
Primitivo
Responsible for inky, brambly, and ripe fruit driven wines ...
Responsible for inky, brambly, and ripe fruit driven wines, Primitivo bears more than a passing resemblance to Zinfandel—and there’s a very good reason for this. The two varieties are actually one and the same and have a Croatian origin. Primitivo was brought to Italy from Croatia in the late 1800s and became an important variety in the hot, dry, southern region of Puglia. Here it was named from the Latin word, primativus, meaning "first to ripen."
In the Glass
The flavors of Primitivo are, naturally, very similar to those of Zinfandel, but often it is somewhat leaner, and more structured and earthy. Typical characteristics include ripe berry fruit, plum, black pepper, fresh earth and sweet baking spice.
Perfect Pairings
Primitivo pairs best with full-flavored, hearty meat dishes like roasted lamb, beef brisket, hamburgers, meatballs with Moroccan seasonings, beef fajitas or anything barbecued.
Sommelier Secret
The link between Primitivo and Zinfandel is quite a recent discovery. While there was some speculation that they were related, it wasn't until 1994 when grape geneticists at UC Davis identified them as identical. The grape goes by the name of Tribidrag in Croatia and is a parent of the modern Croatian variety, Plavac Mali.
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Ognissole Primitivo di Manduria 2003Primitivo from Italy
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Botromagno Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Italy
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Cantele Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Italy
- W&S
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Feudo Monaci Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Italy
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A. Mano Puglia Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Italy
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Rabbit Ridge Primitivo 2003Primitivo from California
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Feudi Di San Marzano Primitivo Luccarelli 2003Primitivo from Italy
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Mocavero Santufili Salento Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Puglia, Italy
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Appollonio Casa Vinicola Salento Rocca dei Mori Briaco Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Puglia, Italy
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Hendry Block 24 Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Napa Valley, California
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Mocavero Salento Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Puglia, Italy
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A. Mano Puglia Prima Mano Primitivo 2003Primitivo from Puglia, Italy