Primitivo
Primitivo grape is grown mainly in the Manduria area, in the province of Taranto, from which the DOC Primitivo di Manduria and the DOCG Primitivo di Manduria natural sweet are produced, and in the Bari area, where the Gioia del Colle DOC is produced. The name seems to have been attributed to him by Francesco Filippo Indelicati, a priest from Gioia del Colle, who dedicated himself to the study of this variety towards the end of the 1700s. Among similar plants, the grape variety showed an early ripening, so it took the name Primitivo.
Primitivo grape is grown mainly in the Manduria area, in the province of Taranto, from which the DOC Primitivo di Manduria and the DOCG Primitivo di Manduria natural sweet are produced, and in the Bari area, where the Gioia del Colle DOC is produced. The name seems to have been attributed to him by Francesco Filippo Indelicati, a priest from Gioia del Colle, who dedicated himself to the study of this variety towards the end of the 1700s. Among similar plants, the grape variety showed an early ripening, so it took the name Primitivo.
A tale of two vines: comparing Italian Zinfandel and Californian Zinfandel
When you say Primitivo, Puglia first comes to mind but it is an International grape variety. It can be found in the United States, in California, with the name of Zinfandel. It has been cultivated here since 1860 and represents one of the oldest imported varieties. The similarity between Primitivo and Zinfandel is to be attributed in 1969 to Austin Goheen, plant pathologist and professor at the University of Davis, who first understood that the Apulian Primitivo (Italian Zinfandel) and the Californian Zinfandel could be genetically identical. More recent studies have established that the probable area of origin of Primitivo is Montenegro and Dalmatia and then landed in Puglia.
The Italian area of greatest production is that of the DOC Manduria which extends east from the city of Taranto, along the coast of the Gulf of Taranto for about 40 km. The climate is typical of southern Puglia, hot, dry and with a rather flat coastal topography, largely made up of plains that slope gently towards the sea.
Characteristics of Primitivo wine
Primitivo wine is generally characterized by a deep ruby red colour, intense fruity aromas with hints of small red fruits and blackberries. I’s smooth on the palate with spicy notes due to the ageing process, which give it also a nice complexity, balanced tannins and good structure.
The types of wine are, in addition to the dry wine, the Primitivo di Manduria Riserva which must be aged for 24 months, with at least 9 month in wood, and the Primitivo Dolce Naturale DOCG sweet, smooth and bold on the palate; these characteristics are also found in the Primitivo di Manduria sweet liqueur with a higher alcohol level.
Characteristics of Primitivo wine
Primitivo wine is generally characterized by a deep ruby red colour, intense fruity aromas with hints of small red fruits and blackberries. I’s smooth on the palate with spicy notes due to the ageing process, which give it also a nice complexity, balanced tannins and good structure.
The types of wine are, in addition to the dry wine, the Primitivo di Manduria Riserva which must be aged for 24 months, with at least 9 month in wood, and the Primitivo Dolce Naturale DOCG sweet, smooth and bold on the palate; these characteristics are also found in the Primitivo di Manduria sweet liqueur with a higher alcohol level.
Who chooses Italian Zinfandel
Primitivo wine is gaining recognition both nationally and internationally and is growing 21% in consumption, a favorite among Italians. Overall, annual production stands at 25 million bottles. 70% of all the Italian Zinfandel produced is exported to Germany, Switzerland, South America and South East Asia. It is a wine particularly loved by women (46% choose it).
Food Pairings
Primitivo requires dishes that balance its tannins. The ideal combinations, therefore, are roasted red meat, grilled or with spiced sauces, but also game and braised meat. The more versatile young versions can also accompany legume soups and first courses with meat sauces. The older vintages, on the other hand, combine very well with seasoned pecorino, but the structure and boldness also make them ideal as meditation wines, a more marked feature in the case of the natural sweet Manduria Primitivo, which is suitable for refined combinations, with dry pastry, toasted almonds and cheeses with a stronger flavor. Sweet Primitivo wine pairs well with aged cheeses, dry pastries and chocolate.
