The Zinfandel grape--currently producing big, rich, luscious styles of
red wine - has a large, loyal, even fanatical following in California
and around the world. The grape, grown predominantly in California,
has acquired an almost mythic status--in part because of the caliber of
its wines and its remarkable versatility, and in part because of the
mystery surrounding its origins. Charles Sullivan, a leading expert on
the history of California wine, has at last written the definitive
history of Zinfandel. Here he brings together his deep knowledge of
wine with the results of his extensive research on the grape in the
United States and Europe in a book that will entertain and enlighten
wine aficionados and casual enthusiasts. In this lively book, Sullivan
dispels the false legend that has obscured Zinfandel's history for
almost a century, reveals the latest scientific findings about the
grape's European roots, shares his thoughts on the quality of the wines
now being produced, and looks to the future of this remarkable grape.
Sullivan reconstructs Zinfandel's journey through history--taking us
from Austria to the East Coast of the U.S. in the 1820s, to Gold Rush
California, and through the early days of the state's wine industry.
He considers the ups and downs of the grape's popularity, including its
most recent and, according to Sullivan, most brilliant "up." He also
unravels the two great mysteries surrounding Zinfandel: the myth of
Agoston Haraszthy's role in importing Zinfandel, and the heated
controversy over the relationship between California Zinfandel and
Italian Primitivo. Sullivan ends with his assessments of the 2001 and
2002 vintages, firmly setting the history of Zinfandel into the
chronicles of grape history.

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