Wine Pairing

The Best Pairings for Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a well-known red wine grape which is harvested into various styles, from light and juicy to heavier variations. It is primarily grown in the USA and in Puglia, Italy. One common trait amongst the wine’s different styles is its richness, which makes it a perfect match with red meat and other hearty dishes, especially ones with an infusion of smoked chilli. In fact, its acidity and tannin are on the higher end of the spectrum with medium to medium to high levels. The primary flavours of the wine consist of jam, blueberry, black pepper, cherry, plum, cranberry, boysenberry, and liquorice.  

Light-Bodied Zinfandel

Fresh and fruity flavours with a light drinking style. This is typically produced using less mature grapes and minimal barrel ageing.

Medium-bodied Zinfandel

A fruiter and higher in tannin style of Zinfandel. This undergoes a longer ageing and fermentation process to reveal the spicier nature of the wine.

Full-bodied Zinfandel

The richest and most dense style, with intense fruit flavours and tannins. Old vines with ripe or even overripe grapes are typically used for this kind of wine.

Barbecue

Most Zinfandel types go well with charred, sweet, or spicy barbecue dishes, and the more American the cooking style, the better. Whether it’s ribs, brisket, or some spicy sausages, any smoked or marinated dish will do nicely.

Stews

Big, beefy, and slow-cooked; that’s the motto we are after here. We’re talking short ribs or ox cheeks, nice and tender.

Turkey

When turkey is paired with Zinfandel, there is no better recipe than the one used for Thanksgiving, with a flavourful stuffing mix and some scrumptious sides.

If you’re going for vegetarian sides, make sure the selection brings out the fruitiness of the wine. This includes roasted tomato, red peppers, and roasted squash. 

Top dishes with spices and herbs like garlic, rosemary, turmeric, black pepper and coriander.

Burgers

If you’re thinking of a simple food pairing for your glass of Zinfandel, burgers are your go-to choice, but make sure to make it nice and tall, cramming as many toppings as you can. Cheese, bacon, pickles, onions, don’t hold back, the wine can cope with all the flavour.

Speaking of cheese, Zinfandel is best paired with the stronger types, like blue cheese, smoked cheese, or Gorgonzola.

Pasta

Again, pasta dishes should be anything but light when paired with this kind of wine. Meaty pasta recipes like a classic lasagne, spaghetti meatballs or beef ragù are the ideal choice.  

A wide variety of quality ingredients are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

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