Primitivo (Italy)
Primitivo is a red grape from Puglia on the heel of the Italian boot.
Typical Flavors
 Strawberry |
 Raspberry |
 Blackberry |
 Cranberry |
 Red Cherry |
 Black Cherry |
 Plum |
 Jam |
Oak added Flavors:
 Vanilla |
 Cinnamon |
 Licorice |
 Chocolate |
Primitivo is known to taste Fruit-Filled and Jammy.
Profile
Primitivo is known for Fruity wines with good Concentration and Tannins:
| BODY | Medium - Full | ||
| TANNINS | Medium - Plus | ||
| FRUIT | Medium - Plus | ||
| ACIDITY | Medium - High | ||
| |||
Food Pairing
 Salami |
 Ham |
 Chili |
 Indian Curry |
 Tomato Pasta |
 Pizza |
 Lasagna |
 Hamburger |
 Turkey |
 Lamb |
 Pork |
 Veal |
Primitivo pairs well with American, Italian, and Asian Sweet and Spicy food.
Pairing Suggestions
Excellent Pairing:
Acidic Sauces. Tomato Sauce. Indian Curry.
Earthy Veggies. Mushrooms.
Onions. Capers. Eggplant.
Pizza. Tomato Pasta.
Spaghetti Bolognese.
BBQ Meat and Veggies.
Hamburger. Chicken. Pork. Veal. Lamb.
Cheese:
Mature Cheeses. Pecorino. Parmigiano. Manchego. Cheddar.
Puglian Specialities:
Melanzane Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan).
About
The name Primitivo translates as "early one" (like Tempranillo in Spanish),
and refers to the variety's early-ripening nature. Not to be mistaken with "primitive"
or "less refined".
DNA testing shows that Primitivo and Zinfandel is the same. Read More ...
Taste Primitivo and Zinfandel and discover the Old vs New world wine-making techniques.
Primitivo is less rich and jammy than Californian Zinfandel, it is easier to drink
and softer in tannins.
Notice that Primitivo has more Italian minerality and acidity which makes it excellent
with tomato based dishes.
Having less alcohol than Zinfandel makes it suitable for afternoon lunches.
DOC - DOCG Regions
Primitivo di Manduria DOC.
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG
Primitivo di Gioia del Colle DOC.