Primitivo
(pree-meh-TEE-voh)
Kin of Zin
Recent "DNA" testing has shown Primitivo to possess the exact same genetic make up as the popular California grape, Zinfandel. Oddly enough, both varieties origins are tracked back to Croatia. And while the grapes may be identical in theory, the wines they produce have distinct differences.

Notable Facts
Primitivo's home province is Apuglia (sometimes called Puglia), located in the "heel" of Italy's boot. Wines made from Primitivo have notes of plum and spice, like Zinfandel, but because of different growing soils and climate, the fruit character is less jammy, the structure more akin to old world wines, with rustic notes of earth and spice, as well as tamed fruit flavors.

Summing it up
Successful Sites: Italy

Common Descriptors: jammy, brambly, chocolate, rustic