Primitivo is a dark-skinned grape varietal known for producing rich, full-bodied red wines with pronounced flavors and aromas. Its origins are believed to be in Croatia but it's most notably grown in the Puglia region in southern Italy, where it is known as Primitivo, and in the United States, where it goes by the name Zinfandel.
The Primitivo grape’s most notable characteristic is its high sugar content, which can translate to high alcohol levels in finished wines. This varietal typically produces wines with strong red and dark fruit flavors (often cherry, raspberry, blackberry, and plum), sometimes with notes of spice, licorice, or chocolate. The wines are usually powerful and robust, with good tannin structure and a velvety, jammy finish.
This grape is often used as a blending component, contributing color, tannin, and flavor to the resulting wine. Primitivo wines pair well with hearty, robust dishes, like red meats, stews, or rich pasta dishes. They also show well when aged in oak, which can add dimension to their natural fruit-forward profile with tones of vanilla, toast, or smoke.
