Zoey’s Favorite Wines
Zinfandel / Primitivo
The Wine-loving Ms. Americana
Meet Zoey, better known as Ms. Americana. She considers herself a true American through and through, even though she originally came from Croatia. These days she lives in California, but she often travels to Puglia, Italy, where she goes by Prima instead.
Zoey loves warm, sunny weather, has an athletic build from her love of outdoor sports. She gets quite intense when she's competing, but cheerful otherwise.
In wine terms? Zoey is Zinfandel, considered an American red grape, even though it originally came from Croatia too.
It mainly grows in the US and Italy, where it goes by the name Primitivo.
Expect a medium to full-bodied wine with medium-high tannins and medium-to-high acidity. In the glass, Zinfandel is ruby in color.
You'll pick up ripe, jammy fruit like blackberry and cherry, warm baking spice like vanilla and cinnamon, and sometimes a peppery note.
California is Zinfandel's main home in the US, especially around Lodi and Sonoma, while Zoey's second home of Puglia grows it as Primitivo. It's usually bottled on its own rather than blended, though a softer, sweeter pink version called White Zinfandel is also popular.
Now let's find you some bottles she'd actually approve of.
Zoey's Top Picks
We picked bottles from Zoey's homeland and beyond. All available on Pop Up Wine Singapore, Straits Wine Singapore, and Paneco Singapore. Click any wine name to shop it.
1. For a casual weeknight
Robert Mondavi Private Selection : Zinfandel
California, United States | $39 / bottle
Zoey says: "This is where my American side started. Ripe dark berries and a peppery kick, and soft, gentle tannins that make it easy to drink. The 2020 vintage picked up 90 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards. A taste of home before we go exploring."
Pairs with: Beef, roast lamb, or grilled duck
2. For a taste of Puglia
Pasqua : Desire Lush & Zin Primitivo 2024
Puglia, Italy | $43 / bottle
Zoey says: "Meet my Italian side. Ripe blackberry and vanilla on the nose, and a rich palate of black cherry and chocolate. This is Primitivo doing exactly what it should: big, warm, and generous. Ciao from Puglia."
Pairs with: Grilled sausages, pizza, or a hearty tomato pasta
3. For an easy weekend red
Pietra Pura : Hyria Primitivo 2022
Puglia, Italy | $48 / bottle
Zoey says: "An intense bouquet of red fruit, blackcurrant, and wild berries, with a touch of spiced thyme. Good body, well balanced, and a finish that lingers. It's rated 4.0 on Vivino, and easygoing enough for a lazy Sunday."
Pairs with: Roast meats, grilled game, or aged cheese
4. Serve with your Sunday roast
Pietra Pura : Mandus Primitivo di Manduria 2022
Puglia, Italy | $49 / bottle
Zoey says: "This one is rich and juicy, with layers of dark plum, cocoa, anise, black pepper, and a touch of smoky vanilla. It's rated 4.1 on Vivino, and robust enough to stand against your Sunday roast. Serve it with a rack of lamb and watch it disappear."
Pairs with: Rack of lamb, grilled steak, or aged cheese
5. Something different at a dinner party
McHenry Hohnen : Hazel's Vineyard Zinfandel 2021
Margaret River, Australia | $61 / bottle
Zoey says: "Zinfandel doesn't only grow in California and Puglia, you know. This one comes from a certified biodynamic vineyard in Margaret River, Australia, farmed without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. Expect plenty of ripe berries, spices, and a touch of smoky oak. It scored 91 points from The Real Review. Serve this when you want to spark conversations."
Pairs with: Barbecued ribs, grilled sausages, or sharp cheddar
6. Great value-for-money
Il Matane : Primitivo di Manduria 2017
Puglia, Italy | $77 / bottle
Zoey says: "Fruity and spicy, with plums, cherries, rosemary, and vanilla, and a garnet color that tells you it's had time to develop. Earlier vintages all landed on 90 points from James Suckling, Wine Spectator and Vinous, and Wine Spectator named one of them a Value Pick. Great quality without a hefty price tag."
Pairs with: Tomato-based pasta, grilled meats, or aged hard cheese
Zinfandel / Primitivo Cheat Sheet
| Body | Medium to full-bodied |
| Color | Ruby |
| Tasting notes | Ripe, jammy fruit like blackberry and cherry, baking spice like vanilla and cinnamon, and sometimes a peppery note |
| Serve at | 15–20°C |
| Best with | BBQ meats, roast lamb, sharp cheddar, and spiced dishes |
| Avoid with | Delicate fish, raw oysters, and light, subtle salads |
| Glass type | Universal red wine glass, or a Bordeaux glass to let the bold fruit open up |
Meet Zoey
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