Primitivo wine 7Comments
If you come to Puglia you should definetely try the many different wines produced from the distinctive local varities, which are impossible to find in any other part of Italy.
Puglia is a region with one of the most ancient enological traditions of Italy. The region counts 25 DOC wines and many local grapes, including the now famous Primitivo. A few years ago Primitivo variety was cultivated with the only purpose of making bulk wines destined to other Italian and European regions, where wines were less robust and with less alcohol content.
Nowadays, thanks to the hard work of many oenologists and wine producers this grape has been revaluated and is now fully appreciated around the world.
Primitivo became famous when it was found out that Primitivo and Zinfandel have the same DNA.
Some researchers say that both Primitivo and Zinfandel have Balkan origins, from the Zagarese grape. They say that Primitivo grape was introduced in Puglia in the 17th century.
Other people say that the primitivo grape was introduced in Puglia much earlier by the Greeks.
The name primitivo comes from the fact that this grape ripens earlier than other varieties.
The current success is due to the innovation introduced in the vineyards, such as the early harvest and the very low yield per hectare so that the resulting wines are softer, more fruity and less aggressive in terms of alcohol.
Lots of wine makers still practise the manual harvest which results in higher quality of the grapes and so of the wines!
Primitivo is produced everywhere in Puglia, but the DOC areas for Primitivo are Gioia del Colle (where the different temperature between night and day lets the fruit ripen slowly and perfectly) and Manduria (where the wind coming from the sea contributes to keeping the fruit in good health and to its flavors). The wine obtained from primitivo is well structured, with flavors of ripen red fruit and minimum alcohol degree of 14%.
This grape has a strong and very distinctive character and Pugliese wine makers wisely prefer a short time aging in French barrels (instead of complying with the international wines with a stronger wood taste). This is a wine to be aged.
Today wines made of Primitivo show undeniable class in a style that stands comparison with its American counterparts.
Every last Sunday of May is a special day for those who love wines from Puglia. All wineries are open to visitors for free visits and tastings, while usually, it is not possible to visit wineries without an appointment.
Mattie: I think the difference in taste between Zins and Primitivo is mainly due to the fact that Pugliese winemakers prefer not to cover the very distinctive Primitivo flavors with wood (which usually adds all the spicy taste). Therefore, Pugliese wines are usually kept for much shorter time in barrels….and when barrels are used French ones are preferred. For both these reasons Primitivo has lots of softness and elegance while keeping all the natural and unique flavors.
I had a great time at Cantine Aperte this year and the Primitivo were in full effect. Cantine De Falco, Leone De Castris, and Cantele wineries were the stand outs. I don't think that Zinfandel and Primitivo have much in common flavor-wise however. Zins are way more spicy while Prims have an amazing softness. It's amazing how different environments and winemaking styles can effect similar grapes! Gotta love Puglia's terroir.
Time: we agree with you. Wine made from Primitivo grapes are just fantastic. The two Primitivo DOC mentioned in the article (Primitivo from Gioia del Colle and Primitivo from Manduria) are different but both very good. You can really taste the salt resulting from the sea breeze and the energy of this sunny region.
The more we drink wines from Primitivo the more we appreciate all the passion and efforts the small wine producers put to make such elegant and fine quality wines.
Oh yes, I absolutely love the Primitivo
I actually didn’t know it was the same as the Zinfandel until I did the research earlier this year, and then I was stunned, as the Zinf is easily one of my favorite grapes.
Hmm, perhaps a small vacation across the water might be in the future for us this year =P We haven’t gone anywhere this year, and I wouldn’t have to work very hard to convince my wife to want to come to Italy for a week or so
Hello Thomas!
it is also very nice to come to Puglia from August to October during the grape harvest season. There are lots of small towns organizing wine festivals where the wine producers open the first wine (mosto)!
Great article. I will have to think about that last Sunday in May for next year. A fantastic reason to go to bella Puglia!