Zinfandel is a popular, yet classic, black-skinned wine grape, that is the 4th most planted wine grape in California vineyards. Zinfandel is also one of the oldest grape varieties. This hearty red grape, which yields wines that are typically robust and high in alcohol, is known as Primitivo in Italy (Puglia) and, according to a DNA analysis, it is also genetically equivalent to the Croatian grapes Crljenak Kaštelanski and Tribidrag. The name, Primitivo, is derived from the terms primativus or primaticcio, due to the fact that the grape is an early-ripening variety. National Zinfandel Day Now that we know a tad about Zinfandel, did you know that this grape varietal…