Primitivo
Primitivo is a dark-skinned grape from ancient Croatia that colonised the heel of southern Italy, especially Puglia. Inky-dark with high alcohol and tannins, Primitivo (meaning first to ripen) thrives easily in Italy’s hot south to make reliably rich reds which, in more polished mid-level examples, show Primitivo’s special potential for voluptuously soft, enveloping dark fruits and spice - sometimes with an alluring whiff of anise and, oddly, white peach. Genetically identical to the American Zinfandel grape, the latter’s rising reputation has buoyed the fortunes of the originals - including Croatian Crljenak Kastelanski - with Italian Primitivo now approaching the notoriety of its more complex local rival, Negroamaro.
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2020 Manoro Primitivo Puglia
John Caro
A great little Primitivo that is typically delicious for the style. The flavours in this Puglian red are deep and and full, with prune and dark plum fruits infused with plenty of spicy and ... read more$18.99 in mixed 6+ or $20.99 per bottle -
2019 Matane Primitivo Puglia
John Caro
A perfect Primitivo, the Matane is juicy and satisfying but also balanced - with nice acidity and savoury stuff to make it much more than the usual fruit bomb and a really good food wine. From ... read moreElsewhere up to $25.99 Save $1.00 $24.99 in mixed 6+ or $27.99 per bottle