An important red-wine grape grown mostly in California with roots in Italy (called Primitivo there) and Croatia where it was called Crljenak Kastelanski. The link between Zinfandel and Crljenak was discovered through the work of Carole Meredith, a UC Davis geneticist.

Wines made from Zinfandel are known to taste of bramble, red berries and notes of spice. This varietal produces robust reds and is also made into popular blush wines (white zinfandel).