The Best Zinfandel

Ahh, Zinfandel. It's a variety that doesn't always get its due but if BBQ is your thing this is the wine you want to have on your table. Originating from (and genetically identical to) Italy's Primitivo (which itself originally came from Croatia), Zinfandel has prospered in California where there are a number of old vine plantings, including some over 100 years old!

Places like Dry Creek Valley and Lodi are probably the most well-known, but this variety grows well all over the Golden Bear State. And lucky for us Reverse Wine Snobs there are plenty of cheap (i.e. inexpensive) options to choose from.

Click here to get a printable shopping list of the best Zinfandel!

Ranging in style from big, audacious, high-alcohol monsters to smooth and subtly complex deep-thinkers, this is a variety that you can (and should) spend a significant amount of time exploring. It's also our pick as the best variety of wine to pair with absolutely anything slathered in barbecue sauce.

Read on for our list of The Best Zinfandel Under $20!