludes the tasting journey emphatically.
An Award-Winning Winery
Located in the California foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Renwood Winery is surrounded by some of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards of the United States. They are considered a world-class winery, producing award-winning wines from Amador County, such as Renwood Premier Old Vine Zinfandel.
Renwood was established in 1993 by Robert Smerling. Since then, wine production has grown from 2,500 cases to over 10,000 today, with wine critics praising the consistency and reliability of the produced wines. Grapes are hand-picked and fermented in small vats before maturing in oak barrels to preserve and enhance the character of each vineyard.
Conclusion
Robust and dynamic, with astonishingly concentrated flavors, and round, velvety texture, these are some really great Zinfandel under $20. Sure, they might not satisfy every taste bud, but still, there is tremendous value to be found in these offerings. So, track them down and experience them as soon as possible!
