Blog: Primitivo (All) | Grape variety

In the past Primitivo was often used as a blending wine, but today we recognize more and more the beauty of this grape variety. In Puglia, in the heart of the province of Taranto, there exists for this ancient grape variety its own DOC (appellation of highest and guaranteed origin) called 'Primitivo di Manduria'. It is also cultivated in the Gioia del Colle area and in the Brindisi area Primitivo is often vinified as a single variety.

Primitivo
There are many opinions about the origin of the Primitivo grape variety. However, there is no doubt about its distribution: the native Italian grape variety is cultivated on a total area of about 9,000 hectares, making it one of the ten most widely cultivated varieties in Italy. Even though there has been repeated talk recently of its being related to the Zinfandel grape variety, one thing is certain: Primivito has been native and widespread in Italy's Puglia region since the early 18th century. The genetic similarity with other grape varieties - may this be coincidence or remnants of even older distribution paths - can not hide the fact that Primitivo in its current form is no longer indispensable in Italy's wine landscape. Many people wistfully compare it with Zinfandel, especially since Primitivo is far less well known abroad than its apparent cousin - reason enough to contribute something to the salvation of this misunderstood grape variety.

Origin
Basically, no one knows exactly where the grape variety Primitivo actually comes from. Some experts believe that it was introduced by Illyrians from Dalmatia. Others believe that Primitivo originated in Puglia itself - as 2,000-year-old traces show. On the other hand, there are even experts who believe that Primitivo is a 'young' grape variety, which appeared in southern Italy only at the end of the 18th century. Two other opinions show the diversity of theories: One assumes that an entrepreneur from Hungary exported Primitivo to California around the middle of the 19th century. And the other assumes the opposite case: The Primitivo began its journey from California and ended up in Puglia.

Characteristics
Already from its name can be deduced that the Primitivo (from primo = the first) is an early ripening grape variety. An apparent mistranslation of the grape variety formerly known as Primativo (= the early ripening grape) earned it the additional name 'the simple' (= from primitive), but is neither correct nor justified.  The grapes are of medium size and very close to the vine, they have a long conical shape with two lateral 'wings'. The skin of its medium-sized spherical berries is dark blue and covered by a waxy white layer. One of the peculiarities of Primitivo is that this grape variety can produce grapes again about twenty days after the harvest, with a very low yield. In the past, these second grapes were used to correct the wine from the first harvest a little more, especially in terms of acidity. The wines made from Primitivo grapes generally have a very dense ruby red color, tending towards violet. The aroma is primarily reminiscent of wild berries, herbal spices and tobacco. On the palate, the wines are compact and characterized by high alcohol content. Primitivo can be stored well for several years. Primitivo grapes are also used to make sweet and dry liqueurs. - Gerardo [TS02/23]