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.
You might also like Zinfandel

-
2022 Matane PrimitivoA perfect Primitivo. The Matane is satisfyingly ripe but also balanced with freshness and savoury nuance, to make it a food wine that is much more than the usual fruit bomb. From a serious label ... read more$27.99 in mixed 6+ or $30.99 per bottle