Primitivo

Also known as Zinfandel, Tribidrag, Crljenak Kaštelanski, Primitivo di Gioia.

Primitivo is a dark-skinned red wine grape genetically identical to the Californian Zinfandel and to the Croatian Tribidrag (Crljenak Kaštelanski), its variety of origin on the Dalmatian coast. It has been grown in southern Italy, above all in Puglia, since at least the eighteenth century; its Italian name comes from its early ('primitivo') ripening. Though most associated with Puglia, it is also grown in Campania, where it appears as a named varietal in several IGT and in the Falerno del Massico DOC.

Primitivo produces deeply colored, full-bodied reds high in alcohol, with soft-to-moderate tannins and ripe black-fruit, plum, fig and spice character, sometimes finished in sweeter styles. Its bunches ripen early and unevenly, which encourages very ripe, jammy fruit and elevated sugar levels.