Primitivo is a red wine variety widely cultivated in southern Italy and originated in Croatian.
In the 19th century, Primitivo was accidentally introduced to the United States and was named Zinfandel. For a long time, Zinfandel was mistaken for an indigenous American variety. It was only after DNA testing that wine growers were surprised to discover that Zinfandel and Pumitivo were the same grape variety.
Pumitivo ripens early and has a firm structure. In warm production areas, the alcohol content can easily exceed 14.5%. pumitivo fruit is unevenly ripe. Young pumitivo grapes have relatively thin fruit aromas, often showing single notes of red plum, cherry, strawberry, and vanilla. In the United States, it is often used to make a refreshing, thin, semi-dry to sweet pink wine called “White Zinfandel”.
In its prime, the pumitivo grape’s fruit aromas begin to stabilize. It usually has aromas of red brioche, mosaic, black cherry jam and dried fruit, with hints of vanilla, licorice and tobacco. After aging, caramel, coffee, roasted, tarry and wild meat characteristics are evident.
