Primitivo
Primitivo
Its name arouses false associations, because it is neither primitive nor unpretentious. The name Primitivo goes back to Benedictine monks who clearly indicated with the Latin word "primativus" that this is a variety that is precocious.
Mid-August can be the time. Harvest time for the Primitivo. That's early. And what has long been suspected and rumored is now officially proven by DNA analysis: The southern Italian and the Californian Zinfandel are close brothers; they are one and the same variety. The Italian variant of the red grape variety is far less known worldwide than the American Zinfandel, but in the USA Zinfandel is one of the most cultivated red grape varieties and is exceptionally famous.
Primitivo is rather restrained and modest in comparison. This is also due to the fact that in this country he was degraded for decades to blending wines. Thanks to him, red wines like Chianti's and Valpolicellas were given more volume percentage due to its high sugar content and the associated high alcohol content. Fortunately for all his fans, these times are definitely over and in recent years the southern Italian has helped himself to a healthy self-confidence.
Like Negroamaro Primitivo is one of the ancient varieties, for centuries the grape has been grown in the Italian boot heel, in Puglia, has been cultivated. Its origin is obscure, probably originally came from Persia and from there to Dalmatia in Croatia. The Croatian variety Crljenak Kastelanski proves this irrefutably, being also DNA-identical with the two from Italy and USA. The main cultivation area of Primitivo is in Puglia between Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto. The DOC zone Manduria in southern Italy, in the western part of the Salento is the center of the Primitivo vine in Puglia and throughout Italy and, with its many hours of sunshine, is responsible for the feeling of sunshine that this wine evokes.
The region of origin when it comes to the cultivation of the grape variety in Italy. The region is located in Puglia near the city of Bari, which is located at the beginning of the heel of the Italian boot. The wine captivates by its full taste and the intensive fruit.
Primitivo di Manduria DOP / DOC
Certainly the most famous appellation of Puglia and when it comes to this grape variety, there is no way around Primitivo di Manduria. The red wine of the grape from this growing area is famous for its aroma. Spicy notes like cinnamon and black pepper. In addition, a lot of fruit like dark forest fruits.
For a red wine with this appellation, the grapes come from the Salento region in the south of Puglia. The famous Primitivo di Manduria also comes from Salento, but this region represents its own special zone. The red wine from Salento is usually a good wine with soft tannins and goes well with many pasta dishes. In addition, it often has an excellent price-quality ratio.