Zinfandel and Syrah grapes

[Don Giovanni]

Zinfandel and Syrah grapes and notes of pepper...why?

Piperidine and amino acid that is water soluble was released from the grape, stems and this caused the distinct taste of pepper...this trace element when using the internodes can be extracted and added back into the must or juice then fermented...you will get stronger notes of white and black pepper.

One aroma which can be strong in some Zinfandels is black pepper. This spicy aroma is caused by a compound called piperidine which gives black pepper its characteristic aroma. Piperidine has been isolated in both Zinfandel and Syrah grapes.

Now you know...

[Casey Hartlip]

I also find this to be true when Zin, Syr and PS are from cool climate areas. Our Petite Sirah usually has a decent amount of pepper and on years that are cooler than normal, lots of pepper.

[Rebel Rose]

Yes, I agree on the cool weather aspect. The zins are often leaner and have stronger pepper in cool vintages. Some people prefer that style; some people prefer the warmer vintage, more fruit forward style.