ZINFANDEL MYSTERY SOLVED

The wonders of modern genetic science has recently uncovered the mystery of Zinfandel's origin.  For many years, Zinfandel was thought to be the only true native American grape varietal - created in USA by cross breeding of other grape varietals.  Some argued that Zinfandel actually was the same grape varietal as Primitivo found in Italy.  Finally, it appears that we know where Zinfandel comes from -- or at least where the genetic scientists think it comes from.

After nearly 35 years of genetic research spanning 2 continents and 2 generation of researchers, Zinfandel has been traced back to the native Croatian grape called "Crljenak Kastelanski".  Effectively, Zinfandel and Primitivo and Crljenak Kastelanski are the same exact grape varietal.  With the flow of history, time and people, Crljenak Kastelanski found its way from Croatia to Italy, and then on to the new world in America.

The first Zinfandel vine appeared in a Long Island, NY, nursery in the 1820s, then spelled as "Zinfendal".  It may have come from the gardens of Austrian imperial palace in Vienna, which in the 18th Century,  collected vines from every part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire which included modern day Croatia.  With the Gold Rush of the 1850s, Zinfandel found its way to California.

Earliest historical records suggest that Zinfandel first took root in Amador County and Sonoma County in California.  Although initially only one of many, Zinfandel evolved into the most widely planted wine grape varietal in California by the early 1900s.  Zinfandel was also the grape of choice for home winemakers during the Prohibition.  Regardless of its origin, Zinfandel grown in California has carved out a unique place for itself as a distinctively American wine in the wine world.

But, the mystery in some way still continues.  No one still has discovered  where Crljenak Kastelanski comes from...