How Do You Spell ZINFANDEL?

Pronunciation: [zˈɪnfandə͡l] (IPA)

The wine grape variety, zinfandel, is often spelled with a Z, but why? The phonetic transcription of this word, /ˈzɪnfəndɛl/, reveals that the first sound in zinfandel is a voiced alveolar fricative, represented by the letter Z in the English alphabet. This sound is made by vibrating the vocal cords while passing air through a narrow opening created by the tongue and alveolar ridge. So, the spelling of zinfandel with a Z accurately represents the initial sound in the word.

ZINFANDEL Meaning and Definition

1. Zinfandel is a noun that refers to a red grape variety or wine produced primarily in California, United States. It is also known as Primitivo in Italy and Crljenak Kaštelanski in Croatia. In terms of its etymology, the word "Zinfandel" is thought to have originated from a corruption of the word "Zierfandler," which is an unrelated grape variety from Austria.

   Zinfandel grapes are known for their high sugar content, which allows for the production of fuller-bodied wines with relatively high alcohol content. The wines made from Zinfandel grapes can range from light to dark red in color and typically exhibit flavors of ripe berries, jammy fruit, and spice, often with a hint of black pepper. They can have varying levels of tannins that contribute to their overall structure and aging potential.

   Zinfandel is also associated with a unique winemaking process called "late-harvest," where grapes are left on the vine longer than usual to achieve higher sugar levels and bolder flavors. This leads to the production of specialized dessert wines known as "Late Harvest Zinfandel."

   Beyond its oenological significance, Zinfandel has become an iconic American wine, often associated with barbecue and other hearty meals. It gained prominence in the 1980s and has since garnered a dedicated following among wine enthusiasts. Its versatility and ability to pair well with a wide range of foods have contributed to its popularity as a beloved varietal.

Top Common Misspellings for ZINFANDEL *

• zinfadel 60%
• zinfandal 40%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ZINFANDEL

• zinfindel
• zinfendal
• zinfendel
• xinfandel
• sinfandel
• ainfandel
• zunfandel
• zjnfandel
• zknfandel
• zonfandel
• z9nfandel
• z8nfandel
• zibfandel
• zimfandel

Etymology of ZINFANDEL

The word "zinfandel" is believed to have originated from the Croatian grape variety called "Crljenak Kaštelanski". Crljenak Kaštelanski is genetically identical to the American grape variety known as "Zinfandel".

The Croatian name, "Crljenak Kaštelanski", translates to "the red grape of Kaštela", referring to the Kaštela region in Croatia where the variety is believed to have originated.

When Croatian immigrants transported the grape to the United States in the early 19th century, it became popularized as "Zinfandel". The exact etymology of the name "Zinfandel" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have stemmed from a corruption or mispronunciation of the original Croatian name.