Comments on: Primitivo wine

By: Cinzia and Marika

Cinzia and Marika — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:13:44 +0000

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.

By: Mattie John Bamman

Mattie John Bamman — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:43:01 +0000

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.

By: Cinzia and Marika

Cinzia and Marika — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:57:09 +0000

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.

By: T. W. Anderson

T. W. Anderson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:25:50 +0000

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.

By: T. W. Anderson

T. W. Anderson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:24:27 +0000

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

By: Cinzia and Marika

Cinzia and Marika — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:15:01 +0000

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)!

By: thomas_bonasera

thomas_bonasera — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:24:46 +0000

Great article. I will have to think about that last Sunday in May for next year. A fantastic reason to go to bella Puglia!